More science to show your microbiome affects your immune system!

Your gut, skin, nose, and airways are home to trillions of tiny bacteria and other microbes—some of which might help your immune system fight off unwanted infections.

It’s called your microbiome.

That’s right - your microbiome is not just in your gut - it involves every mucosal surface of your body.

We’ve known the microbiome interacts with the immune system for a long time, but when the pandemic hit New York City, some researchers at Rockefeller University asked this question:

“Can the human microbiome produce metabolites (small molecules) that inhibit the growth of this new virus?”

They thought it was a long shot and the answer might be no…but they were happily surprised!

Turns out they found three major metabolites produced by bacteria in the human microbiome that blocked growth of the novel virus by more than 90%. When they tested those metabolites on other RNA viruses, they found some effect against other viruses as well.

What’s even crazier is that each of these three metabolites has a synthetic medication that is chemically similar to it. The researchers don’t know for sure whether that was by chance or design.

So, what can we learn from this and take action on?

1️⃣ This is a great reminder that your microbiome (which exists in all of your mucosal surfaces) harbors beneficial bacteria that interact with your immune system to support your defenses.

2️⃣ Even though we can’t specifically supplement the metabolites discovered in this study, we can make choices with our food and lifestyle to support a healthy microbiome. You might consider things like eating less sugar, consuming more fruits and vegetables, including fermented foods, or taking PREbiotic and PRObiotic supplements. All of these choices depend on your current level of microbiome and immune health.

3️⃣ The study of the microbiome and immunity is ongoing. More details will unfold, and we may never fully understand the synergy nature has created between us and the teeny tiny microbes that live in and on us.

I help patients with personalized and individual plans to support the health of their microbiome AND immune system. If you are interested in becoming a new patient CLICK HERE.