What is a Microbiome?
- Did you know that our guts (intestines) are filled with over 100 trillion bacteria? Each part of our bodies has specific types of bacteria peacefully living. These bacteria are called our microbiome.
- The microbiome helps teach our immune system what's safe not safe. In doing so, they modulate our immune response.
- Our guts provide the microbiome a safe place to live. It's definitely a mutually beneficial relationship.
- We are colonized very early in life with a bacteria that will be with us through our entire life.
- Typical species of bacteria living in our gut are:
- Bacterioides species is the most abundant species
- Lactobacillus, Peptococcus, and E. Coli along with others are also present.
- Which bacteria are the most important to our digestion and absorption of nutrients?
- Bifdobacteria and Lactic acid bacteria.
- Yes...The food we eat and medications we take can alter our microbiome.
- Antibiotics can have a negative effect on the microbiome and change the balance of bacteria living within us. This can cause problems with our digestion- gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea
- Foods we eat can change the microbiome- think active cultures in yogurts and probiotics
- Foods that bacteria like to eat and support their growth are called prebiotics. Important prebiotics are foods containing inulin and trans-galactooligosaccharide.
- Foods rich in these substances are Acaica gums, beans, and artichoke roots.
- The microbiome helps teach our immune system what's safe and not safe.
- More and more evidence suggests that changes with the microbiome can lead to allergic disease like food allergies, eczema and even asthma.
- Stay tuned, the microbiome is an exciting area of research in allergy and immunology.
Have questions or need help with another allergic issue. Call the office for a consultation 212-679-3574 or schedule an appointment here.
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