What is the gut microbiome?
The GI tract is also known as the gut. Trillions of microorganisms live there. As the name suggests, the microbiome is the world of microorganisms that live in our GI tract. These microorganisms live together to help our bodies. The types and numbers of each microorganism in the gut microbiome is established from birth and can change over time. Each person’s gut microbiome is unique.
How does the gut microbiome work?
The microbiome helps us digest food, produce vitamins for our body and protect our gut from being infected by disease-producing germs.
Bacteria in the gut microbiome help us digest and absorb the food we eat. They produce enzymes that help break down carbohydrates. Once broken down in the intestines, nutrients need to pass through the gut wall into the blood. Bacteria help with this process so the vitamins and minerals can travel to other tissues in the body.
Other bacteria in the microbiome produce B vitamins and vitamin K and regulate bowel movements.
The microorganisms in the gut microbiome also train your immune system to recognize bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that can make you sick. Bacteria are found in everything we eat and drink. They pass through our GI tract along with the food.
When the tract is healthy, the microbiome and our immune system work together to protect us from getting sick, and these germs pass through without causing any harm.
The gut microbiome is also thought to interact with our brain and with other organs that produce hormones in our body. We are learning more and more about the effect of the gut microbiome on many diseases every day.
What happens if the microbiome becomes unbalanced?
Dysbiosis is the term used to describe an imbalance in the microbiome. This can occur if there is a change in the types of microorganisms, the relative number of each microorganism, or if there is a reduction in the bacteria that protect us from infection or an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. An imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to infection and inflammation in the gut.
How can I keep my gut microbiome balanced?
Antibiotics are important medications to treat bacterial infections, but they may also alter the gut microbiome. Using antibiotics when necessary is recommended and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use is key to preventing changes in the gut microbiome that come with exposure to antibiotics.
Eating a range of nutritious food from the food groups in Canada's Food Guide can help keep the gut microbiome balanced and healthy. Reducing processed foods is also recommended.