The Microbiome: Nature’s Key to Wellness?

Digestive health and specifically the “microbiome” is increasingly topical in health and wellness articles, podcasts, and seminars. So what exactly is the microbiome and why is everyone talking about it? 

The microbiome is the internal ecosystem that we humans are host to, specifically, the trillions of bacterial microbes that inhabit our intestinal system; however we also have beneficial microorganisms throughout our body, of which the combined totals outnumber human cells by ten to one!  These microbes work within our system to assist with basic digestion and increased nutrient absorption, while a weakened microbiome can be directly tied to poor immune health, anxiety, depression, and weight gain or loss, among many other common maladies.  Understanding the microbiome is a very complex endeavour, one which we are only beginning to broach.

There are many ways to improve the health of your microbiome. 

• Modifying your diet to avoid added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as well as chemical food additives such as flavour enhancers and preservatives is a positive first step. 
• Replace packaged and convenience foods with a whole foods diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and organic meats. 
• Reduce environmental and chemical toxins whenever possible in your daily routine. 
• Consider investing in a water filter for both your drinking water and your shower, and switching your body care products to natural alternatives, such as substituting traditional soap for the antibacterial variety.  
• Research suggests exercise may be another way to maximize healthy gut bacteria so ditch your car for short errands or even your daily commute and cycle or walk to work on quiet side streets or bike/pedestrian paths instead. Gentle exercise and time outdoors are simple ways to naturally reduce stress while exposing our body to new strains of beneficial bacteria which are great way to improve your microbiome. 

Over all, keep it simple. Reconnect with your natural diet and environment and your natural internal ecosystem will thank you.

About the Author

Jessica is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with a passion for helping people live happier, healthier, more vibrant lives through nutrition and lifestyle coaching. 

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