Does the term “microbiome” sound familiar to you? In case the answer is no or you are curious to learn more, you have definitely come to the right place – here, at Wild Lunas’ blog! In short, the microbiome microflora is the collection of all microorganisms in our bodies. Huge amounts of bacteria, viruses, and fungi can be found on our skin, in the oral cavity, and especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
The discovery that there are microbes in our body is in a way thanks to Anthony van Leeuwenhoek, who caused great surprise and excitement among scientists in the late 17th century. To date, we are noticing a growing interest in the impact of the human microbiome on our overall health, and this is exactly what we will talk about in the following lines.
An interesting and impressive fact is that the human body is inhabited by nearly 40 trillion bacterial cells, most of which are found in the intestines. From birth, we are exposed to thousands of microorganisms that interact with each other and their environment. Contrary to some expectations, most bacterial species are not dangerous to our health, instead, they are even necessary for its proper functioning. Generally speaking, we can divide bacteria into two categories: “good” bacteria are also called probiotics, and “bad” bacteria and viruses – pathogenic. When there is a balance between them, we enjoy a healthy microbiome. It, in turn, supports the immune system, breaks down potentially toxic nutrients, and synthesizes certain vitamins and amino acids, including K and B vitamins.
Unfortunately, we can very easily upset the balance in our intestinal flora. This happens when the beneficial bacteria in the gut are drastically reduced or destroyed at the expense of the “bad” bacteria that begin to dominate. The condition is called “dysbiosis” and is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and other more serious problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Not only our physical health but also our tendency to trigger autoimmune diseases, allergies, autism, depression, anxiety, etc. depends on how many and what microbes are in our intestines. The lack of beneficial bacteria impairs immunity, alters the activity of the nervous system, increases the risk of irritable bowel syndrome or permeable bowel syndrome, as well as the risk of allergies and food intolerances. It is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause of dysbiosis because the intestinal microflora is very delicate and is influenced by many factors.
We all know the role of antibiotics – if properly selected, they successfully treat bacterial infections and help us deal with unwanted diseases. The problem comes from the fact that these drugs do not differentiate between bacteria and, along with the bad ones, destroy the good ones. It is no coincidence that doctors recommend taking probiotics while taking antibiotics – the goal is to get beneficial bacteria and prevent disruption of the intestinal flora.
Mental stress in our daily lives has an adverse effect on various organs and systems in the human body. It has a negative impact on the nervous and endocrine systems, reduces our protective and adaptive functions, and may lead to disruption of our normal bacterial environment. That is why it is crucial to maintain harmony in yourself and take care of your emotional state – the Wild Lunas Awareness Guide contains easy steps and ideas in this direction.
The balance of the microbiome also depends on the food we eat. Sugar, highly processed foods, alcohol, and irregular diet are certainly among the main causes of intestinal imbalance. It is advisable to emphasize a healthy and varied diet rich in fiber.
Caring for the condition of our microbiome requires awareness and perseverance. Therefore, we recommend that you monitor your diet, and get enough sleep, and physical activity to maintain balance both physically and mentally.
