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Our microbes outnumber human cells 10:1. Like the rainforest, the healthy human microbiome is a balanced ecosystem.
Now that I am close to 60 I realize that a dominant part of my life has been being an explorer of health. These journeys have allowed me to listen and study thousands of ideas as to what creates health and the causes of illness. I am a dedicated observer of others health and have been blessed to have the public feel comfortable in sharing their own stories and journeys with me.
Distilling down the nitty gritty of almost 4 decades does not come easy however I can say that one theory of health that has stood my test of time is the impact of the “microbiome” on health. The more common older words for microbiome are acidophilus or probiotics. The more I know about this, the more I feel you must learn of this or good health may be unattainable.
Our microbes outnumber human cells 10:1. Like the rainforest, the healthy human microbiome is a balanced ecosystem. We are now operating with a sick rainforest in this country as to our own health.
Microbes perform essential functions such as digesting food and synthesizing vitamins. Share on XMicrobes perform essential functions such as digesting food and synthesizing vitamins. Studies have also linked the microbiome to human mood and behavior, as well as gut health, human development, and metabolic disorders.
Now that you know the vital importance of the microbiome let me tell you my little secret. I consume more probiotics, fermented foods and healthy foods than 95% of the population. I assumed I would have an overabundance of all the good bacteria because of this. In learning about the company Ubiome and how they offer home test kits for determining levels of my microbiome, I ordered my first kit a few months ago and tested my poop. One month later I received my results and was I ever surprised! If this was a report card from school I would have a C minus. This has me now reevaluating what I need to change to create the inner world that may be the most important link to health. (I have my results for anyone to see)
The sample kit from Ubiome contains everything you need to swab and submit your microbiome. Whether for your mouth, ears, nose, gut, or genitals, your kit will allow you to learn more about your microbiome. You swipe the sample swab across the corresponding site and send the kit back to them.
Learn From Your Results
Your personalized uBiome web account provides secure and easy access to your information. You will be able to design your own experiments. Get a breakdown of your bacteria and find out how you compare to the healthy, vegans, paleo, overweight, heavy drinkers. Even how you compare to yourself over time!
There is a wealth of evidence that the human microbiome has profound consequences for our health. It has been correlated with a wide range of health conditions, from obesity, heart health, and IBD to autism, anxiety, and depression.
Keep in mind that the world we live in has destroyed so much of our inner rainforest due to the chlorine in water, antibiotics in meats, GMO foods, patients demanding antibiotics from their doctors, overprescribing antibiotics and the lack of homegrown healthy foods. I would recommend working toward building a healthier microbiome for two months before testing. Utilizing good quality probiotics, fermented foods and reducing the toxic foods, drinks and medicines before testing would be wise.
May your internal rainforest flourish with health.
