health

As the fall season approaches, many of us start to feel a little under the weather. Weather changes and cooler temperatures can lead to more bugs and infections in our bodies, but there are also some things you can do on a daily basis that will help protect your gut health this fall season.

The gut and the brain are connected by trillions of nerve cells. When the microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. The brain's microbiome may be involved in the development of autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Disruptions in a person's microbiome can make their symptoms worse.

Our bodies are teeming with bacteria. We carry 1,000 times more of them than the cells in our bodies and they’re found on almost every surface of our skin and in every organ—from your mouth to your bladder. They’re also inside us: in our gut, lungs, teeth and even on our tongues!

These microbes have been called “our second genome” because they have an enormous impact on how we function at a cellular level. The microbiome is responsible for digesting food so we can absorb nutrients; it helps us produce essential vitamins like vitamin K; it protects us from harmful pathogens in our environment; and it helps control the immune system.

The fact that your microbiome impacts your long-term health is no secret. But did you know that your microbiome had a big impact on your personal health even before you were born? That's right: even though you were just a baby, the bacteria in breast milk helped dictate what types of foods and medicines would be good for you later in life.

Here are some ways breastfeeding can have an impact on long-term health.