Part two: How Do I Boost My Microbiome?
So now that we know what the microbiome is and how it functions. how can we support this vital functioning system?
Proper Nutrition and Digestion
The foundation of microbiome support is proper nutrition and digestion. Your microbiome is healthiest when you eat a balanced diet with a variety of whole foods—especially raw fruits and vegetables—and fermented dishes. Research has shown fast food can decrease the number and variability of bacteria in your gut, which can lead to weight challenges.
Daily Movement
Along with proper nutrition and digestion, you also need daily movement to support your metabolism. Studies suggest exercise enhances and encourages microbiome diversity. You can stack your metabolic hacks!
The things you do on a regular basis to support your microbiome matter. There may be times when you’re on the road and have to stop to eat some processed food. When you do, get right back on the wagon when you can. It’s the little choices you make daily that really influence microbiome diversity.
Rest and Manage Stress
Proper rest and stress management supports healthy flora. Prioritizing sleep and stress management while working on your microbiome health will create a positive feedback loop for both areas.
Choosing a Quality Microbiome Supplement
Have you ever looked at the nutritional facts on a probiotic supplement and wondered what all those names and numbers mean? The names refer to the bacteria species, while the numbers next to the name refer to a specific strain within the species. And, as we’ve said before, diversity matters—a lot! You want a microbiome supplement with multiple strains and species—far more than one, two, or even a few. So when you’re choosing a quality microbiome supplement, it’s important to consider the four Ps of supplementation.
Reading about the microbiome is fine, but if you’d like to learn more about key factors to look for when choosing a quality microbiome supplement, you’ll enjoy this video with Alex DaBell, vice president of global nutraceuticals and innovation at doTERRA. His four keys are:
Species and strains
Potency
Survivability
Scientific Backing
As always, doTERRA has just what you need in two amazing products!
doTERRA PB Restore ProBiome Complex is a unique formulation of 30 pre-, pro-, and postbiotics and bacteriophages that help restore microbial diversity and balance for optimal microbiome health and overall wellness.* The 18 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics, or good bacteria, consist of 24 active cultures—an unparalleled variety of carefully selected strains from 22 different species—for exceptional microbial diversity.* The prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and bacteriophages help achieve and maintain microbial balance by encouraging the growth of good bacteria and selectively attacking the bad.* The postbiotic—made up of bioactive compounds produced from healthy bacteria—provides additional health benefits.*
The doTERRA PB Restore dual-chamber, time-released delivery system supports the body throughout the day.* It aids digestive comfort, micronutrient synthesis, gut barrier integrity, and healthy metabolism.* Metabolites produced by the bacterial strains in doTERRA PB Restore have been shown to support skin health, the respiratory and immune systems, and a healthy inflammatory response.* Early research on certain ingredients—including L. Rhamnosus CRL 1505, the postbiotic in doTERRA PB Restore—indicates they may also help with brain, cardiovascular, urological, and metabolite function, as well as a healthy DNA response to oxidative stress.*
PB Assist+ ProBiome Gut Complex: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients and eliminating bodily waste from the body. A wide variety of microbes are needed to process food and produce important chemicals that assist the immune system and other bodily functions. A balanced diet is key to building a healthy gut microbiome that’s resilient and adapts quickly to circumstances. Additional support for the gut microbiome can come from supplementation.
Formulated for the entire family, PB Assist+ ProBiome Gut Complex provides a unique blend of diverse genus, species, and strains of pre- and probiotics. This great-tasting strawberry melon–flavored powder should be taken daily. PB Assist+ combines 13 probiotic strains and one prebiotic fiber—fructooligosaccharides (FOS)—for healthy gut colonization.*
The live cultures in PB Assist+ are microencapsulated, meaning they have a protective covering that ensures they survive the harsh, acidic stomach environment so they can reach the gut alive. PB Assist+ delivers seven billion AFUs† (live cells) in active probiotic cultures, as well as soluble prebiotic FOS to encourage friendly bacterial growth, providing important microbiome support.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†AFU stands for active fluorescent units. This unit of measure comes from a modern, sophisticated flow cytometry test method for the precise enumeration of live cells.