Microbiome and Me - What Is It and Why is it Important?
Microbiome is defined as the organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, good or bad, that inhabit something, be it soil, water, plants, animals or humans. The human gut microbiome is undergoing much scrutiny and scientific testing, as there is some evidence that immunity, as well as susceptibility to certain diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer may be influenced by our gut microbiome.
Antibiotics kill disease-causing bacteria but can also kill the good bacteria in the process. Yogurt which contains probiotics in the live active cultures which make milk into yogurt, can help to re-establish the normal bacteria in our intestinal tracts after a course of antibiotics. Other foods that are rich in probiotics are miso and pickled vegetables. If blood pressure is an issue, caution against overuse of pickled vegetables and miso. Kombucha, a fermented tea, which contains probiotics, has resulted in some deaths so is not recommended for those with compromised immune systems.
An alternative is to consume a wealth of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which contain prebiotics, which feed the probiotics and help to foster a healthy intestinal tract which, ultimately, will foster a healthier body.