The microbiome is a hot topic these days, with more scientific exploration and research emerging.
The microbiome is the collection of bacteria found in and on our body, for example in the mouth, on the skin or in the gut. Our gut microbiome typically gets most of the focus when we talk about health.
A healthy microbiome is fundamental to good health. Numerous products are available on the market to influence the microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods.
Probiotics are supplement formulas that contain beneficial bacteria known to play a role in supporting our microbiome. Most probiotic formulas contain a variety of bacterial strains, but some contain single strains that are useful for certain conditions.
It is important to use the right probiotic strains for the right reasons. More and more research is demonstrating that healthy gut bacteria are important in multiple health conditions.
Having a healthy gut microbiome is shown to be important with infants and the development of eczema, for adults with diarrhea or constipation, and to those experiencing depression and anxiety.
The benefits from a healthy microbiome extend far beyond just gut health. Skin conditions, for example, can improve with the use of probiotics.
Eczema and psoriasis both involve treating the gut to be most successful. This is because eczema and psoriasis have associations with food sensitivities and allergies, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and an imbalance in gut microbiome.
Particular probiotic strains are also associated with improvements in itching, inflammation and dryness in those with eczema. It has been confirmed that probiotics can both help prevent eczema in infants but also treat children and adults who already have eczema.
Mood and mental health are often thought of as concerns simply involving the brain. While it is true that brain health plays a fundamental role, so do our gut and microbiome health. This is happening in what is called the gut-brain axis.
Gut bacteria can produce neurotransmitters known to help our brain function and they make aspects that regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. Neurotransmitters, like serotonin, dopamine and GABA, can all be involved in conditions such as anxiety and depression, and all are produced by different species of bacteria in our gut microbiome. Increased inflammation is also associated with both anxiety and depression.
As a naturopathic doctor, I focus on the whole person and utilize multiple tools known to help my patients. For those with skin conditions like acne, eczema or psoriasis, and those challenged by anxiety and depression, I emphasize a whole-body approach focusing on the microbiome and gut health as part of a successful plan.
Dr. Shawn Peters, ND, is a naturopathic doctor practicing in the qathet region.
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