Microbiomes Part 1

The microbiome is the plethora of additional organisms in our bodies that perform an array of positive functions for our health. Tom takes his first look at what the microbiome is, the function and importance of good gut health, how we can maintain a healthy microbiome, and the many advantages this can offer us.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Studies have shown that a healthy microbiome can result in weight loss and reduced waist size, healthier skin and less wrinkles, reduced inflammation and joint pain, faster recovery from exertion, improved sleep, increased strength and muscle mass, better bone health and density, less anxiety and better moods, improved immune response and faster healing. There are approximately 3 trillion individual microbiota (the bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi that live on our skin and also within our bodies). A healthy microbiome is not due to sheer number of microbiota, however, but rather to do with the diversity of different species. Eat a diet including a wide variety of vegetables, pulses and fruits that are high in fibre. The less processed the better. The gut needs a healthy amount of tryptophan, found in food like turkey, eggs and chia seeds as it helps the production of serotonin and melatonin. Tyrosine helps to produce dopamine and epinephrine (adrenaline) and can be found in almonds, lentils and seeds.  Increase the amount of fermented food in your diet. These act as a probiotic (‘fertiliser’) for your microbiome. Fermented teas and vegetables, kefir, and yoghurt with live cultures are good sources. Probiotics can also be acquired through pills and sachets, but look out for Bifido Bacteria Infantis (for babies and new mothers especially) and Lactobacillus Reuteri, as specialists recommend these two particularly.   BEST MOMENTS ‘We are now able to make links with microbiome irregularities and different autoimmune conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rosacea (which is a type of reddening of the skin), anxiety and depression. And it's not just about improving health and reducing the risk of illness.’ ‘Leading experts believe that in the coming years scientific research will find that in order to be the most effective at protecting us, the microbiome will work in teams, or as a collective to assist each other or help each other out.’ ‘A lack of tyrosine can adversely affect our motivation and also dampen the fight or flight response.’ ‘What happens when we restore it (Lactobacillus Reuteri)? We get increased production of oxytocin, which is a real feel-good chemical that’s often known as, and this is a great name, the ‘hormone of love and empathy’’   VALUABLE RESOURCES https://youtube.com/channel/UCQXAka99a6MdZexeEJaMZbAhttps://m.facebook.com/elevatehealthuk/https://www.elevatehealthuk.com/https://instagram.com/elevate_healthuk?utm_medium=copy_link   ABOUT THE HOST TOM BUTTERFIELD I have always been interested in sports, unfortunately injuries and poor training decisions curtailed my dream of becoming a professional football player. I have always been very passionate about helping people and I get a real kick out of seeing people improve and make progress towards a chosen goal or aspiration. I have been actively learning and implementing knowledge for over 20 years with the aim of improving the level of service I can offer to my clients. This has included formal qualifications such as: BSc (Hons) in Sports Sciences Masters in chiropractic PGDip in Diagnostic Medical (Musculoskeletal) Ultrasonography 14 years clinical experience helping tens of thousands of members of the public to improve their health and wellbeing. Unofficially I have digested countless information in the form of audiobooks, books, videos, seminars, and countless conversations with experts within the health and wellbeing niche. I aim for at least one hour a day. The day I stop learning is the day I pack up my stuff and go home.   CONTACT METHOD https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-butterfield-801ba515/https://www.elevatehealthuk.com/[email protected]@healthandsportsshow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.