How significant really is your microbiome?
TCM says “It starts in the gut…” and your microbiome is the perfect example of that.
Did you know your gut has up to 500 species of bacteria, weighing almost 3 pounds & making up the majority of your cells?!?
Gut bacteria (the microbiome) is a HUGE set of microorganisms in your microbiota — bacteria, fungi & viruses intentionally located and maintaining unique functions. These trillions of cells are vital to your health & pivotal in chronic conditions.
Your microbiome is as unique as YOU – dependent on body shape & size, geography, gender, age, diet, environment and health history. Impacted by pretty much everything, microbes are always changing as you are.
Though it sounds bad, your microbiome keeps you healthy when it is balanced & thriving – exactly why you want the microbiome to be RICH & DIVERSE.
Richness = the number of total bacterial species
Diversity = the number of each type of bacterial species
When microbiome richness & diversity is high, it is stronger & more resilient. Although different species of bacteria play different roles within the gut, many species are vital to our health.
Balanced bacteria can:
- Control inflammation
- Reinforce your gut lining (protecting you against infection & pathogens)
- Support your immune system
- Digest certain nutrients
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we say “it starts in the gut” & your microbe is no different! Having a healthy digestive system is THE key to a healthy body. So how does it work? Why is it so important?
The food we eat is initially processed by the stomach (the organ-meridian) to be ‘ripened’ or broken down. The organ-median then separates the good and useful food components (‘pure’) and waste (‘impure’) food components.
The ‘pure’ and useful components that process through are then directed upward to your spleen\’s organ-meridian system to transfer the processed components to healthy & vital nutrients, energy (Qi!!!), blood and fluids that are pivotal for your body\’s health and function. While your body creates these good nutrients, it also directs any waste downward to the small intestine, eventually reaching the large intestine to expel. Yeah, not the funnest topic but this is exactly what we need and want!
When the digestive system is working well, you become deficient in qi, blood and fluids which is obviously not ideal and can lead to disease and illness.
So how do we keep your microbiome rich, balanced and thriving???
- Eat warm foods to keep your spleen making those essential nutrients (soups, stews, roasted veggies)
- Slow down (take your time, sit down to eat & thoroughly chew your food)
- Stick to a regular schedule (don’t skip meals & don’t overeat)
- Get acupuncture! (reach a parasympathetic state to rest and digest)
Without proper richness or diversity your body is more susceptible to disease – so be sure to take care of it!
Are you in the greater Soqel / Santa Cruz area and looking to improve your health through Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.