Microbiome: Can we eat our way to health?

The human microbiome is a relatively new discovery, especially to the research realm, but it holds promise for a healthy human future.

When we talk about the microbiome, we’re talking about the ecological community of microorganisms that quite literally share our body space. In fact, there are around 10 times more microbial cells than human cells in the body, which means that in some ways the microorganisms that reside in our bodies make up a lot of who we are. And many are starting to consider this an organ.

The microbes in our bodies may have a very large effect on auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis and possibly some cancers. This organ may also modify the brain.

The large majority of these microbes are non-toxic, existing in harmony with the body and aiding in our overall wellness.

But can microbes really impact your health? And can feeding these microbes a healthy diet by eating various foods boost your microbiome’s health and, consequentially, your own?

Too soon to tell

Research on the microbiome is still in its early stages. So it’s hard to say whether eating certain foods can promote a healthy microbiome.

Yet, there are still some foods, like organic foods and vegetables that are showing promise.

Feeding your microbiome

Dietary fiber is basically food for the bacteria that live your gut, research Jeff Leach told NPR. And keeping those bacteria nourished allows them to give off good nutrients that nourish our guts. Garlic and leek, for example, are two great vegetables that contain beneficial fiber. In addition, garlic may help kill off the bad bacteria in our gut, allowing the good bacteria to flourish. Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut could give the good bacteria a boost as well.

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of ingesting certain foods to help the microbiome.

But a healthy diet in general has certainly been proven good for the body. And regardless of what it does to the microbes in our body, it’s important to eat well for overall health.

Check out our organic food diet guide for more information on eating organic.

TransformYourHealth.net is an alternative health and colon hydrotherapy company located in the Los Angeles area. Their Palos Verdes spa and Santa Monica spa offer a variety of detox therapies, including colon cleanse, lymphatic massage and spa packages. 

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