A biome is a community of living organisms that formed in response to a specific environment. In the physical world, there are five types of biomes: aquatic, desert, forest, grassland, and tundra.
The human body has several unique biomes, including on the skin, in the mouth, and in the large intestine. The various human microbiomes consist of a large range of bacteria types and other microorganisms. The microorganisms comprising the gut microbiome greatly outnumber the number of cells in the human body.
While we don’t normally think about our bowel (until it gets upset!), the microbiome it contains has several very important health functions. The gut microbiome helps the digestive system by breaking down complex carbohydrates and soluble fibers, releasing nutrients. It regulates the metabolism of bile to optimize skeletal muscle function.
The microbes in the intestine sense nutritional cues about the body’s environment and send hormone-like messages to control blood sugar, hunger, and satiety. These endocrine-like functions alter cardiovascular disease progression and may be involved in diabetes.
The intestines contain 70% of the body’s immune cells. The helpful bacteria in the gut fight invading harmful bacteria, forming a natural defense against infection. They also have anti-inflammatory functions.
Certain gut bacteria produce serotonin and other neurotransmitter chemicals, which regulate many aspects of neurological and behavioral functions, such as cognition, mood, and nerve pain.
Encouraging, maintaining, and protecting your gut microbiome will improve your overall health. Do this by eating a variety of healthy foods, including fermented foods, probiotics and prebiotics, and avoiding antibiotics.
Three cheers for healthy gut microbiomes!
