We live in a microbial world. Micro-organisms were among the first life forms and are still the greatest biomass on the planet. 

Gut health affects every aspect of our physical and emotional being – we really are what we eat. The importance of the human microbiome is clear, as changes to intestinal microbiota have been associated with numerous short and long-term health and disease issues such as:
 - Poor sleep and lack of energy
 - Depression 
 - Immunity to seasonal viruses and bacterial infections 
 - Intestinal/inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
 - Allergic diseases such as eczema, asthma, food allergy and hay fever are mediated by the immune system
 - Diabetes and Obesity
 - Autism
 - Cancer

Did you know? In 2012 researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reported that children with autism and gastrointestinal problems had high levels of the Sutterella bacteria in their gut.
Did you know? In a 2013 study, researchers suggested probiotics alone can be used as an ecological therapy in the treatment of immune disease.
Did you know? The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has awarded Malaghan Inststiute scientist Dr Elizabeth Forbes-Blom $400,000 over two years, as part of a joint New Zealand–Japanese research programme investigating the use of prebiotic and probiotic foods to strengthen the immune system.  

How to care for our inner world
 - An important source of gut microbial diversity is the number of different plants we eat, eg., spinach leaves host about 800 different species of microbes. 
 - Eat a fibre-rich, whole foods diet rich in beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which feed good bugs. 
 - Fermented foods, like kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso soup, have all been found to boost gut bugs. 
 - Take daily probiotics (from pro and biota, meaning “for life”) – these healthy, friendly flora can improve your digestive health and reduce inflammation and allergy. 
 - Limit sugar, processed foods, and animal protein—these provide food for unhealthy bugs.
 - Antibiotics, acid blockers, and anti-inflammatories damage friendly gut flora