The Gut Microbiome: The Tiny Powerhouse That Runs Your Health

By Diana Dihmis, Registered Nutritionist

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, all working together to keep your body functioning at its best. This microscopic community - your gut microbiome - affects everything from digestion and immunity to mood, skin health, and even weight. Keeping your gut balanced isn’t just about avoiding bloating; it’s about supporting your entire body from the inside out.

Why Does Gut Health Matter So Much?

The Gut-Brain Connection: Your Mood’s Best Friend

Did you know that around 90% of serotonin - the “happiness hormone” - is produced in your gut? This means your gut health doesn’t just affect digestion; it also impacts your mood, stress levels, and sleep. A healthy microbiome can help keep anxiety at bay and support emotional well-being.

70% of Your Immune System Lives in Your Gut

Your gut is your immune system’s first line of defence. Around 70% of your immune cells are found here, and your gut bacteria help train them to recognise threats, fight off harmful pathogens, and reduce inflammation. A healthy microbiome boosts your defences and protects against inflammation, making gut health vital for a strong immune system.

Gut Health = Skin Health

Struggling with acne, eczema, or dull skin? Your gut microbiome plays a direct role in your skin’s health. A balanced gut can reduce inflammation, and skin conditions like acne or eczema. By maintaining a healthy diet, you can strengthen your microbiome and improve your skin’s appearance and vitality

Digestion Done Right

Your gut bacteria work around the clock to break down food  and promote the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. A balanced microbiome supports smooth digestion and can alleviate issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.

The Inflammation Connection

The composition of the microbiome is closely linked to inflammation in the body because certain bacteria produce molecules that can at high concentrations, trigger inflammation in the gut.

Weight & Metabolism: Your Gut’s Influence

The composition of your gut bacteria plays a crucial role in metabolism, especially in how energy is extracted from food. Studies show that certain bacteria are associated with a lean body type, while others can increase the risk of obesity.

Gut Imbalances & Common Conditions

Based on the composition of your gut bacteria, I can test for the possible presence of conditions like leaky gut, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), gluten sensitivity.

How to Support a Healthy Gut Microbiome

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach approach to nurturing the beneficial microbes in the gut because we all have unique gut microbiomes, but small changes can make a big difference.

Try these:

Eat the rainbow – Fill your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables to feed beneficial bacteria.

Try fermented foods – Kimchi, yoghurt, and sauerkraut are packed with gut-friendly probiotics.

Space out meals – Give your digestive system time to reset between eating.

Cut down on ultra-processed foods – They can disrupt the balance of good bacteria.

For further help, contact Diana Dihmis, Registered Nutritionist.

Mobile: 07789866312

www.nutritionconsulting.co.uk 

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