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Understanding The Human Biomes and Their Impact on Overall Health
Ashley Michaud • July 24, 2024
The human body is a complex ecosystem teeming with trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These microbes inhabit various regions, including the mouth, skin, gut, and genital areas, each forming its unique microbiome. Understanding these biomes and their interplay is crucial for holistic health, as they significantly influence overall well-being, including eye health. Let's delve into each of these biomes and explore natural ways to optimize them for comprehensive health, including some home recipes for holistic healing.
The Mouth Microbiome
- The mouth microbiome is the second most diverse microbiome in the body, home to over 700 species of bacteria. This microbiome plays a vital role in oral health, aiding in digestion, and protecting against harmful pathogens. An imbalance in the mouth microbiome can lead to dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Impact on Overall Health: Poor oral health can contribute to systemic inflammation, affecting heart health and potentially exacerbating conditions like diabetes. Infections or inflammation in the mouth can sometimes spread, impacting nearby tissues, including the eyes.
- Natural Alkemization Tips and Recipes: Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce harmful bacteria. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Use it as a natural mouthwash twice daily to benefit from its antimicrobial properties.
The Skin Microbiome
- The skin microbiome consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that reside on our skin. It acts as a protective barrier against environmental aggressors and plays a role in immune function. An imbalanced skin microbiome can lead to conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Impact on Overall Health: A healthy skin microbiome is crucial for a robust immune system. Conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can be influenced by the skin microbiome, affecting the eyes.
- Natural Alkemization Tips and Recipes: Use gentle, non-toxic skincare products. Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
The Gut Microbiome
- The gut microbiome is the most complex and diverse microbiome, housing trillions of microorganisms. It is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, is linked to numerous health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and autoimmune diseases.
- Impact on Overall Health: The gut-brain axis links gut health with mental health, influencing mood and cognitive function. Gut health affects inflammation levels in the body, which can impact conditions like dry eyes and uveitis (inflammation of the uvea).
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Think of probiotics as your body's army—these beneficial bacteria help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support overall health. Probiotics can be found in supplements and foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the food for your army. They are non-digestible fibers that feed the probiotics, helping them thrive. Prebiotics are found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and whole grains.
- Natural Alkemization Tips and Recipes: Consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Make your own sauerkraut by fermenting cabbage with salt. Eat a small portion daily to introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut. Blend a banana, a handful of spinach, a teaspoon of flaxseeds, and a cup of water. Drink this smoothie to feed the good bacteria in your gut.
The Genital Microbiome
- The genital microbiome, including the microbiomes of the anus and sex organs, plays a critical role in protecting against infections, maintaining pH balance, and supporting reproductive health. An imbalance can lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Impact on Overall Health: A balanced genital microbiome is essential for reproductive health and can influence fertility. Infections or inflammation in the genital area can contribute to systemic inflammation, indirectly affecting eye health.
- Natural Alkemization Tips and Recipes: Include yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods in your diet to support the genital microbiome. Prepare a sitz bath with warm water, adding a handful of dried calendula flowers and chamomile. Soak for 15-20 minutes to soothe and balance the genital area. Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply topically to soothe and maintain a balanced microbiome.
Integrating Biome Health for Holistic Wellness
To achieve all-around holistic health, it is crucial to integrate practices that support the mouth, skin, gut, and genital microbiomes synergistically. Here are some tips:
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in diverse, whole foods supports all microbiomes. Focus on prebiotic and probiotic foods to nourish your gut, which in turn benefits your skin, oral, and genital health.
- Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining mucosal surfaces in the mouth, skin, and genital areas, supporting a balanced microbiome.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress negatively impacts all microbiomes. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress.
- Natural Hygiene Practices: Use natural products for oral care, skincare, and personal hygiene to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of your microbiomes. Opt for natural toothpaste, mouthwash, skincare products, and gentle, fragrance-free soaps.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes circulation, boosts the immune system, and supports gut motility, all of which contribute to healthy biomes.
Conclusion
Our mouth, skin, gut, and genital microbiomes play an integral role in maintaining our overall health. By understanding and nurturing these biomes through natural and holistic approaches, we can enhance not only our oral, skin, digestive, and reproductive health but also our overall well-being, including eye health. Embracing a lifestyle that supports these microbial communities can lead to a more balanced and healthier life.
I received my training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition
and continue learning about these subjects for the health of myself and my family. I would love to share more with others out there seeking this kind of support and am here to talk or make referrals
for those seeking to go pro as a health coach
themselves.
Further Reading and Resources:
- "The Human Microbiome: A New Frontier in Medicine" - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- "Gut Microbiota for Health" - Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel
- "Skin Microbiome" - Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- "Oral Microbiome" - Journal of Oral Microbiology
- "Genital Microbiome" - Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- "The Microbiome Diet" by Raphael Kellman, MD
- "The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-term Health" by Justin Sonnenburg and Erica Sonnenburg
- "Clean: The New Science of Skin" by James Hamblin
- "Healthy Mouth, Healthy You" by Caroline Shiboski, DDS, MPH, PhD
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