But did you know you aren’t what you eat? You’re actually made up of mostly bacteria, fungi, and viruses! That’s right! Only 25% of our bodies are made up of human cells, the rest are organisms that live inside us. We get these microbes from being in contact with the world, which is also made up of several kinds of microbial species. Despite their negative reputation, not all bacteria, fungi, and viruses bring harm to the body. In fact, they help keep our bodies balanced and working properly! So what exactly is the microbiome and how important is it to our health and well-being? Let’s find out more about this community of organisms inside the human body below!

WHAT IS A MICROBIOME? The body’s community of organisms or microbes is called the microbiome. There are several microbiomes inside the body. They can be found in the mouth, digestive system, lungs, and skin, to name a few. Keeping your gut microbiome well-balanced also helps improve your immune response, allowing you to fight off infectious diseases and other illnesses.

WHAT AFFECTS THE MICROBIOME COMPOSITION?

Each microbiome changes over time and can be affected by diet, genetics, stress, and alcohol. The human microbiome starts developing and evolving from birth. Mothers do not just pass on genes to their babies, they also transfer their own bacteria and a host of other microorganisms when they give birth.

Meanwhile, a baby develops gut bacteria and other microbes in the digestive tract by drinking breast milk. That’s why it’s important for newborn babies to drink their mother’s milk as soon as they’re born. As the baby grows into an adult, the environment it lives in also plays a major role in its microbial diversity.

The microbes from the soil and water source of the food a person eats also contribute to their gut microbiome. The same applies to the pets they take care of and the different people they meet throughout their life. Not taking care of your microbiome may result in gut-related diseases and other digestive problems.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE MICROBIOME IS UNBALANCED?

All microbes, fungi, and bacteria you allow into your gut and body may help or ruin the microbiome’s balance. Being exposed to too much bad bacteria species may cause digestive issues ranging from mild to fatal.

IF YOU FEEL ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, YOUR GUT MAY NOT BE DOING WELL:

• Constant abdominal pain

• Frequent diarrhea

• Chronic constipation

• Acid reflux

• Smelly gas

• Unusual colored stool

YOU’RE 75% BACTERIA, FUNGUS, & VIRUSES