The microbiome

Science is rapidly evolving and highlights the importance of the microbiome in connection to the digestive system, immune system health and protection against disease. We’ve become familiar with the health benefits of fermentation in forms of sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi or just the plain sourdough which was a hit during lock down. At the same time, we used bacteria killing hand gels and anti-bacterial sprays to keep ourselves and others from getting sick. We have stayed indoors preventing any outside bacteria from entering our home. We feel we have done our part in keeping ourselves and others from getting seriously ill.

 While this may have been an important step at the time we are still struggling with the concept of the microbiome and how the good and bad bugs provide protection as our relationship with bacteria in the (even recent) past has been nothing but warfare. While in the past 50 years infectious diseases have decreased through our fight against bad bacteria, we have also eliminated a large number of good bacteria which meant other health issues such as autoimmune conditions and allergies have increased (1). The microbiome is also linked to the increase of neurological changes, anxiety and depression (2).

While gut health plays a vital role in disease protection, we need to understand that the microbiome is far more than a few bacteria located in a specific area of our body (3). It is a collection of all microorganisms, viruses and bacteria that live inside as well as on us. We are in fact more bacteria than we are human with bacteria living mostly in harmony with the host and providing functions for human survival. The microbiome is individual to us, our habits, genes and environment. While we accept that the increase of bacterial diversity is probably a good idea, we are lead down a narrow path in how to do so by the overload of information and marketing hype out there. 

The good news is that through its variability we are able do more than we think to support the microbiome to live a balanced and healthy life.  This however is probably a far wider concept than we are made to believe by the advertisement for specific shop bought products. So how exactly can we support our microbiome? Are there still times which call for hand gels or can we protect our immune system in a different way which could be of boosting rather than of destructive nature?  We must come back to our design and the ultimate connection to nature to find the answer to this question. 

Are you keen to know more about your microbiome and which information out there really is of value to your health? 

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