The human microbiome
is the aggregate of all microbiota that reside on or within various
human tissues and biofluids. Some microorganisms perform tasks that are known to be useful
to the
human host, some are harmful but the role of most of them is not well
understood. Those that are expected to be present, and that under
normal circumstances do not cause disease.
There is an increasing awareness of the role the gut microbiome plays in overall health. We can definitely strengthen the immune system through diet.
The bacteria in the gut help to regulate the immune system. With a good
diet, the gut microbiome becomes more diverse, providing a better
foundation for the body to regulate inflammations.
According to Dr. Zach Bush, the human microbiome is complex and highly
variable. An adult human
typically has around 10 trillion human cells and about ten times as many non-human cells
as human cells. The human microbiome also
includes about100 trillion bacterial cells; and 1.5 billion Parasites; 124 trillion Fungi; 14 quadrillion Mitochondra cells; and uncountable numbers of viruses.
The composition of
human gut flora is continually changing and immediate changes in the microbiota occur
with our every breath. Longer lasting changes happen when the diet changes, which may result in overall health changes. Traveler's diarrhea
is an intestinal infection (usually temporary) that occurs as a result of eating or
drinking food or water that contains strains of biota hostile to the
traveler's microbiome.
When our inner microbial
ecosystem is disrupted, our immune system responsiveness suffers. Studies show that potentially toxic
pathogens may get a foothold in the environment of the gut following antibiotic treatment.
Various gut pathogens can multiply rapidly and cause serious problems
during a course of antibiotics. There is a strong correlation between antibiotic use and mood disorders
(anxiety, panic attack, depression) 1 course of antibiotics increases
your rate of depression within the next 12 months 25% due to
interactions with the gut microbiome. And the problem increases with
more frequent use of antibiotics.
Over the last few years, scientists have made enormous progress in understanding what goes on in the “complex microbial ecosystem”
that exists in the large intestine of every healthy mammal, including
humans. Friendly, gut-dwelling bacteria synthesize nutrients including vitamins, and some hormones which are involved in the development
and maintenance of our bodies.
The
intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial
cells that are linked together by tight junction proteins.
The layer of epithelial
cells can be disrupted in just 14 minutes by glypsophate (herbacides). Dr. Bush shows how this is causing rapidly rising rates of cancer, heart attack, diabetes, and infertility. Leaky gut symptoms are also a consequence of intestinal tight-junction malfunction. These tight junction protrins
are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. They
control what is allowed to pass into the bloodstream from your
digestive system.
And the microbiome drives changes in the brain
that lead to changes in behavior. And there are various other factors,
such as stress, that contribute to brain chemistry imbalance and mental
health disorders. Recent studies have linked a number of mental and developmental disorders to the gut microbiome.
One of the most prominent ways the gut microbiome affects your mental health is through its serotonin production. Serotonin
(known as "the happy hormone") is believed to regulate anxiety,
happiness, and mood. And although serotonin is a brain
neurotransmitter, "it is estimated that 90 percent of the body's serotonin is made in the digestive tract." People who experience feelings of depression usually have a gut microbiome problem.
In humans, the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome is established during birth. Birth by Cesarean
section or vaginal delivery also influences the gut's microbial
composition. Babies born through the vaginal canal have non-pathogenic,
beneficial gut microbiota similar to those found in the mother.
However, the gut microbiota of babies delivered by C-section harbors
more pathogenic bacteria.
To support the microbiome really is to nourish the "control center" of the body,
and the number one way you achieve this is primarily by getting enough
plant fiber. There are both symbiotic (good) and pathogenic (bad)
varieties and the good kind thrive on plant fiber. Eating a clean, plant-rich diet
and taking a high-quality probiotic will help you cultivate a diverse
and thriving gut microbiome, thereby improving overall health.
Foods that are good for your gut:
greens, fruits, veggies, whole-grain foods high in fiber, dark
chocolate, kefir, kombucha, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt, asparagus,
bananas, garlic, leeks, oat/barley, onion. Other foods, such as red meat and fried foods, may be best to avoid or reduce to improve gut health.
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