The Microbiome
Did you know that humans are densely populated by bacteria? From the skin to the digestive tract to the respiratory tract, and even to the urogenital tract. They live everywhere in their own complex microbial communities. Even in the vaginal area and in the mammary glands of mothers there are important protective bacteria that have a significant impact on the baby from the very start.
Contents
What is the microbiome?
The term “microbiome“ encompasses a microbial ecosystem or community that inhabits a defined space with specific characteristics. Basically, the microbiome is understood as the totality of all microorganisms, i.e. bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi and protozoa, that colonise a macroorganism (such as humans, animals, plants).
These microbiomes can influence the immune system, metabolism and also the hormone system of the host. The human microbiome is unique to each individual and is composed of thousands of different bacterial species.
The development of the microbiome
The intestinal microbiome, i.e. the totality of all microorganisms in our digestive tract, forms the basis for our well-being. The intestinal microbiome, also called intestinal flora, already begins to form at birth, when the baby first receives the amniotic fluid and the bacteria present in it from the mother in the mouth.
It makes a considerable difference in the development of the intestinal microbiome whether birth happens vaginally or whether the child is delivered by caesarean section. This is because, during a vaginal birth, the child first comes into contact with the vaginal microbiome and in a caesarean section with the skin microbiome and bacteria from the environment. Over the course of our lives, the intestinal microbiome is constantly changing in its composition and diversity due to our diets and the environment.
The human microbiome is unique to each person and is made up of thousands of different species of bacteria.
Why is our intestinal flora so important?
Ideally, there is a high diversity in the intestinal microbiome, which means that many different bacterial cultures are present. “Good” gut bacteria help with digestion, for example by promoting intestinal peristalsis through the production of short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbiome also plays an essential role in the detoxification of environmental chemicals and medicines.
In addition, intestinal bacteria can produce vital vitamins (e.g. B1, B2, B6, B12 and K) and anti-inflammatory substances and are important for a functioning immune system. Around 70 % of all antibody-producing immune cells are located in the intestines, making it the largest immunological organ in the human body. This is because the intestinal microbiome is also responsible for protecting and maintaining the intestinal mucosa.
Various influencing factors can cause dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance of bacterial colonisation, in the intestinal microbiome. In this case, pathogenic germs can multiply optimally and the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa is also weakened. This can result in various diseases that are not limited to the intestine.
Microbiome and Depression
How is the gut connected to our emotional world? What influence does the microbiome have on mental illness – and what role do probiotics play?
![Children and allergies 10 healthy diet influences on microbiome diversity](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/healthy-diet-influences-on-microbiome-diversity.jpg)
Factors that can influence the gut microbiome
The gut microbiome is subject to a variety of different influencing factors. These include, among others:
- Geographical origin
- Age
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Environment
For example, the diversity and number of intestinal bacteria changes with age. However, diet can also have an influence on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome.
Negative influences on the microbiome
- An unbalanced diet with a high proportion of convenience foods, fast food, additives (e.g. preservatives), sugar, etc.
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress
- Medication, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc.
Strengthen your microbiome
You can influence some of the factors that influence the microbiome yourself. When it comes to nutrition, it therefore makes sense to focus on high-quality, fresh and fibre-rich foods. These provide optimal nutritional conditions for the "good" intestinal bacteria. For example, prebiotics, i.e. indigestible food components such as dietary fibres (e.g. inulin and oligofructose) promote the growth and activity of bacteria in the colon. Some secondary plant compounds (e.g. flavonoids in apples or anthocyanins in berries) also have a similar effect on the growth of physiological bacteria in the colon and can thus strengthen the stability of the intestinal barrier.
Regular physical activity also has a beneficial effect on the microbiome. Moderate exercise can positively influence both the quality and quantity of physiological gut bacteria. This in turn has a positive effect on the immune system.
However, certain factors such as age, genetics, or even diseases that require medication can hardly or not at all be influenced. In such cases, the use of medically relevant probiotics can be used to restore the balance in the intestine and support the body's own "good" bacteria.
The 3-step gut health concept
Our intestine is one of the most complex health systems of our body and often needs targeted support. For this reason, a 3-step concept for intestinal health was developed.
For over 30 years, Institut AllergoSan has been researching around the topic of the “gut and microbiome”. Probiotic bacteria are supplemented with plant extracts, micronutrients and dietary fibres. Depending on individual needs, products are combined to provide the intestine with all relevant nutrients.
![Children and allergies 11 3 step gut health concept](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/3-step-gut-health-concept.png)
![High-quality intestinal bacteria 1 OMNi-BiOTiC packshots](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/20200721-ob-produkte-gesamtpackshot-int-768x543.png)
Step 1: High-quality intestinal bacteria
Our OMNi-BiOTiC® products contain intestinal bacteria that are precisely coordinated with each other. These high-quality bacteria reach the intestine in large numbers. This allows them to fulfil different tasks at their destination because each strain of bacteria has different properties.
![Dietary Fibre 2 OMNi-LOGiC packshot](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/20200729-ol-produkte-int-gesamtpackshot-1024x614-1-768x461.png)
Step 2: Dietary Fibre
In order for the intestinal bacteria to work optimally, it is recommended to give them their favourite food. This creates an optimal habitat for them and, as a result, these “good” intestinal bacteria multiply and contribute to our general well-being.
Our OMNi-LOGiC® products offer, among other things, high-quality dietary fibres as a food source for important intestinal bacteria, so that they are provided with their favourite food.
![Micronutrients, Vitamins & Minerals 3 META-CARE® die Mikronährstoff-Marke mit dem Plus an Pflanzenkraft](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/META-CARE-Wichtige-Mikronaehr-und-Pflanzenstoffe.png)
Step 3: Micronutrients, Vitamins & Minerals
The human body needs various micronutrients and plant extracts for certain functions. The intestinal barrier in particular requires special care. This is because it is able to regulate which substances are absorbed from food and which are excreted through the intestines.
The optimised META-CARE® range offers micronutrients with the plus of plant power for the diverse demands of everyday life.
Any questions? Contact us!
Our highly-qualified consultant team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, biologists, nutritionists and microbiologists. Contact us to get advice regarding our products, your intestines, as well as your microscopic inhabitants.
![](https://www.omni-biotic.com/en-uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/ob-logo-2018-web-high-768x580.png)
Help & Advice
Institut AllergoSan
UK
OMNi-BiOTiC® − Blog
Stay informed!
Read more interesting articles about our gut and get tips for your gut health!
OMNi-BiOTiC® − Blog
Stay informed!
Read more interesting articles about our gut and get tips for your gut health!
OMNi-BiOTiC®
Our intestinal bacteria perform at their best every day. Unhealthy diets, stress or medication can change our intestinal flora. The targeted supply of specially selected strains of bacteria – called probiotics – supports our intestines in every phase of life: while taking antibiotics, in particularly demanding times or as a daily go-to for the whole family.
OMNi-LOGiC®
The intestine is the health centre of our body: billions of intestinal bacteria work every day to ensure that digestion and the body’s defences function optimally. In order for these useful helpers to feel at home and fulfil all their important tasks, they need specific dietary fibres as a food source, such as those contained in prebiotics.
META-CARE®
Many individuals struggle to obtain sufficient vitamins, minerals, and trace elements through their diet. Additionally, particularly during periods of elevated stress and heightened mental or physical strain, the body’s demand for nutrients intensifies. The body’s functions can be aided by taking high-quality micronutrients and plant extracts, enhancing your overall health and well-being.
OMNi-BiOTiC® − for a good gut feeling every day
The secret of OMNi-BiOTiC®’s success lies in its innovative formulation and high-quality standards. These are top priorities in developing probiotics and ensuring tangible benefits for users.