What is the gut microbiome and why is it important

The gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes (known as the microbiota) plus the genetic material of these micro-organisms. These micro-organisms vary from one person to another, and are influenced by the food you eat, the environment you live in, your mental health and your physical health too.?

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Your micro-organisms are involved in many functions critical to our health and wellbeing, such as digestion, metabolism, immune health and even brain health. Although established during infancy, we can modify the balance of our gut microbiome at all stages of life through our diet, exercise, sleep and the environment we live in.?

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Disruption to your gut microbiome can lead to digestive conditions such as IBS, as well as many other disorders including anxiety. ?

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Looking after our gut health is very important.

How can we support gut health

Dysbiosis is an imbalance of the gut microbiota and it is one cause of IBS. This altered balance of gut bacteria can alter speed of digestion, the movement of food through your digestive tract and the sensitivity of your gut as well as the serotonin levels in your body. ?

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Incorporating live bacterial cultures, such as a probiotics supplement, and prebiotic foods into your diet are two ways you can try to help restore your gut microbiome to a healthy level. Prebiotics are the foods that feed your gut bacteria, whereas live bacterial cultures, otherwise known as probiotics, are live micro-organisms that are beneficial to our bodies. A balance of both of these is needed for a healthy gut microbiome.