The microbiome is the term used to describe the microorganisms that colonize a living being. In humans, for example, there are a variety of different bacteria and also fungi. These are not signs of disease; on the contrary, these microorganisms must stay healthy and perform essential functions.
The microbiome in Humans as well as in Dogs is primarily located in the intestine, but the skin and mucous membranes are also important for the naturally present bacteria.
Contents
Gut Microbiome – The Intestinal Flora
The best research to date has focused on the microbiome in the gut, also known as the gut flora. The intestinal flora is not only crucial for digestion, but it also has an influence on the immune system and fulfills other essential tasks for health.
If the intestinal flora is not doing well, this can have consequences such as obesity or even neurological diseases. It is, therefore, all the more critical that the intestinal flora is in balance or that the diversity of the intestinal flora is not reduced.
Antibiotics & Nutrition
Nutrition logically has a significant influence on this, but we should consider other factors. For example, the Intake of Antibiotics also affects the Microbiome in Dogs.
Their influence on the intestinal flora has different aspects: On the one hand, antibiotics reduce the variety of bacteria through their – as the name suggests – antibacterial effect. In addition, resistant germs appear more frequently.
These effects, in turn, depend on various factors. How long an antibiotic is taken and how it is taken plays an important role. The antibiotic prescribed and the spectrum of action of this drug are also decisive.
Recovery of the Microbiome
Once the microbiome has taken a hit, it takes quite some time for it to recover. This can take much longer than a few weeks or months, depending on the circumstances.
During the recovery phase, bacteria that are harmful to humans may, in turn, increase and cause infections. This is because the health-promoting bacteria are too outnumbered to keep uninvited guests under control.
To keep the undesirable consequences for the microbiome as low as possible, antibiotics should, therefore, only be taken when they are actually necessary; it makes sense if the antibiotic’s spectrum of action is only as large as necessary and the duration of application is not extended longer than necessary.
Prebiotic and Probiotic foods can support the recovery of the Microbiom, Prebiotics are nutriens for your beneficial gut bacteria are found in foods like:
- Dandelion Greens.
- Chicory Root
- Onions
- Artichokes
- Bananas.
- Whole Oats
- Apples
- Aspargus
Probiotics are bacteria that are added to the diet or in capsule form to support the population of good gut bacteria. Still, the bacterial diversity of the microbiome has yet to be sufficiently scientifically studied.
Therefore, it is impossible to make a scientifically validated statement here, and the numerous promises of salvation in advertising regarding probiotics are to be viewed critically!
Summary
The microbiome is a very complex ecosystem of microorganisms that colonize the human and dog body, with the gut flora being the most studied area. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, the immune system and overall health.
An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to a serious of health consequences such as obesity and neurological diseases. The intake of antibiotics can greatly impact the gut microbiome, reducing the diversity of bacteria and leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant germs.
To minimize the negative effects of antibiotics on the microbiome – it is important to only take them when necessary and to limit the duration and spectrum of action as much as possible. During the recovery phase, it is crucial to be cautious of harmful bacteria that may increase and cause infections.
0 Comments