When it comes to whole body health, a lot of parts vie for the spotlight—your brain, your heart, you name it. But since our gut microbiome accounts for a whopping 70% of our immune system, what happens inside this particular community of microbes, also called microbiota, can dictate much of what happens to you from head to toe, even how well you sleep.
How your microbiome develops as you age
The gut microbiome is made up of more than 100 trillion bacteria spanning more than 1,000 species in your digestive tract. But you didn’t start with that much diversity. As a fetus, the microbiome is a blank slate. Passing through the birth canal is your first exposure to bacteria and breastfeeding results in more microbes. When you hit age 3, you essentially have an adult microbiome.
As years pass, factors like diet, antibiotic use, and lifestyle can affect the composition of your microbiome. Do you take probiotics (live microorganisms) and eat probiotic-rich foods like yogurt? Are you a non-smoker? Do you manage your stress levels? These are all ways to keep your microbiome in tip-top shape.
What does a microbiome do?
Your microbiome plays several important roles, from synthesizing vitamins and breaking down complex carbs via digestive enzymes to informing the immune system on how best to function. The actual communication between your gut and your immune system is a dialogue among epithelial cells, mucus, Immunoglobulin A, antimicrobial peptides, and immune cells that all band together to create a sort-of firewall. Basically, keep in the good and keep out the bad to achieve equilibrium.
When you’re healthy, all the bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even the viruses work in harmony. But when things get off balance—let’s say you get sick or start taking antibiotics (which feed on good and bad bacteria “indiscriminately”)—that’s when your immune response is less than stellar and can result in outcomes like irritable bowel diseases, allergies, or metabolic syndromes.
How you can support your microbiome
We formulated Routine to maintain and restore balance to your gut ecosystem, picking the highest quality, clinically studied strains that have been proven to boost immunity, regulate digestion, improve vaginal flora, and maintain a healthy weight. Taking just one capsule per day means you’re creating a safeguard in one of the most vital parts of your body.
But we believe in a holistic approach to health. That means rounding out your Routine with probiotic- and fiber-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and legumes, watching your alcohol intake, and exercising regularly. Learn more about the science behind Routine here.
FAQ
- How does the composition of the gut microbiome change over a person's lifespan beyond age three, and what factors contribute to these changes?
The composition of the gut microbiome undergoes significant changes throughout a person's lifespan beyond age three. Factors influencing these changes include diet, antibiotic use, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures. Understanding how these factors interact and influence the microbiome's diversity and functionality over time is essential for comprehending its role in overall health.
- Can disruptions to the microbiome, such as those caused by illness or antibiotic use, be fully restored to their original balance, and what are the long-term effects of such disruptions on overall health?
Restoring the microbiome's balance after disruptions caused by illness or antibiotic use is a complex process. While some aspects of the microbiome may recover, achieving full restoration to its original state might be challenging. Long-term effects of microbiome disruptions on health could include increased susceptibility to certain diseases, altered metabolism, and compromised immune function.
- Besides probiotic supplements and specific foods, what other lifestyle changes or interventions can positively impact the diversity and health of the gut microbiome?
In addition to probiotic supplements and specific foods, various lifestyle changes and interventions can positively impact the diversity and health of the gut microbiome. These include reducing stress levels, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and prebiotics, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins. Embracing a holistic approach to gut health involves addressing multiple factors that influence the microbiome's composition and function.