Microbiome & Microbiota
Microbes are a part of the world we live in. A few of the microbes affecting the our food are yeasts, bacteria and molds. Fermentation happens when these yeasts, molds and bacteria begin to break down food. Fermentation is a chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, often resulting in effervescence and the release of heat. Fermentation is also encompassed by reactions induced by microorganisms or enzymes that split complex organic compounds into simpler substances. Simply put, these fermentation microorganisms digest foods first and what is left after they are finished is more easily digested by the microbes in our bodies. The fermentation microbes do some of the heavy lifting so that the microbes in our gut can focus on taking up the vitamins and minerals for our bodies to use.
The gut microbiome is just as much of an ecosystem as the Amazon rain forest. It thrives on balance and harmony. All animals, plants, and microbes exist with a purpose. They all bring something to that harmonious balance. Biodiversity is critically important to any ecosystem including the human gut microbiome.