Your Gut Microbes Are Changing This Season.

Do our gut microbes need winter care?

YES!

With climate change introducing much lower temperatures this winter, the weather brings more challenges and less seasonal joy. While some may argue that our bodies are naturally programmed to adapt, it is essential to take additional care to have good digestive health, protect immunity and maintain well-being.

Studies demonstrate that physiological changes in the winter occur at a microbial level, too! Be it animals or humans, the colder months bring a seasonal change in the micro-environment of our gut bacteria. This is attributed to multiple factors such as reduced daylight hours, thermoregulation, changes in appetite and varied eating patterns.

In a large study of ~20000 human samples (American Gut Project), the duration of winter was associated with a drop in Proteobacteria members, which increased only in the summer months. More research is required to connect such findings with health changes that may impact clinical outcomes.

At the same time, it is safe to say that having a rich and diverse microbiome is arguably the best defence to have to thrive in rapidly changing climates.

Here are six ways to support your gut microbes this season and enjoy the winter vibes!

References

1. Davenport, Emily R et al. “Seasonal variation in human gut microbiome composition.” PloS one vol. 9,3 e90731. 11 Mar. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090731.
2. Carey, Hannah V et al. “Seasonal restructuring of the ground squirrel gut microbiota over the annual hibernation cycle.” American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology vol. 304,1 (2013): R33-42. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00387.2012.
3. Sommer, Felix et al. “The Gut Microbiota Modulates Energy Metabolism in the Hibernating Brown Bear Ursus arctos.” Cell reports vol. 14,7 (2016): 1655-1661. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.026
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gut-microbiome-fluctuates-throughout-the-day-and-across-seasons#Details-from-the-gut-microbiome-study