New research in the field of nutrition is beginning to reveal the importance of gut health through a greater understanding of our microbiome.
Our microbiome is the compilation of the billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living within our body, specifically the digestive tract. Most of this bacteria resides in the large intestine, but there is also bacteria living in other parts of our digestive system such as the stomach, small intestine, esophagus, and mouth. Surprised to hear this? Maybe even a little freaked out? Well the truth is, we have twice as much bacteria (good AND bad) living in our body than we have cells. That makes us more bug than human. And the type of bacteria we grow, and more importantly the diversity that exists, determines everything from our ability to absorb the nutrients in our food, to whether or not we will develop an allergy, to the strength of our immune system, to the beauty of our skin, to the state of our mental health, and on and on and on... With so many factors of our health at play, you can see why cultivating a diverse and healthy array of good bacteria in the body is vital. Read More