The Importance of the Micro-Biome | Biome Wellness

The Importance of the Micro-Biome

Time to read: 5 minutes

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Until recently, the importance of the body’s micro-biome was largely underestimated.

Researchers have confirmed that the human microbiome accounts for over 10 trillion microbes, outnumbering the body’s own cells by a ratio of ten to one.

A healthy micro-biome is essential for the wellbeing of both our mind and body, and has the following benefits:

1.

Densely populated beneficial microbes act as the first line of defence of the immune system, neutralizing unwelcome pathogens before they can spread to other parts of the body.

2.

A healthy microbiome provides the ideal environment for essential nutrient production, including vitamin K, and vitamin B12.

3.

Interestingly, between 80% and 90% of the body’s serotonin production happens in the gut, with the balance being manufactured in the brain.

Serotonin production is only possible if the conditions in the gut are favourable. This important neurochemical is required to ensure a positive disposition, good sleeping patterns and reduced stress levels.

Adequate serotonin levels have also been found to alter the body’s perception of pain. Hence the rationale behind doctors prescribing serotonin re-uptake inhibitors for the management of Fibromyalgia, a condition of chronic pain and inflammation.

4.

Beneficial microbes have an important function in the gut – to repair weak spots in the intestine, as well as healing any perforations that might already exist.

This function is essential for the prevention of ‘leaky gut syndrome’, a condition which is caused by a diet that is lacking in plant fibre. Many types of medication also contribute greatly to leaky gut syndrome, including anti-inflammatories, thereby creating a vicious circle.

The result of leaky gut syndrome is a perforated gut, which allows unfavourable substances, including toxins and lectins, to gain direct access to the body’s circulation.

Many researchers have now pegged leaky gut syndrome as the root cause of inflammatory- and auto-immune diseases.

5.

Preserving youthfulness. There is sufficient evidence that supports the theory that one is ‘’only as young as your micro-biome’’.

If an elderly person with a weak digestive system has their micro-biome repopulated to mimic that of a young individual, the elderly person’s health will improve significantly.

A healthy micro-biome, therefore, supports the slowing down of the ageing process.

A noticeable improvement in the health of the skin also becomes apparent once biome health is restored, with the skin typically appearing more radiant and being less prone to allergies and sensitivity.