06/17/2020
The human body is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms, the majority of which are found in the gastrointestinal tract ("gut"). Taken as a whole, this community of microorganisms, their genes and the functions they encode, are referred to as the microbiome.
Disruption to the delicate balance in the microbiome can be caused by many factors, such as
👉🏽age (microbiome composition changes throughout the lifespan)
👉🏽dietary habits and quality of our food
👉🏽history of illness, existing chronic health conditions or autoimmune conditions
👉🏽imbalance in stomach acid production
👉🏽frequency of use of certain prescription medications including antibiotics
👉🏽lifestyle factors: smoking (including e-cigarettes), use of alcohol or recreational drugs
👉🏽high stress level
👉🏽exposure to toxins in the environment (e.g., work conditions, atmosphere)
One thing that is clear: Failure to take care of ourselves disrupts the microbiome, which then creates a cycle of imbalance that manifests in symptoms of illness (in the gut and in other organs).
Some of these include:
➕poor absorption of nutrients
➕bad breath (halitosis)
➕recurrent upset stomach, nausea, or bloating
➕persistent constipation or diarrhea
➕difficulty urinating
➕vaginal or a**l itching or discharge
➕rash or redness
➕fatigue
➕trouble concentrating
➕changes in mood
Unless the microbiome is brought back into balance, symptoms of illness will persist and quality of life diminishes. Even if you have been ill, or not kind to your body with a healthy lifestyle, there is good news: Healthy dietary changes and nutritional supplements can rebalance the microbiome, strengthening immunity and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
If you've had ongoing problems with gastrointestinal symptoms, it's time to see a health practitioner rather than trying to treat the gut on your own. Since the microbiome is unique to each person, you need a personalized approach to rebalancing, which can be provided in consultation with a Naturopathic practitioner.🩺🌿
📸: sewcream/bigstockphoto.com