You may have heard about some recent food trends talking about probiotics. These are connected to researching being done on the human body’s microbiome. But many find themselves asking, ‘What is your microbiome?’ Trillions of microorganisms make up your microbiome consisting of thousands upon thousands of different types of microbes. These creatures live on your skin and in your body, working with your body’s systems for mutual benefit.
What makes the microbiome so fascinating is that each individual as a unique one. Genetics, environment, and diet all affect how your microbiome develops and changes. However, keeping your microbiome in balance is something you can take an active role in. Doing so can improve your physical and mental health. At Integrative Life Center, we understand the importance of treating the whole body–the physical and mental–to heal from substance abuse or recovery from mental health disorders.
What Is Your Microbiome?
Your microbiome is an essential part of our immune system. It plays a vital role in nutritional health. The microbiota, or microbes, making up your microbiome feed off prebiotic foods like vegetables and grains high in fiber. These give rise to probiotics, live ‘good’ bacteria which can decrease the following:
- The need for antibiotics
- A stronger immune system to resist colds and flue
- Pneumonia
- Gestational diabetes
- Vaginal infections like yeast infections
- Eczema
Also, these beneficial bacteria, when in proper balance in the body, alleviate diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. The physical benefits of managing your microbiome are clear.
The Mental Health Benefits of Your Microbiome
While many realize proper diet and healthy eating benefits the physical body, few understand how it can also affect your mental health. Your intestinal or gut microbiome can help produce the chemicals the brain needs to resist depression. Also, these microbiotas affect your nervous system regulating the messages your brain receives and sends. When someone experiences a depressive disorder like clinical depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety disorder, or postpartum depression, paying attention to or adjusting one’s diet can be helpful in conjunction with other therapies. Thus, understanding what is your microbiome and how it affects you can be immensely useful.
Integrative Life Center
When someone struggles with substance use disorder or any mental health issue, it’s vital to get professional help. When addressing these issues, a holistic approach covering both the body and the mind gives patients the best chance for a successful, lasting recovery. At Integrative Life Center, we provide the support you or a loved one needs to heal. Understanding what is your microbiome, providing nutritional therapy, and exploring our Healing Food Program are some of the ways we help patients.
Because we understand that every individual’s journey through recovery is unique, we offer a wide range of treatments and therapies. Doing so makes sure patients have their needs met. Some of the therapies we offer include:
- Yoga Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Music Therapy
These and many other therapies give patients the means to heal from addiction or a mental health disorder. So contact us today at [Direct]. You can explore all of your options and begin your recovery.
