What is my microbiome

Meet your microbiome

100 trillion microbes call you home ... 95% of them live in your gut

Your microbiome is a massive ecosystem of bacteria all living in your gut

A massive ecosystem of bacteria call your body home

They are found EVERYWHERE, including on your skin, in your mouth and nose, and in your guts

The largest and most important community of bacteria in your body are the ones in your gut

These bacteria play an important role in many physiological processes, including helping your digestion, nutrient absorption, mood, and immune function.

Digestion

One of the most important roles of your microbiome is to break down complex carbohydrates and fibers that the your body is unable to digest on its own. This produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important for maintaining a healthy gut lining, regulating your appetite, and much more!

Immunity

Around 80% of your immune system is found in your gut! Your microbiome helps to train your immune system to recognise and respond to harmful invaders, and also helps to regulate inflammatory responses. In fact, an imbalance in your microbiome (called dysbiosis) is linked to inflammatory conditions like allergies, autoimmune disorders.

Mental Wellbeing

Research also shows there is a strong connection between your microbiome and your brain - known as the gut-brain axis. Studies have found that people with a diverse microbiome tend to have better mental health. For example, the important neurotransmitter serotonin, which is linked to mood regulation, is produced by good bacteria in your gut.

Just like your fingerprint ... your microbiome is unique!

Research studies have found that the composition and diversity of a microbiome can vary greatly between individuals... even between identical twins!

In fact, just like your fingerprint, the exact make-up of the bacteria in your gut is unique to you.

Factors like diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to antibiotics can all influence the composition of your own individual microbiome.

Your microbiome changes with you...

The composition of your microbiome can also change over time, which is why it is important to maintain a healthy and diverse microbiome for overall health.

For example, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can lead to an imbalance in your microbiome (known as dysbiosis) which can increase the risk of certain health conditions.

On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can promote a diverse and healthy microbiome.