The saying, “You are what you eat,” is especially true for your gut microbiome. The microbiome plays an essential role in human health – and sickness – and it can be affected by a variety of factors, environmentally and biologically. In this blog post, we will discuss some things that you may not know are affecting your gut microbiome.
What Is Your Gut Microbiome?
Your microbiome is a complex system made up of a collection of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa in your body. The microbiome is vital for various functions, including digestion, immunity, inflammation, and nutrient absorption. It can also attribute to chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease. So what factors impact your microbiome? Let’s explore.
What Factors Affect Your Gut Microbiome?
The microbiome is a complex system, and there is still much to learn about how it affects human health. However, we know that the microbiome is essential for various functions, which can be affected by numerous factors. Here’s what scientists know…
Genetics
Studies have shown that microbiome composition is more similar among family members than between individuals who are unrelated biologically. Scientists also found that the microbiome makeup is even more similar in identical twins than fraternal twins.
Additionally, chronic or genetic stress has been linked to changes in the microbiome. Stress can alter the microbiome composition and function, and it has been linked to gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Birth Delivery Method
The microbiome composition also differs depending on your method of birth. For example, babies born vaginally have a microbiome similar to their mother’s, as they are exposed to the mother’s bacteria during the birthing process. In comparison, babies born by C-section have a microbiome less similar to their mother. C-section-born babies have also been found to have a greater risk of developing obesity, although that can depend on numerous other factors, including diet and exercise.
Diet
It’s no secret, high-calorie diets have been linked to obesity. However, did you know that obesity can directly relate to your gut microbiome? Studies have found that a diet high in fiber and plant-based foods has been shown to promote a healthy microbiome, while a diet high in processed foods and sugar has been linked to an unhealthy microbiome. In addition, a diet high in fat has been shown to limit the diversity of bacteria in your gut.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, profoundly disrupting the microbiome makeup. Researchers have found that the use of medications or antibiotics early in life can alter the microbiome in a person’s gut and may lead to higher levels of obesity later in life. The overuse of antibiotics is also thought to be a significant contributor to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and may influence the medication’s efficacy later on.
Other Contributing Factors
Inflammation
The microbiome produces substances that can reduce inflammation. For example, short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria can reduce inflammation. Certain types of bacteria are also thought to promote inflammation. For example, a type of bacteria called Firmicutes has been linked to obesity, while a kind of bacteria called Bacteroides has been linked to a lower risk of obesity.
Probiotic Intake
Probiotics have been found to directly impact a person’s gut microbiome. Taking probiotics or eating foods high in probiotic bacteria can alter the bacteria in your gut microbiome, giving it a healthier composition and adding diversity. Typically people with conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and low-grade peripheral inflammation have less bacterial diversity in their gut than those without.
NutriSyn Digest’s Affect on Microbiome
NutriSyn Digest supports digestion by maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome. It is a comprehensive formulation designed to aid all facets of digestion. The digestive system is one of the most abused and neglected systems in the body. By properly supporting both, directly and indirectly, the entire digestive apparatus, the health of the gut and the entire body can be greatly improved. Shop now!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5483960/
