You’ve heard it before: “trust your gut.” But that phrase is more literal than you might think. Deep inside your digestive tract lives a vibrant community of bacteria—your microbiome—that holds surprising power over your mood, metabolism, immune function, and even how well you sleep. Let's explore how tiny organisms can shape big aspects of your health.
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome refers to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live mainly in your gut, particularly the colon. These microbes break down food, produce vitamins, regulate inflammation, and communicate with your brain via the gut-brain axis. Think of them as your health co-pilots.
Why the Microbiome gets out of balance
Overuse of antibiotics
Poor diet (low fiber, high sugar)
Stress and lack of sleep
Alcohol or smoking
Environmental toxins
Cesarean birth or lack of breastfeeding in early life
Signs your microbiome might be off
Bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea
Brain fog or mood swings
Food sensitivities
Skin issues (eczema, acne)
Autoimmune flare-ups
Difficulty losing weight
How the Gut affects mood & brain function
Your gut produces over 90% of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. When your microbiome is imbalanced (a condition known as dysbiosis), serotonin production drops—and anxiety, depression, and irritability can spike. There's also a strong link between gut inflammation and neuroinflammation.
The Immunity Connection
About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. A damaged or leaky gut can lead to chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and weakened defense against infections. Rebalancing gut flora helps re-educate the immune system to respond more appropriately.
My approach
use stool testing and symptom analysis to understand your microbiome’s current state. Our protocols combine nutrition, herbal antimicrobials, probiotics, and gut-lining support for personalized rebalancing.
Simple Microbiome Boosters
Eat diverse fiber-rich foods (plant variety matters)
Incorporate fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi)
Reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods
Manage stress with mindfulness and rest
Use probiotics and prebiotics strategically
Conclusion
Your gut isn't just where food is digested—it's where health is decided. By nurturing your microbiome, you’re nurturing your entire system. Trust your gut, literally.
