I recently came across this article that really opened my eyes to how much the tiny microbes living in our gut protect us every single day. The researchers found that the gut microbiome is not just about digestion or immunity, it actually helps the body detoxify harmful chemicals. When the microbiome is healthy and diverse, the liver and intestines are better at turning on the genes that clear toxins from the body. When the microbiome is missing or damaged, those detox responses slow down, which means harmful substances can linger longer and cause more trouble. What felt especially interesting was the idea that our early life gut bacteria can shape how strong our detox system will be for years to come. The article ended by saying that scientists and doctors should consider a person’s microbiome when they think about environmental risks and disease prevention. It made me realise that caring for our gut health is not just a wellness trend, it is a major part of staying safe from the chemicals we cannot always avoid.
MBH/AB