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15.11.21Elaine Holmes

15.11.21

Elaine Holmes

Balancing bacteria

Humans have co-evolved with their gut bacteria. Mostly we have a symbiotic relationship: we feed them and they produce chemicals we need like vitamin and some of the B vitamins. This relationship generally works well but if our gut bacteria get out of balance then that can have consequences on our health.

Disruption of the collection of bacteria in our guts (the gut microbiome) has been associated with multiple diseases such as type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. More surprising however, is the link between our gut bacteria and our brain.

In a bad mood? Avoid coffee!

Consider the old adage ‘I have a gut feeling’, the gut bacteria can really influence the way we feel. Chemicals such as serotonin that are produced by the gut bacteria have antidepressant properties and have been shown to affect our mood. Foods that naturally boost serotonin levels include dairy products, poultry, nuts, seeds and salmon whereas coffee depletes serotonin levels.

In a bad mood? Avoid coffee!

Consider the old adage ‘I have a gut feeling’, the gut bacteria can really influence the way we feel. Chemicals such as serotonin that are produced by the gut bacteria have antidepressant properties and have been shown to affect our mood. Foods that naturally boost serotonin levels include dairy products, poultry, nuts, seeds and salmon whereas coffee depletes serotonin levels.

At Melico we measure a panel of chemicals in the urine that give us information about the activity of the gut bacteria and by adjusting the diet we can see if the metabolites reflect a healthy microbiome increase. 

Just listen to your gut - and try our Metabotracker services.