04/23/2024
Factors that impact your microbiota
Birth: Our microbiome's journey begins with birth, with delivery method influencing the initial microbial mix. Vaginal births inherit beneficial lactobacillus, while cesarean births may introduce a different set of microbes from the environment & caregivers.
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is known to be one of the primary factors that influence the development of a baby's gut microbiome. A cornerstone for gut health, breast milk nurtures beneficial bacteria, boosting immunity and warding off illness in early stages of life.
Medications: Antibiotics and certain meds can disrupt the delicate balance of our gut flora, affecting "good" and "bad" bacteria.
Physical Activity: Exercise releases myokines, signaling our microbiota. This creates a symbiotic relationship where movement promotes microbial harmony, benefiting our gut.
Diet: What we eat plays a vital role in shaping the structure, composition, and function of the gut microbiome, with dietary changes causing significant microbial shifts in just 24 hours.
Alcohol: Excessive drinking disrupts gut flora, leading to inflammation and damage to the gut lining, altering microbial balance.
Stress: Emotional turmoil reverberates in our gut, impacting microbial equilibrium through the gut-brain axis.
Beyond the obvious, our gut microbiota is shaped by various subtleties of life. This includes factors such as where we live, how much time we spend outdoors, products we use to clean our houses, how often we use hand sanitizer, etc. Every choice leaves its microbial footprint, and even the smallest decisions play a role in the vast landscape of our gut ecosystem.
If you're interested in working together to build your microbiome, comment BIOME below.
