What is the gut microbiome?

The health of your gut can have a fundamental impact on both your physical and mental health. Ensuring that the gut is as healthy as possible requires cultivating and maintaining the gut microbiome ecosystem. But - what is the gut microbiome and why does it matter?

What is the gut microbiome?

Inside and out, your entire body is coated with trillions of fungi, viruses and bacteria. In fact, human bodies contain more bacterial cells than human cells. The largest amount of these microorganisms in the body are concentrated in the gut, specifically in the large intestine. There are up to 1,000 different species of these microorganisms, which are collectively called the gut microbiome. Each person has their own unique gut microbiome and studies have shown that the more diverse your microbiota, the healthier your gut will be.

Why does the gut microbiome matter?

While the idea of bacteria often signifies infection or negative reactions, in fact we are entirely reliant on healthy bacteria to aid digestive function. In other words, the microorganisms in your gut play a fundamental role in keeping you alive and healthy. Like the fish in the oceans or trees in the forests, your gut should be a thriving ecosystem of different microbes competing to digest your food. 

However, recent studies have found that gut microbiota aren’t just essential for digesting food. Your microbiota act as the hub for a healthy, functioning immunity against disease, with 70% of the immune system located in the gut. Flourishing gut microbiota can also have a significant impact on your mental health, with studies finding that your gut is biochemically connected to your brain through the peripheral nervous system. Alongside controlling cholesterol levels and promoting heart health, the importance of diverse, healthy microbiota can’t be overemphasised.

How to maintain a healthy microbiome

A balanced diet, regular exercise and lowered stress levels are all vital for creating a healthy environment for your gut microbiome. However, there are also bacterial supplements that can give your gut a helping hand. LP299v™ is one of these helpful supplements and is a live bacterial element of Son’s Gut Health Supplements. As one of the most studied bacterial supplements in the world, LP299v™ has been shown to give your gut microbiota a much needed boost. 

But how does it work? LP299v™ binds tightly to the cells that line the wall of the gut, ensuring that they are fortified and healthy. This leads to a higher production of mucus and big improvements in overall gut health. One recent study found that after 4 weeks taking LP299v™, 45% of people had reduced the intensity of their bloating and abdominal pain. Others have shown that LP299v™ can increase the absorption of iron, as well as reducing blood pressure. Ultimately, regular intake of LP299v™ could help your gut microbiota flourish.

Whether you’re suffering from IBS or just want to keep your gut as healthy as possible, paying attention to your gut microbiota will have a significant impact on other parts of your health. Alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Sons’ Gut Health Supplements will give you the tools you need to restore and replenish your gut microbiome.

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.