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4 Ways Your Environment Affects Your Microbiome, From An MD
At this point, we're well versed in the importance of the gut microbiome, but integrative medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., said it's important to remember that the microbiome extends beyond the gut. "It's in our skin, in our mouths, and it's even in the environment we live in."
During a panel sponsored by Tom's of Maine for their new Prebiotic Personal Care line, Shah asked us four questions about our living environments. The answers can help determine just how healthy your microbiome is (or isn't).
Do you live with animals or multiple people outside of your nuclear family?
Roommate situations aren't always ideal (especially if you're sharing a bathroom), but according to Shah, living with people outside of your immediate family helps create a healthier microbiome. Pets and young children, who tend to track in dirt, can have the same effect.
"The more people or animals you have in your home, the more you're intentionally or unintentionally sharing bacteria," Shah said, "and that's a good thing."
Do you avoid antibacterial or harsh cleaning products in your home?
Using antibacterial products kills both good and bad bacteria, so it's important to avoid harsh chemicals and antibacterials while cleaning. If you already know this, then you likely have a healthy microbiome, but this is where living with roommates might not be as beneficial.
If your spouse or roommates don't share a similar mindset about gentle cleaning products—or simply don't want to invest in natural alternatives—Shah suggests compromising. "At least talk to them about getting rid of antibacterials and not over-sanitizing."
Do you eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day?
Although they get less attention, "prebiotics may be just as important...as probiotics for gut health," Vincent Pedre, M.D., wrote for mbg. "This is because they feed our friendly flora." Without prebiotic nutrients, the healthy bacteria in probiotics would have nothing to attach to and therefore wouldn't flourish.
Translated into food, the nutrients become fiber, which helps promote bowel regularity and an overall healthier gut. When it comes to consuming fruits and vegetables, Shah said at least five servings a day is the marker for a healthy microbiome.
Vegetables rich in prebiotics include chicory root, garlic, onions, and legumes, while fruits high in prebiotics include apples and bananas.
Do you have plants or foliage at home?
Interacting with bacteria that live in and on plants can increase your own bacterial diversity. If you live in an urban area, houseplants or a terrace herb garden will do the trick. If you live in the countryside, a backyard garden is the way to go.
When not properly maintained, home plants or the floor beneath them can become breeding grounds for mold. But when taken care of, "there are so many health advantages to houseplants" Shah said, "even for stress relief but also for the microbiome."
If you are gardening, be sure to swap chemical fertilizers for organic alternatives. This will help increase biodiversity of the plot, which allows more animals (including you) to benefit from the robust nutrients in the soil.
The bottom line:
If you answered yes to all four of these questions, your microbiome is healthy. If not, consider making small swaps, like buying air-purifying houseplants or washing your hands with this Tom's of Maine Prebiotic Bar Soap in Soft Rose, which contains inulin to support good bacteria.
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