World Microbiome Day 27th June

Microbiomes can have a bad reputation for causing disease. But, in actual fact, the vast majority of microbes do not cause any harm, and many are essential for plant, animal and human life. taking care of “good” may be more important then destroying “bad” microbes. A world without microbes is unimaginable. Microbes have existed for millions of years.

So what are Microbiomes?

These mutually beneficial tiny microbes live in and on us. It is thought that 95% of microbes are found in our gut and colon. Scientists agree that although they don’t fully understand what makes our guts healthy they know these microbes are important to our health.

What do they do?

The microbes that live within our gut are the most widely studied – these gut microbiome carry out essential functions like :

Helping with the breakdown of foods to aide digestion

Assist in the development of the immune system.

Fight infections caused by disease forming pathogens

Synthesis essential nutrients and short chain fatty acids.

What happens if they get disturbed?

Usually by 2-3 years of age the gut microbiota has reached a steady state, and remains relatively stable until old age. When people become older their microbiota becomes less diverse, possibly due to a less diverse diet. The more diverse the gut microbiota during adulthood the better, and you can help your gut micobes flourish by feeding them a healthy and varied diet with lots of fibre.

How else can I keep my Microbiomes happy?

Take probiotics and prebiotics (see below)

Only take anti-biotics when really necessary

Eat a diverse range of foods

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercise regularly

What effect do Probiotics and Prebiotics have?

What are prebiotics?

They are the food source of the microbes that live in and on us, they positively impact the gut health.

What are probiotics?

Live microorganisms that when taken in sufficient amounts provide health benefits. They are sometimes similar to microbes that already exist within our bodies.

Can they help improve my microbiota?

Yes! Prebiotics positively impact the activity of our microbiota, they can increase the levels of beneficial bacteria and the metabolites that are important to our health. Probiotics are live microbes that influence the microbes that live within our bodies, they can grow, metabolise and interact with resident microbes. They use similar mechanisms as our resident microbes to improve our health.

Where can I get mine?

The Devon Allergy Clinic have created our own range of supplements using the finest ingredients. Buy your adult and child probiotic multipack here.