From Ancient Microbiomes to Modern Digestion: Your Guide to Gut Wellness

Category: Healthy Body

Ever felt that nagging stomach pain or the discomfort of bloating?

You're not alone. Digestive dilemmas are on the rise.

In fact, a recent large-scale multinational study found that 4 out of 10 people worldwide experience digestive issues.

What might this mean for our gut health?
It's fascinating to consider how our ancestors had a more robust gut health story.

Their microbiomes were richer and more diverse, thanks to their close connection with the natural environment. The earth, wildlife, flora, and even the air blessed their bodies with varied microorganisms.

Researchers have made surprising discoveries when examining ancient DNA. In a study comparing DNA from eight preserved ancient gut samples to 789 modern samples, nearly 40% of the ancient microbial species were unknown to us.

For instance, the bacterium Treponema succinifaciens was found in all ancient samples but is absent from modern Western microbiomes.

Not only that, they tapped into nature's healing methods and savored diets rich in prebiotics — so different from the processed foods we're accustomed to today.

Contrast this with our modern lifestyles:
We're surrounded by processed foods and are often detached from nature. We rely on quick solutions like medicines filled with unfamiliar chemicals.

What's disturbing your digestion?

While there's no universal answer, some common culprits include:

• Poor diet

• Poor absorption

• Lack of bacterial diversity in foods

• Food allergies

• Stress

7 Easy Steps for Better Digestion

1. Diversify your diet.
   Aim for a range of probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to encourage a diverse microbiome.
   
   Don't forget to include prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas. They provide the essential nourishment for your probiotics, ensuring different bacteria thrive on varied nutrients.




2. Boost your fiber intake.
   Embrace a diet filled with high-fiber foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Not only do they promote regularity, but they also support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.




3. Pre- and probiotics supplements
   Think about incorporating probiotic supplements. Look for ones containing:

   • Bifidobacterium lactis HN019

   • Lactobacillis acidophilus La -14

   • Lactobacillis plantarum Lp-115

   • Lactobacillis rhamnosus GG

   • Bifidobacterium longum

4. Manage stress effectively.
   Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your digestive system, leading to issues like constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.




5. Get enough sleep.
   Ensuring you get a good night's rest is vital. Disrupting your natural rhythm can lead to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.




6. Exercise regularly.
   Physical activity isn't just good for your heart; it can also promote a more diverse microbiome. A 2017 study highlighted that individuals who exercised regularly had a higher presence of health-promoting bacteria.




7. Keep hydrated.
   Keep your water bottle close! Drinking adequate water daily is essential to maintain the mucosal lining in your gut, which in turn plays a pivotal role in nurturing a healthy microbiome.

Why is your gut so important?
Beyond aiding digestion, the gut synthesizes essential vitamins, strengthens our immune defenses, and even influences mood and emotions.

Unlock the secrets of your gut health.
Discover the crucial role the microbiome plays in our overall well-being in our wellness webcast, Gut Instincts with Dr. Richard Brouse.

In this webcast, you'll discover:

• What the microbiome is

• Why it's important to human health

• Key strains of good bacteria essential for gut health

• The link between gut bacteria and mood regulation

• How to maintain a balanced microbiome

• Foods and nutrients that impact the microbiome

You can watch the replay here.

Here's to a healthy microbiome!

Gaetane