Know More About Your Microbiome

May 18, 2016

by Charles Brewster Jr., Dietetic Intern

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SPE's dietetic intern Charles Brewster, Jr. visited “The Secret World Inside You,” an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City which explores everything microbiome-related, from how the interaction between microbes and humans have been going on for millions of years, to the relationship between the gut and the brain (the gut-brain axis). We hear plenty these days about the importance of supporting a healthy microbiome to aid digestion and more. The exhibit is open through the summer and the AMNH website has plenty of additional content to explore on this topic.  

Below are some key takeaways from the exhibit about the connection between our gut and the brain which I found of interest:

• The gut is in constant communication with the brain through the vagus nerve and 80% of the serotonin in our bodies is produced in the gut.
• Microbes have been shown to influence appetite, mood, mental illness, and the way that we dress on a daily basis.
• The colon contains the largest percentage of bacteria in the digestive system and the food that we eat also feeds the microbes in our gut.
• Fiber from foods such as vegetables, fruit, real whole grains, and legumes feed beneficial bacteria in the colon.

Be sure to check out their website for additional information about the gut-brain axis and more!

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