Can’t change your Genes? Change your Microbiome!
With the world taken by the whirlwind of advancing microbiome science, it’s time we give up blaming our genes. Because although you cannot change your genes, you can surely change your microbiome for the better. A little lost here? Here’s where you can catch up.
Now that we’re on the same page, let’s get to business. The human gut microbiome is a constantly adapting community of microbes that is responsible for functions we cannot dream surviving without. So how can we fine tune this community to be the most productive and beneficial one for us? The quickest and easiest way to do that is through food. It’s true - we are what we eat; but more importantly, we are what our microbes eat. Think of it this way - every living thing requires energy to survive. We humans consume food and the microbes living in us in turn feed on that food to derive their own energy. Diversity in the food you consume, reflects diversity in the microbes you have in your gut. The good microbes in our gut love to munch on fibres, complex carbohydrates, proteins and foods rich in micronutrients. So when we consume such a healthy, balanced diet, we are aiding these beneficial microbes in their survival and growth. Since we have a symbiotic relation with our gut microbiome, we give them food and shelter and they in turn benefit us by harvesting energy, strengthening our gut integrity, training our immune system and communicating with our brain for optimal health. The bad bugs, on the other hand, love everything sugary and processed. When we deviate from eating healthy and throw in every random junk food in our system, we end up supplementing these bad microbes. So next time you get a craving, choose wisely!
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Apart from our dietary habits, there are many other factors that influence our gut microbiome. Where we live, our exercise routines, medical history and even our sleep schedules have a profound effect. Optimising these parameters to build a healthy gut microbiome can potentially change how you feel every day and also improve your long-term health. Now before you rush to fix your life, know that you can’t expect changes overnight. It’s science, not voo-doo. Consistency is key - long-term dietary changes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you in shaping a stable gut microbiome profile. As your microbiome is unique to you, your diet should be personalised too to derive maximum benefit from it. Test your gut microbiome here to know exactly where you stand and how you can reach your ideal stage!
