Research on the gut microbiome is on the rise, but how much do we know? On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about the gut microbiota and how we can positively influence it.
What IS a ‘healthy microbiome’?
Answer: We don’t know. SO! Don’t believe people when they say that one probiotic, one food, one supplement will give you a ‘healthy microbiome’ because in reality, it’s MUCH more complex than that!
Researchers are working to come to a consensus on how we define a healthy gut microbiome and a ‘dysbiotic’ microbiome and have identified a few important factors. (This slide is from Joël Doré, one of the leaders in our field working to understand the gut microbiota as an ecosystem – a very important concept!)
A ‘Resilient’ Microbiota is one which:
???? maintains RedOx balance (meaning balancing oxidative stress that would lead to inflammation)
????immune tolerance (meaning a normal functioning immune system that reacts to threats, but correctly identifies things that are safe, as safe)
????mucosal interface (refers to intestinal permeability & how it functions with the gut microbiota)
????a rich and diverse microbiota
A ‘Non-Resilient’ or ‘Dysbiotic’ Microbiota is one which:
????has oxidative stress and isn’t able to maintain RedOx balance
????has inflammation
????has intestinal permeability
????has low richness in the microbiota
Things that can influence this include:
???? Genetics
???? Nutrition
???? Antibiotics
☣️ Xenobiotics [Compounds we consume that aren’t digested by us, but may be chemically modified by our microbiota. These compounds may benefit, or harm us.]
So what do WE have control over at this point, that we know positively influences the gut microbiota?
You guessed it…. FIBRE and VARIETY! (and judicious use of antibiotics!)
Seriously. No need for ‘gut healing supplements’. No need for ‘fecal microbiota tests’.
EAT.MORE.FIBRE. ????????????????
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