What is the microbiome?
The microbiome refers to the bacteria and other
microorganisms present in different environments of the body
The microbiota only refers to the bacteria and other microorganisms found within the microbiome. The microbiome is present at many different sites across the body, including the skin, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, mammary glands, and digestive system.
Research has shown that the microbiome acts as another organ of the human body and contributes to maintaining the immune system, amongst many other functions.
The hundred trillion bacteria that live in the gut are important in maintaining good health and well-being. However, the microbiomes at other sites in our body are often neglected, under-researched and consequently very little is known about them.
Why is the microbiome important?
A balanced microbiome is essential for protecting the intestine and fighting against foreign disease-causing substances, pathogens.
The microbiome interacts with the human organism and functions together to help maintain:
- Digestion
- General health / immune function
- Food absorption
- Defenses against harmful bacteria
- The production of vitamins
- Interplay between the gut and the brain / nervous system
- Metabolism, which helps to control the conversion of food into energy
What is an unbalanced microbiome?
Why does an unbalanced microbiome occur?
A disruption to the composition of the microbiota, dysbiosis, may lead to an unbalanced microbiome, and negative consequences for your health. An unbalanced microbiome may contribute to the exacerbation of certain diseases, including allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or being overweight.
Multiple factors can lead to an unbalanced microbiome, including:
 Age |  Stress |  Poor diet |  Certain medicines e.g. antibiotics |  Diseases |
What are prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics?
A probiotic - live microscopic organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit for the body.
A prebiotic - a substance that is selectively utilized by the body's microscopic organisms, providing a health benefit. It is a substance that benefits the body by interacting with the microbiota.
A synbiotic contains both probiotics and prebiotics, providing a health benefit for your microbiome.
How can probiotics and synbiotics help restore an unbalanced microbiome?
The consumption of probiotics can help restore an unbalanced microbiome. Controlled clinical trials with synbiotics demonstrate their ability to influence the quantity and diversity of the microbiome, subsequently bringing positive health benefits. Possible benefits of synbiotics include:
- Supporting the immune system and gut-barrier
- Decreasing respiratory, gut, vaginal, and urinary tract infections
- Reducing diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
- Helping to manage elevated cholesterol levels
To learn more about the microbiome's role in various locations in the body, click on the texts below: