your inner ecosystem
Y our microbiome is your body’s network of trillions of microbes, a unique ecosystem that keeps you healthy. Here’s how to care for it. An ecosystem is a community of organisms that interact with each other and their physical environments - think of a forest packedwith trees, plants and animals. Your body also has its own ecosystem, called the microbiome. This is the entire ecosystem of microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses and yeast, that live on and inside your body; it is as unique as you are and ever- changing with your diet, environment and your season of life. Bacterial diversity A healthy microbiome contains large numbers and many different types of these microorganisms. It’s rather like the diversity seen in a vibrant rainforest ecosystem. Just as plants have adapted themselves to certain habitats - consider how mangroves love salty water, while moss prefers damp, shady conditions - your microbes have also adapted themselves to certain parts of your body. For example, the densest community of microbes is found in the warm, moist environment of your large intestine, where
related to your lifestyle: stress, processed foods and pollution can result in a weak, less diverse microbiome. A holistic lifestyle, on the other hand, emphasises regular exercise, a healthy diet of fresh, high-fibre foods, good sleep and spiritual nourishment. Digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics are natural supplements which can help to re- establish and maintain a healthy, diverse microbiome. Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes break food down into smaller particles, so that the body can absorb and use the nutrients. There are many different types, with different functions. For example, protease, papain and bromelain break down protein, cellulase breaks down plant cellulose and tilactase supports the breakdown of lactose. Naturopath Karin Spicer explains why a top-up of digestive enzymes can be necessary: “One, as we age, our production of digestive enzymes slows down; two, enzyme production can also be negatively affected by a bacterial infection, leaky gut syndrome, inflammation in the gut lining or food intolerances; and three, a diet high in raw, plant-based foods has a higher requirement for digestive enzymes.” Probiotics: Fermented foods, such as yoghurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and pickles, all contain beneficial probiotic bacteria and therefore help to support the health and balance of the microbiome.
there are plenty of nutrients. Others have learnt how to survive in the tough, acidic conditions of your stomach. Your body’s ecosystem works best when it has copious amounts of different bacteria, with many species playing many different roles in your general wellbeing. After all, a rainforest isn’t just plants; to flourish, it needs insects, birds, butterflies and many other species. Likewise, a healthy microbiome contains a rich diversity of bacteria which perform
Your microbiome can activate and deactivate inflammation throughout
different functions in the gut environment. Their combined efforts, along with many other microorganisms, enable your gut microbiome to support your health. Holistic support A holistic approach to health has many benefits for your general wellbeing, especially for your microbiome. Indeed, your level of bacterial diversity is closely the body, to the point where even diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s are being attributed to the gut.
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ISSUE 55 • 2019
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