What has 200 trillion cells? your biome...

 The microbiome is considered, by many, to be the largest organ in the human body. In fact, it makes up 53% of you. This large body of living organisms that live in and on your body control most of your body's functions. Your microbiome lives in a symbiotic state with your genetic human cells fighting harmful organisms that cause disease. Your body has roughly 20 trillion human cells. Your microbiome has 200 trillion cells. Interestingly, all humans share 99.9% of the exact same human cells where conversely no human has more that 10% in common with someone else's microbiome.

Science is now linking every disease known to the deficiency and breakdown in this vast body of living organisms. The leading researchers are saying that in the relatively near future medicine will be obsolete. There are no diseases caused by a lack of medication so, it makes sense that we will treat the cause rather than the symptom at some point.

Because of this, a huge body of research and effort has brought our awareness to the value and use of probiotics. Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain many of these organisms. Different probiotics supply different groupings of these beneficial organisms that support different parts of your microbiome. Probiotics have been used for centuries in foods like sauerkraut, kimchee, live culture yogurt, etc. 

Your microbiome can become injured when you are exposed to many everyday things such as  chlorinated water, food containing antibiotics such as commercially raised dairy products, meat, and eggs. The most damaging though are antibiotics. We agree that if you have an infection you may have to use these medications. However, if enough insult happens to your microbiome you can develop diseases that may lead to premature death.

Another source of damage to your microbiome is processed food. Many food items in commercial grocery stores are processed foods primarily composed of hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. Highly processed food ingredients are often detrimental to micro cellular biology and are linked to chronic inflammation, as well as  numerous serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. 

Many people don’t realize that many of these organisms are transitory, coming into the body, serving a purpose then leaving. Moreover, many people are taking probiotics and not understanding that they themselves need special foods to thrive and protect you. Probiotics need prebiotics to survive and flourish. Prebiotic  are foods like ginger, curry, rosemary, garlic, cherries, onions, and basil. 

Any symptoms of inflammation, indigestion, heart burn, fatigue, stress, memory problems, mood problems, cramping, diarrhea, weight problems, and lack of energy are all very strong indicators that your microbiome is unhealthy.

Strengthening and supporting your microbiome should be a daily practice. Without a healthy microbiome your body falls rapidly into disease. Most medications that treat the symptoms you suffer further damage your microbiome. Imagine a life of no symptoms, perfect health, well balanced emotions, energetic lean body, wonderful sleep. Research is telling us that with a balanced healthy microbiome this is an attainable reality. 

This article is just a glimpse into the fascinating world living inside you. It’s purpose is to inspire you to learn about your microbiome and how to take care of it. If you take care of your microbiome it will take care of you. If you haven’t read the article on inflammation I encourage you to read that as well. Inflammation and the microbiome are integrally related. If you have problems with your microbiome, you will certainly have signs of inflammation.