The Gut Microbiome

If you have followed us for any amount of time, you know that we often talk about the healthy benefits of drinking tea (if you haven’t been following us check out our social media links below).

There is a topic of health for which we probably haven’t spoken about enough. Which is funny because it is probably the biggest contributing factor to overall health and wellness. We’ll get to that in a second.

First, a bit of background. Did you know that our bodies are full of microscopic bacteria, viruses and fungi? That’s right! In fact, the number of bacteria found in our bodies (roughly 40 trillion) is greater then the number of cells we have (about 30 trillion).

Most of these microbes can be found within our intestines and on the surface of our skin. These living creatures, which we’ll refer to as microbes, can be both good and bad. 

What is the Gut Microbiome?

Within the large intestine lies a pocket of bacteria. This pocket is where the majority of these microbes hang out. It is called the cecum and the gang of microbes that hang out here is known as the Gut Microbiome.

The collective microbes found in our intestines work together, almost like an extra organ, contributing to the vital functions of the body. These functions include the digestive system, immune system, and nervous system, as well as others. Therefore, a healthier gut microbiome makes for a healthier, better-functioning body.

How Do We Improve the Health of Our Microbiome?

Of the trillions of bacteria found within our microbiome, there may also be up to 1000 different species of bacteria. As we mature, this number increases. The higher the number of varying species, the better. Even our gut thrives better with more diversity.

What we choose to consume on a daily basis contributes to the diversity, and therefore overall health, of the gut microbiome. Here are a few things you can do to improve the health of your gut.

1. Get more fiber in your diet
2. Avoid artificial sweeteners
3. Get your daily dose of polyphenols
4. Consume more fermented foods

How Can Fusion Teas Help?

We are a tea company, what does any of this have to do with tea? Great question! At Fusion Teas, it is our mission to increase the health and happiness of people wherever we can. Tea and other healthy drink options can help improve the health of your gut in major ways. Here are three specific ways…

1. Tea, especially green tea, contains high levels of polyphenols which are powerful compounds that when broken down contribute to even more healthy bacteria growth.

2. Kombucha, a fermented drink made by pouring tea over live SCOBY cultures, is full of healthy probiotic bacteria strains. Along with tea, obviously, we also sell the SCOBYs.

3. Milk Kefir (not tea) is a fermented probiotic beverage made by fermenting milk in live cultures known as kefir grains. Drinking kefir can reduce the number of disease-causing bacteria species in your gut. Fusion Teas sells kefir grains.

Green Tea Options

Cultures for Fermentation

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