Well, I’m one-third of the way thru the Neurocycle method of changing my outlook and so far I can report that the results are encouraging but not dramatic or altogether surprising. Still, I believe it is really good for me to get into a daily habit of “mentally writing” as one of the first things I do while waking up…it tends to shape my attitude for the day, focus my mind, and give me something to look forward to. On to the topic for today!
The Microbiome
When we think about what all exists within the boundary of our skin, we tend to picture it and refer to it as one living organism: “me”. But the truth is every one of us “individuals” is actually made up of millions or billions of individual organisms, almost all of them being microscopic in size. We are not so much creatures as we are landscapes or ecosystems.
Humans are finding out more all the time, but one area of recent research is the microbiome that exists within our gut. This ecosystem of bacteria is influenced by our genetics, what we eat and how we do things, and in turn has a massive influence on our health. A wide variety of our traits, from our moods to how we metabolize fats to allergies to immune system strength, have all been shown to be directly linked to the gut microbiome. Specifically, studies have found that it is generally better to have as diverse a collection of bacteria in our guts as possible.
You may be thinking, “That’s great, but how do I make my microbiome more diverse?” The bad news is that some of the controlling factors (like genetics) are outside of our control. The good news is many of them are within our control, such as diet and exercise. Eating foods with active cultures in them (yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are examples) can boost your microbiome. Most fruits and vegetables have high doses of natural sugars and fiber that bacteria love. And unsurprisingly regular exercise has been a common habit of people found to have diverse microbiomes in their guts. Also unsurprising is that a diet heavy in processed foods and a sedentary lifestyle are common in people found to have limited microbiomes.
In conclusion, if you treat your body’s universe well, you are more likely to be rewarded by it. Here endeth the lesson on the microbiome.
Bike Newbie 