Get to know Your Gut: Gut Microbiome 101

Our body is a magnificent machine and it does things that we never could possibly imagine. It is so complex and always working hard for us, and this is why I am so fascinated by it and spent my career learning and re-educating people on it. Let me simplify what your gut microbiome, aka "second brain" is, and why it is important.

Our gut microbiome is thought of as a newly discovered organ. It plays a huge role in our overall health, from our immune health to how your body responds to everything we eat. We are composed of 100 trillion microorganisms - without them we wouldn't be able to survive.

The gut gets colonized by many microbes at birth. Starting at birth, the gut microbiome composition gets shaped by what we eat, what our environment Is, any medication we take, our hygiene, stress level, exercise routine, and even who we interact with.
Consider each microbe in your gut as your little helpers. They are there to turn what you eat into a wide range of complex chemicals. They are able to pass through your gut wall then into your bloodstream and all throughout your body.
How your little helpers process food is different than another person's, therefore, it is important to learn what your body needs.

FUN FACT - Humans share 99% of the same DNA, but it turns out that our gut microbiomes are very different and can change overtime. We have the choice to be better if we do the work!

Each of your gut helpers has a specialized role to play in your body.

Extracting nutrients from food
Regulate appetite
Producing certain vitamins and minerals
Regulating immune function
Protecting against diseases
Influencing metabolic responses to food
Improve heart and brain health

Oh, and the list can go on...

That’s why the greater diversity in your gut, the larger the variety and breadth of skills our team of helpers has #diversityrules

It is crucial to focus on strengthening the “good” microbes and suppress the “bad” ones. For example, eating a wide variety of minimally processed, high fiber foods can help you build a more diverse gut. Eating processed foods, and sugary foods can kill your good microbes and feed into your bad ones.

I understand this can be a lot of info to process but I'm hoping by feeding it bit by bit to all of my readers, I can slowly educate people on why it is important to eat well so we can feel the best (physically and mentally), and be the best we can be!