THE HUMAN MICROBIOME

When we talk about the human microbiome, we are referring to the healthy gut bacteria that hopefully are thriving within us to support our digestive and immune systems and carrying out tasks that our own metabolism cannot do on its own.

There is plenty of contemporary research that suggests that dysbiosis, or imbalance, of the human microbiome is implicated in isues such as inflammation, weight control, emotional problems such as depression, obesity, asthma, diabetes, autoimmune problems, and certain types of asthma.

Eating a variety of polysaccharides has been recommended by Dr Justin Sonnenburg, an expert in the field, as the safest way to increase beneficial microbial diversity within us. These are carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units, including cellulose, starch, or glycogen.

Mushrooms are an excellent source of polysaccharides. Fermented foods also provide beneficial bacteria to support the functions carried out inside us by the relatively small amount of enzymes produced by our bodies. Examples of fermented foods are sauerkraut, miso soup. kimchi, and certain pickles. Probiotic yoghurt is good and all the better if they not flavoured and rather natural and thus free from added sugar.

In contrast, artificial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria negatively (and have also been linked with obesity and insulin resistance).

It has also been suggested that babies born by caesarian section miss out at the start of life. Although the human microbiome is believed to begin during pregnancy via the placenta, at birth this is reinforced by healthy flora in the mother’s vaginal canal. It has been suggested that a finger swipe of vaginal fluid to the baby’s mouth could balance this.