Holistic Health
Healthy Gut Service
What is your Gut Microbiome
A microbiome is the small environment in which healthy or “good” bacteria exist on or in your body. Your body has several different microbiomes on and within it. These consist of your oral (mouth), skin, rectal, and gut (stomach, small intestine and, predominantly, large intestine).
If your gut has a lot of “good” bacteria (bacteria that help break down food or produce beneficial hormones) it is said to be healthy, if your gut has a lot of “bad” bacteria ( bacteria that produce toxins or damage your intestines) it is said to be unhealthy or in dysbiosis.
Why is having a healthy gut important?
Having healthy bacteria in your gut has been shown to be very beneficial to your health. In fact, the bacteria in your intestines are said to be your “first brain”. This is because how they break down foods and drinks that we consume is the primary impact on the body. They provide the resources in which the body is able to do its numerous functions. This has led to the development of the Gut-Brain Axis - how the gut microbiome influences the body and brain, and how the body and brain influence the gut.
The science for this, however, is very junior. We know that people that experience IBD/IBS have altered and less resilient gut microbiomes.We also know that those who have a vaginal birth have a more developed immune system and microbiome than those with C-sections, and this effect can have an impact on later life. Research within the past decade is now identifying possible effects of certain strains of bacteria upon your health.
How Can I Improve My Gut Health?
A holistic approach to your gut health will enable you to have the best chance at success in seeing long term change. Other companies may offer test kits or probiotics, however the majority of probiotics don’t survive the stomach environment and hence won’t have much of an effect on your intestinal microbiome. Test kits will just give a snapshot of your condition at the time and not necessarily come with guidance.
Whereas we at Holistic Health, Step by Step promote a change in the internal environment by looking at your behaviours, lifestyle, environment, and, of course, dietary pattern.
We invite you to try our 3-month gut health challenge, moving to a more whole-food, plant-based diet and a healthier, happier lifestyle. Find out more with a free 15-minute phone call!