What is the Gut Microbiome
You have most likely heard the term “microbiome” before. But what does it actually mean?
To put it simply, the gut microbiome is the collective term for the bacterias and pathogens that reside within the gut (mouth, oesophagus, stomach small intestine, large intestine and colon)
But the role of the microbiome is anything but simple.
Microbiome or also termed microflora can be divided into three groups
Your essential or beneficial bacteria, opportunistic bacteria and transitional flora.
Beneficial bacteria is the most important component of a healthy gut.
Our normal gut bacteria plays a role in
- Nutrient metabolism
- Drug metabolism
- Maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barriers
- Immunomodulation
- Defence against pathogenic bacterias
Opportunistic bacteria. Another normal part of our gut flora, in healthy guts play an important role in digesting foods, and breaking down lipids and bile acids.
They are kept at bay by the beneficial bacteria. However, in cases when the BB is low or damaged, OB can grow rampant and are capable of causing health problems.
- Weaken the role of beneficial bacteria
- Inflammation
- Decrease immune function within the gut
- Disrupt nutrient absorption
- Cause changed to bowel motions
- Affect gut brain axis
Lastly the transitional flora. Is the term for the bacteria we consume through foods and drinks. Once again when the health of the gut is optimal, beneficial bacteria will protect the gut so that the transitional flora will pass through without any concern. But if given the opportunity to reside within our gut and thrive, infections can be caused.
So what's one thing to take from all of this?
Our beneficial bacteria needs to be protected and strengthened to ensure the health of our gut is intact..
Some things that can cause our beneficial bacteria to be weakened.
- Inflammatory foods - gluten, dairy and processed sugars
- Lack of prebiotic and high fibre foods
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Prolonged amounts of unmanaged stress
- Medications - antibiotics
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Poor sleep quality
Now you have probably ticked a few of those boxes, and are not thinking is my beneficial bacteria low?
On a positive note that with modern day studies and science we have been able to create supplements that include large amounts of beneficial bacteria. Therefore through supplementation and diet we can support our gut health and reduce the incidence of dysbiosis.
Our gut blend not only includes 4 of the most trailed and tested probiotic species, but it also includes prebiotic fibre to fuel beneficial bacteria, as well as postbiotics blends. Our included Australian Native ingredients also act as an antibacterial, and antimicrobial agent to also support the reduction of overgrowth opportunistic bacteria.