Studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a role in the severity of COVID-19 and long-haul symptoms post infection through its ability to modulate our body’s immune response.
Our digestive system houses a staggering number of tiny micro-organisms: an estimated 100 trillion. These micro-organisms include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa and viruses, all microscopic in size. The collective genetic material of these organisms is also known as the gut microbiome.
Many of these species that live in our gut are beneficial to our health and perform tasks that support up to 95% of our biological functions. They participate in even more biochemical processes than the liver, including those that help modulate our immune system, our digestion, weight, hormones, metabolism, blood sugar balance, mood, nutrient synthesis and more.
Some of the microbes in our gut are potentially harmful but fortunately, in a healthy system they are kept in check by beneficial gut flora, much like what happens in the other ecosystems of our planet. When the delicate balance of our inner ecosystem is disturbed, the not so beneficial members can take a larger foothold and start interfering with our health. This is also known as dysbiosis.
Disruptions in our gut microbiome are common and can begin as early as in utero and continue to occur throughout the lifespan. Factors that disturb the balance of our gut flora include the use of antibiotics and other medications, stress, poor diet, exposure to toxins, and poor sleep.
Some of the health conditions that have been linked to gut dysbiosis are diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, SIBO, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and autism. More recently, studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a role in the severity of COVID-19 and long-haul symptoms post infection through its ability to modulate our body’s immune response (1). Scientists have also hypothesised that addressing gut dysbiosis may help reduce adverse reactions to COVID vaccine (2).
While science has not yet uncovered everything there is to know about the microbiome, a few things are clear:
- Everyone’s microbiome is as unique as their fingerprint.
- There are many different species but around 30 to 40 make up the majority of the inner microbial ecosystem.
- Certain species are considered key players: you want those represented in healthy levels – a microbiome mapping test can give you an insight into the current composition of your gut microbiome.
- Having a rich diversity of species is an important indicator of a healthy inner ecosystem – again, a microbiome mapping test can give you insights into the diversity of your gut microbiome.
- In certain cases, a targeted microbiome rebalancing protocol may be necessary to shift the microbiome composition.
- In all cases you can support the growth of beneficial species and microbial diversity with the foods you eat.
Gut and microbiome health restoration through highly personalised nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation strategies is at the core of the work I do with clients to resolve their challenges and optimise their health. If you feel you want help with this or want your microbiome mapped, schedule a strategy call here so we can discuss ways to upgrade your gut, your microbiome and your health.
Be well.
References:
- Yeoh et al. (2021), Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19. Gut
- Gut microbiome and Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine, BMJ
