The Gut Microbiome

Have you ever heard of the gut microbiome, and its impacts on overall wellness? Many people do not know about the gut microbiome, or even what it is. Well, the gut microbiome is made up of bacteria/organisms that are responsible for aiding our digestion, immune system, nervous system, and even the endocrine system (hormones). In this blog, I am going to be breaking down the gut microbiome and why it’s so important for wellness!

What Is It Overall?

As mentioned, the gut microbiome consists of bacteria/organisms that have many different responsibilities. We actually have a symbiotic relationship with these organisms as we provide them with food and they provide our bodies with the ability to function properly. Yes, we need these organisms to function properly! These bacteria are all different and do different things, and it has been proven that it’s important to have diversity within this microbiome. For example, some bacteria are responsible for breaking down fiber while others are responsible for carbohydrates. Overall, these organisms play a big role in our bodies to ensure that we are healthy and thriving!

Digestion:

The gut microbiome is responsible for breaking down complex carbs and fiber that our bodies can’t break down on their own. Once they break these substances down, the bacteria produce essential nutrients such as B vitamins and much more.

Immune/Nervous System Function:

Did you know that 80% of your body’s immune cells are within your gut? The responsibility of the microbes in this situation is to help teach your immune system the difference between good and bad bacteria. These bacteria can also help to minimize chronic inflammation within our bodies by producing byproducts from breaking down our food that helps. The main way that your gut microbiome affects your nervous/immune system is through the gut-brain axis, the nervous system that runs from the brain to your vital organs, aka the vagus nerve. Certain bacteria actually produce certain chemicals responsible for sending messages to your brain. This directly links to hormones.

Hormones:

As mentioned before, the gut microbes are responsible for producing certain chemicals that are then sent through the vagus nerve to your brain. These microbes can actually produce hormones like serotonin, which can greatly impact our mood, stress, and even how our brain functions.

What’s Next?

Interested in learning more about your gut-brain connection and implementing a healthy lifestyle to aid in gut-brain balance? My Signature Coaching Program may be for you! Click here to get more information or click here to schedule a discovery call!