Inside each and every one of us is more than 50 trillion creatures, from at least 1,000 different species.
These little creatures are called microbes, which are mostly bacteria / fungi / viruses, that live in communities (called microbiome) all over your body. The largest, and most complex, microbiome exists in your gut – which by the way, isn’t just your belly; it’s everything from your stomach all the way down to your bum!
These microbes in your gut compete and co-exist together to mastermind your overall health. They…
- decide how much energy you get from your food,
- regulate your body weight,
- protect and regulate your immune system, and
- dictate the mixture of chemicals and hormones converted from your food, which dictates your moods and thoughts.
So, it’s fair to say they are pretty important to your mental and physical health.
The crazy thing is, most people don’t even know what they are, or that they are playing a significant role in their everyday happiness.
When our microbiome is out of balance, or un-cared for, we don’t absorb enough nutrients, we suffer from more colds and potential immune disorders, and our ‘feel-good’ chemicals and hormones bottom-out; which leaves us vulnerable to low moods, anxiety, depression, self-doubt, brain-fog, and sleep deprivation…to name a few.
So, how can you start taking better care of the little creatures that help keep you happy and healthy?
It’s about feeding your body with the good, and weeding out the bad.
- Feed your body with healthy, whole, organic foods that are high in fibre, good fats, phytonutrients, and protein.
- Introduce fermented and cultured foods that promote good bacteria and fungi.
- Weed out chemicals, sugar, and highly processed and refined foods. This includes your home and beauty products too!
- Manage your stress – your gut microbes listen to, and are influenced by, your thoughts and feelings. Explore activities / rituals / habits that help lower your stress levels and maintain a positive mindset.
- Get a good night’s sleep – adults need between 7 – 9 hours of shut eye every night. What rituals help you wind down and get a good night’s sleep?
- Reach out to a naturopath or functional doctor to discuss pre/probiotic supplements that can help boost and support your microbiome.
Living Life Well, means taking care of your whole self – inside and out. The microbiome is vast, complex, and essential to your health and wellbeing, yet it can’t sustain or care for itself – you are responsible for it. By taking the time to understand the ways in which you can better nurture and support your microbiome to thrive, the more you will experience greater vitality and happiness in your life.
