It may sound a bit technical or something out of NASA’s plan for the colonisation of Mars, but the microbiome is an essential part of how our bodies work.
Did you know there is are good and bad bacteria? We want to get rid of the bad guys but its important to not only keep the good bacteria but to eat foods that actually help them thrive.
Although experts don’t fully agree on numbers, when did they ever, it is commonly thought that there are up to 10 times more living bacteria in our bodies than human cells.
These living bacteria reside in our mouth, throughout the digestive system including those parts that carry waste material and on our skin and are likely, according to the most recent research, to contribute more to our overall health than previously thought.
These are the beneficial bacteria that make up the microbiome.
What does the microbiome do?
The microbiome plays a key role in some very important bodily functions. It assists with immune system regulation, mental health and digestion. Though we are only at the beginning of understanding what other roles the microbiome plays in the body, scientists are clear that it does affect immune system regulation, digestion and food breakdown, oral health and, surprisingly, mental health through the link between the gut and the brain.
Definition
Reference: The Microbiology Society
The microbiome consists of all of the bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses that live in and on the human body. The microbiome exists within certain niches in the body; for example, there is the gut microbiome, skin microbiome and vaginal microbiome. Each are structurally distinct and play a different role within their niche microbiome composition and health is affected by factors that include diet, stress, geography, and ancestral background. And these different microbiomes play an important role in key bodily functions like digestion, immune response and brain health
Different microbiomes and their functions
The microbiome exists within different niches in the body. Each microbiome niche has a unique microbial composition and a specific function within the body. The gut microbiota for example plays a large role in digestion, while the skin microbiome can protect against skin infections.
- The gut microbiome – has responsibilities in food digestion, immune regulation and mental health. Poor gut health has been linked to a variety of health conditions.
- Skin – when healthy, the skin microbiome can act as a protective barrier to skin infections and other skin ailments. Its imbalance can cause everything from eczema and dandruff to acne.
- Mouth – a healthy oral microbiome is associated with good dental health and a lower risk for cavities and gingivitis.
Microbiomes also exist in the vagina, ear canal and nose. Each of these has a specific population of bacteria and assist with functions specific to their niche.
The full breadth of the microbiome is not yet fully understood. The effects of the bacteria and other microbes that live within us still need to be studied, but early research is showing the enormous impact these communities have and their potential to aid in or impair our health.