Microbiome: Skin Flora Part II

What is the Human Microbiome?

 

The human microbiome is the collection of microbes that live in and on our bodies. It's estimated that there are 10 times more microbial cells than human cells in our bodies, so it's important to understand what this means for your health.
The microbiome includes both bacteria, fungi  and viruses, which can be found in all areas of your body including:

• Skin (skin flora)
• Mouth (oral cavity)
• Gut (gut microbiota)

How Does the Human Microbiome Impact Our Health?

The human microbiome has a profound influence on many aspects of our health. Some examples include:

• Metabolism
• Immunity
• Development
  and Behavior

Factors That Impact the Human Microbiome

 

The human microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. We have more than 100 trillion microbes in our guts, skin, mouths and other organs. These microbes can be beneficial or harmful to us depending on their composition and activity levels.
The factors that impact the human microbiome include: diet, exercise, stress level (both mental and physical), antibiotic use (if you take antibiotics regularly) and hygiene practices like hand-washing or not sharing towels with others

The Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

 

There are many benefits to maintaining a healthy microbiome. These include improved immune function, reduced inflammation and improved digestion.
The immune system is responsible for The microbiome plays an important role in keeping our bodies healthy. 

It helps us :

• digest food
• produce vitamin K2
• fight off pathogens and infections
• regulate metabolism and weight gain/loss 
• protect against allergies and autoimmune diseases/diabetes type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM)
• maintain fertility/pregnancy health/postpartum health/lactation health/menstrual bleeding patterns (amenorrhea) 
• protect against cancerous cells forming within our bodies
• maintain a healthy immune system response by producing antibodies against harmful bacteria or viruses
• maintain optimal brain function through microbe-mediated regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine
• support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation throughout your cardiovascular system

And many more….so you can see why it’s so important to maintain. These little critters help us maintain a healthy and well functioning body.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

• Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
• Reduce stress levels.
• Avoid antibiotic overuse.
• Sleep well!
• Practice good hygiene habits, such as handwashing and avoiding contact with people who are sick, to prevent infection by harmful bacteria or viruses that can disrupt your microbiome balance (1).
  And last but not least...
• Exercise regularly!

The Role of Probiotics in Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The term probiotic comes from the Greek words pro (for) and biotic (life). Probiotics have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In recent years, research has shown that probiotics can play an important role in maintaining overall health by helping to restore balance within our gut microbiome--the trillions of bacteria that live inside us. The supply of beneficial bacteria within our bodies is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients; it also helps protect against harmful pathogens such as Clostridium difficile (C-diff), a potentially deadly infection caused by antibiotics that kill off good bacteria along with bad ones.
Probiotics have been shown to improve immune function by increasing production of antibodies against invading pathogens; reduce inflammation associated with allergies or autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease; improve lactose intolerance symptoms when taken alongside dairy products; reduce cholesterol levels when taken regularly over time

The Role of Prebiotics in Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. They can also help to increase nutrient absorption, which is why they're often added to probiotics.
Prebiotics are found in a variety of foods, including:

• Whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread)
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
• Dairy products (yogurt)

The Role of Supplements in Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

 

Supplements are a great way to help you maintain a healthy microbiome. They can provide essential nutrients, promote beneficial bacteria growth and improve digestive health.
Supplements that support the human microbiome include:

• Probiotics - These are live microorganisms that are similar to those found in the human gut and may be beneficial for health. Probiotics can be used to treat or prevent certain illnesses such as digestive disorders or infections caused by harmful bacteria (such as Clostridium difficile).
• Prebiotics - These are substances that stimulate growth of helpful bacteria in the colon (large intestine). Prebiotics include fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains; oligosaccharides found naturally in some foods such as bananas; lactulose which is made from sugar cane; galactooligosaccharides derived from milk sugar

The Role of Fermented Foods in Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

 

Fermented foods are a great way to increase your intake of beneficial bacteria and improve digestive health. They can also help you absorb more nutrients from food, which is important because a healthy microbiome plays an important role in absorbing nutrients from the foods we eat.

Conclusion

This guide is meant to help you understand how the microbiome works. Always check with your healthcare provider about any change in your health routine. Not all supplements are what they say, so do your research and live well!