The microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract, it’s a complex ecosystem that is made up of bacteria, fungi and viruses that play a crucial role in our health, from digestion to mental health and regulating the immune system.

Scientists have recently found that a diverse and balanced gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a robust immune system. Here’s how..

The gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream. The microbiome strengthens the gut lining by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which serve to reinforce the gut lining and reduce inflammation. Individuals with a diversified microbiome have a stronger and more effective immune response.
The gut microbiome engages with the immune system, training it to distinguish between harmful invaders and benign substances. This interaction prevents allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Certain bacteria in the gut manufacture antimicrobial peptides that target pathogenic bacteria that enter your system.
Chronic inflammation is a precursor to many diseases, and the gut microbiome plays an essential role in regulating inflammation by producing anti-inflammatory compounds. This production of these compounds is enhanced by consuming diets high in fibre and fermented foods.

Diet is the most significant factor that influences the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. The way to improve that is to consume a diversity of plant based foods, prebiotics and probiotics.

Your diet plays a significant role in determining the composition and diversity of your gut microbiome.

We now know that a diet rich in diverse plant-based foods, probiotics, and prebiotics can promote a healthy microbiome.

Support your gut and boost your immunity by:

Eating thirty different plant foods a week-this variety will help with the health of the microbiome. This will also ensure that you consume enough dietary fibre. These foods will promote the production of SCFAs.
Eat more fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, apple cider vinegar and kimchi. These foods enhance the microbiome diversity and boost immunity.
Eat more polyphenol rich foods – foods like berries, tea, raw cacao, chaga, turkey tail mushrooms. These foods have prebiotic properties that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Stay hydrated, its essential for maintaining a healthy gut lining and digestive function
Get adequate sleep. Your microbiome loves it.
Avoid highly processed foods, generally low in fibre they negatively affect gut health, reducing diversity and encouraging the growth of unwanted bacteria.