That Gut Feeling – Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome and The Possible Benefits of Probiotics

Many biologists consider the microbes in our bodies to be, effectively, another body organ. The bacteria in our intestines help to release nutrients from the food we ingest, manufacture crucial vitamins, protect against infection by out-competing other, harmful bacteria and interact genetically with the immune system reducing inflammation, to name but a few examples. These undisputed benefits are the basis for the adverts that claim we should all be taking probiotics - live microorganisms, which when ingested in adequate amounts, improve a person’s heath. In this podcast, I explore how we can all keep our microbiomes healthy (the genetic material of all the microbes - bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses that live on and inside the human body) and critically assess the evidence that probiotics can improve overall gut health. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)