Your microbiome and your health

What is the human microbiome?

It is the collection of microscopic organisms, also known as microbes, that live in and on our bodies. This collection includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and the vast majority of them are harmless to us and most are positively beneficial. We have approximately 100 trillion microbes in our gut. Most of these microbes are bacteria.

Our relationship with our microbes

We have evolved with microbes and we have a mutually beneficial relationship with them. We provide them with a habitat to live in and food for them to eat and in return they provide vital functions for our bodies that we cannot perform ourselves.

How our microbes help us

Our microbes help us regulate our appetite, metabolism and digest our food. They make anti-infective properties, hormones and vitamins, and support the normal functioning of our immune system. They also have a key role in our mental wellbeing. The gut microbiome is now best thought of as being an organ, because of the vital functions it performs.

How we can damage our microbes

Antibiotics and anti-bacterial products can kill off our microbes and leave us with an imbalanced microbiome that can no longer perform all the functions we need it to. Also, a diet that is low in fruit and vegetables does not give our microbes the food they need and this can lead to imbalance in amounts and types of microbes we have and cause inflammation in our gut.

Why is imbalance in the gut microbiome a problem?

The inflammation caused by an imbalanced microbiome is linked to many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, dementia and depression. In pregnancy it is linked to conditions such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

How can we help our microbes?

Our lifestyle has an impact on the health of our microbiome. What we do and what we eat and drink impact our microbiome. A diet that is high in fibre and low in processed foods and drinks gives our microbes the food they need to thrive. Having an active lifestyle also benefits our microbiome, it brings them more oxygen and food, enabling them to grow and reproduce. Reducing our stress helps our microbiome by reducing the effects of stress hormones.

Birth preparation classes

Our birth preparation classes look in detail at these issues and support you in making positive changes in your life.