Your microbiota is a delicate balance of microorganisms and is as unique to you as your fingerprints. You have microbes in your mouth, nose, and ears, and on your skin, but the bulk reside in your colon. They are supposed to get on with you and each other, but sometimes things can go awry, leading to an unbalanced gut microflora. In this instance, potentially harmful bacteria can become dominant. 

An unbalanced microflora is associated with digestive upsets, a reduction in gut lining integrity, and functional problems with bowel movements, through to unhealthy weight, mood imbalances, tiredness, heart problems, and dysfunctional immune health. Your microbiome plays an indispensable in supporting wellbeing, but you may not be looking after your microbial “tenants” as well as you could be!

What can upset the balance?

Antibiotic treatment can cause the decrease or extinction of certain species, leading to low-diversity or unbalanced microbiota. You may have experienced the awful effects of a vaginal yeast imbalance after taking antibiotics. Studies have shown that pesticides like glyphosate can adversely affect key microbial species in the gut with knock-on effects throughout your body. The consumption of refined sugar and sweeteners can upset the balance, starting in the mouth. Stress, medications, the overuse of chemical cleaning agents, and lack of appropriate sunlight can also disrupt a balanced microbiome. 

What constitutes a healthy microbiome?

What is considered healthy in terms of bacterial composition may differ wildly throughout the world. For example, researchers have found bacteria in the guts of hunter/gatherer populations that would usually cause serious diseases in humans in the developed world, yet those “primitive” tribespeople do not succumb to those diseases. It may be that the diversity and overall balance of your microbes is more important than individual species being either beneficial or harmful. The good news is that, with knowledge and a little effort, you can help your microbiome make positive shifts in composition.

Restoring balance

Concentrating on those things which are under your control is key, like your diet. Whole foods with very little in the way of refined or ultra processed foods are helpful. Additionally, fermented foods have been shown to outshine fibre when diversity of microbial species is desired. Stress management, appropriate exercise and sunlight exposure, and addressing your connection to your environment can do so much to support your microbiome. 

Taking pro-, pre-, or postbiotics can support the restoration of your microflora balance. Prebiotics are food for probiotics, and they support the probiotics to be more effective. Postbiotics are beneficial metabolic compounds produced via microbial activity. Studies have shown that specific probiotic strains can directly support your bones, mood, digestive and reproductive function, metabolism, and genitourinary and immune health. 

Good Health Immuno-Biotic is a scientifically studied, shelf-stable pre, pro, and postbiotic-in-one, designed to support gut and immune health, and a balanced and diverse microbiome. The prebiotic feeds the probiotic and other beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting gut flora balance and immune health. 

Immuno-Biotic contains the pre and postbiotic yeast fermentate, EpiCor, which is shown to support antioxidant status and levels of the fatty acid butyrate at much lower doses than other prebiotics. It also benefits the first and second lines of immune defense in your body, supporting gut and immune health. Immuno-Biotic contains glutamine, the preferred fuel for the cells of the gut lining, and the probiotic, Bacillus coagulans, scientifically shown to support the microbiome and digestive health. Immuno-Biotic is suitable for pregnancy and for digestive support while travelling.

Good Health Immuno-Biotic supports:

·         Healthy gut flora balance

·         Immune system health

·         Digestive function

·         Overall health and wellbeing.

Always read the label and use as directed. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Good Health, Auckland. PP2628.