Gut Life

The exploration of the Earth over land, under sea and beyond into outer space has revealed so much about our planet and the universe. At the same time, there remains even more that is in the realm of the unknown and not fully understood.

Looking inward, the same can be said when examining our physical beings through the history of experience and the sciences. One of the many fascinating aspects of what remains unknown involves the phenomenal microcosm of microbes on and within us.

Microbes in the Human Body

Archaea

Examples include:

Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanos phaera stadtmanae single-cell organisms cell walls made of sugars no nucleus asexual reproduction

Bacteria

Examples include:

Lactobacillus gasseri

Bifidobacterium longum single-cell organisms cell walls made of proteins and sugars no nucleus asexual reproduction

It took about four centuries following the discovery of microscopic creepy-crawlies in and on the human body to realize that not all of these microorganisms were pathogens, but, in fact, something akin to another organ that plays a pivotal role in keeping the body healthy. Some call this ecosystem the microbiome while others say microbiota, which

Eukarya

Examples include: fungi yeasts single-cell organisms cell walls vary nucleus asexual and sexual reproduction

Viruses

Examples include: adenoviruses herpesviruses genetic material protein shell no nucleus host cell reproduction is simply a reflection of the newness of the positive health perspective on body microbes.1

The majority of microbiome research focuses on bacteria, which have been identified as dominant among the estimated one trillion microbes in the human body. A substantial population and diversity of bacteria maintain optimal health of the gut, providing intestinal homeostasis.2

The microbiome has a major effect on overall health as a result of the activity generated by good bacteria.3 Although there is much more to be discovered about these beneficial microbes, what is known is that good bacteria:

• advance human development

• protect organs of the body

• promote food digestion

• produce essential nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin K

• prevent potential disruption by harmful bacteria

• signal specific immune cells to produce antiviral proteins

• generate postbiotics such as butyrate: inflammation-reducing, short-chain fatty acid

• help maintain the central nervous system

• produce neurotransmitters, enabling communication between the gut and the brain

As for that gut-brain connection, some of the most recent research hones in on how microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) can negatively affect a person’s mental state of health.4 Furthermore, gut dysbiosis has also been associated with a number of immune-mediated, metabolic and neurodegenerative health conditions, calling attention to the importance of maintaining gut homeostasis.5

AIM Probiotics and Prebiotics

The Role of Nutrition

It’s no surprise that when it comes to the gut, nutrition plays an integral role in supporting a healthy microbiome.6 Evidence points to choosing a wholesome, mostly plant-based diet that includes probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (food for good bacteria). Fermented foods that are probiotic include kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and yogurt.

Fiber-rich foods that provide prebiotics include asparagus, spring onion, beetroot, chickpeas, lentils, watermelon, grapefruit, nectarines, oats, rye bread, cashews and pistachio nuts.

AIM nutrition that works can help to increase the population and diversity of good bacteria along with the food that nurtures their growth and beneficial activity.

Daily use of supplemental probiotics and prebiotics from AIM is a convenient way to support your microbiome, contributing good bacteria from FloraFood and the food they eat from Fit ’n Fiber

Each capsule of FloraFood contains 3 billion live cells from 3 strains of good bacteria, another great reason for making this dietary supplement your probiotic choice.

Each serving of Fit ’n Fiber gives you 8 grams of prebiotic fiber from acacia, konjac and guar gum for a selection of food that good bacteria thrive on, fueling their growth and the beneficial activity they provide.

Taken together, the combination of FloraFood and Fit ’n Fiber delivers a synbiotic duo to help maintain the ecosystem of microbes that work to support your overall health.