Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is microbiome and microbiota?

Microbiome is the set of genes of all the bacteria that live on our skin, mouth, digestive track, nasal passages and lungs. On the other hand, all the bacteria that are found in our gut are known as the microbiota.

• Who came up with term microbiome?

The term microbiome was coined by Nobel Laureate Joshua Lederberg. He described it as “the ecological community of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that literally share our body space and have been all but ignored as determinants of health and disease.”

• Why is microbiota important?

The gut microbiota supplies essential nutrient, metabolize indigestible compounds and protects your gut from colonization by opportunistic pathogens. It also contributes to the development of the intestinal architecture as well as several immuno-modulatory functions. An imbalance in the microbiota will lead to an imbalance known as dysbiosis. This dysbiosis is characterized by the growth of different non-predominant bacteria and/or the depletion of commensal ones that can lead to illness. This imbalance can also lead to the lack of some beneficial effects of the commensal bacteria.

• What is the difference between prebiotics, probiotics and Postbiotics? And how they can each affect health?

Fibers that are fermented by microbiota in your gut are known as prebiotics. Not all fibers act as prebiotics. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria that are similar to the live bacteria that are found in your gut that are taken as dietary supplements or found in foods. Postbiotics are the byproducts of bacterial fermentation in the gut. All three play a vital role in the metabolism, immunity, and our overall health.

• What is a soluble and insoluble fiber?

There are two types of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber easily dissolves in water and broken down into a gel-like substance in the colon. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and left intact as food moves through the gastrointestinal tract.

• What other factors affect the microbiota?

Some observations from the microbiome literature have showed the following can affect the diversity of the gut microbiota.

- What you eat

- How much you sleep

- Place where you live

- How much you exercise

- How much contact you have with other people

- How much time you spend indoors

- Change in seasons

 

• What should I be eating for a healthy microbiota?

The preferred food for the healthy bacteria living in our gut is the indigestible plant fibers (prebiotic) rich in inulin for example leeks, garlic, onion, artichokes, asparagus, lentils and oats. Additionally, fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles have shown to improve the health of the microbiota.

• How much prebiotic fiber should I consume daily to support a healthy microbiota?

It is estimated that our hunter-gatherer ancestors consumed between 50 and 100 grams of fiber a day, most of us only consume roughly 10-15 grams. Prebiotic fiber specifically supports the beneficial species of the microbiota that tend to struggle to survive in our gut due to our poor nutrition and various stressors. We recommend that you get as much of this prebiotic daily as you can, and consider supplementing with our premium prebiotic powder to make sure you're giving your microbiota what they need to thrive.

• Does the number of plant types make a difference in my diet?

The number of plant species in your diet has the strongest effect on the diversity of your gut microbiome. “The difference between people who eat just a few types of plants per week versus those who eat over 30 types was a stronger effect than recent antibiotic use.” Antibiotic therapy alters the patterns of gut microbiota and when given early in life (infancy and childhood) may shift the bacterial profile towards one that promotes obesity, metabolic abnormalities and/or autoimmune diseases.

• What is green superfood or green powders?

Green superfood or green powders are dietary supplements specially designed to provide additional dietary fiber to help you reach your recommended vegetable intake each day. These products do not provide all the benefits of eating fresh and variety of vegetables. We should reiterate that they are not intended to replace eating vegetables.

• Should I expect to get all of my multivitamins from this green superfood?

No! There are certain vitamins found in these products. However, their levels are lower when compared to your multivitamins. Supplementing your diet with additional fiber is the purpose of our super green product.

Please note:

Microbiome Healthy Choice products are not a replacement for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, especially with regard to disease prevention and treatment. They can be a unique and nutritious addition to your overall wellness routine.