Most of us try to make healthy choices—we pick up superfoods, stock up on supplements, and do our best to avoid processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. But here’s the thing: if we’re not looking after our microbiome, we might be missing the most important piece of the puzzle.

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re still struggling with histamine intolerance, hormone imbalances, low moods, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), mould illness, or just that frustrating ‘why-do-I-feel-like-this’ feeling—your gut, and the trillions of microbes living there, could hold the answer. In fact, supporting the microbiome is the foundation of everything we do in our clinic.

You’re Not Just You—You’re a Walking Ecosystem

Here’s a mind-blowing fact: your human DNA only accounts for around 20,000 genes. Your microbes? They contribute somewhere between 2 and 20 million genes. That means, in a way, you’re actually less than 1% human! No wonder scientists are racing to understand the microbiome—it’s not just a part of health; it is health.

Every single thing you eat, the air you breathe, even your stress levels, all influence the microbes that live in and on you. And they’re not just passive passengers—these tiny organisms actively shape how you feel. They impact digestion, detoxification, immune function, hormones, metabolism, and even your mood. When they’re in balance, they help keep everything running smoothly. But when they’re out of whack? That’s when symptoms start creeping in.

The Microbiome and Chronic Health Conditions—The Missing Link?

Most people think of gut health in terms of bloating or digestion, but its reach is far greater than that. Your microbiome influences inflammation, brain function, and even how well your body handles histamine. If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms are spiraling out of control with no clear answer, your microbes might be sending distress signals.

For example, certain gut bacteria can help break down histamine, while others produce more of it. If the balance tips the wrong way, you might find yourself reacting to foods, environmental triggers, or even stress. And when mould exposure enters the picture, it can further disrupt gut integrity, allowing inflammatory molecules to flood the body.

This is why, in our clinic, we always start by looking at the microbiome. It’s not just about fixing one symptom—it’s about understanding the whole system.

It’s Not Just About the Gut

When we talk about the microbiome, we’re not just talking about the gut. We’re also looking at the oral microbiome, nasal microbiome, vaginal microbiome, and even the skin microbiome—all of which interact with each other. A disrupted microbiome in one area can have ripple effects across the whole body.

Take the oral microbiome, for example. It’s the gateway to the gut, and an imbalance here can influence digestion, inflammation, and even brain health. Similarly, for the nasal microbiome – bacterial or fungal overgrowth – including moulds – can significantly impact the rest of the body, including our brain and cognitive function. It’s all connected, which is why nourishing our microbiome is so fundamental to what we do.

Why We Focus on the Microbiome First

The microbiome isn’t just ‘a part’ of health—it’s the foundation. Our gut microbiome shapes how we absorb nutrients, how we detoxify, how we respond to our environment, and how resilient our immune system is. When something is off in the body, we always ask: what’s happening with the microbiome? Because more often than not, that’s where we find a missing piece of the puzzle.

Testing the Microbiome—Finding the Clues to Your Health

If you’re wondering whether your microbiome could be influencing your health, testing can provide valuable insights. In our clinic, a key part of our approach is using advanced microbiome testing to assess gut bacteria, histamine-producing strains, fungal overgrowth, and more. We also are able to test oral, nasal and vaginal microbiome balance. These tests help us uncover hidden imbalances and create a personalised plan to support your microbiome and overall health.

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Scientific References

1. Kohnert, E., Kremer, B., & Bals, R. (2022). The role of the microbiome in histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 149(4), 1055-1065.
2. Petersen, C., & Round, J. L. (2021). Defining dysbiosis and its influence on host immunity and disease. Cell Microbiology, 23(2), e13258.
3. Venter, C., Meyer, R., & Nwaru, B. I. (2020). The role of dietary fibers in modulating immune responses and allergic diseases. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 50(9), 987-1000.
4. Ghosh, T. S., Shanahan, F., & O’Toole, P. W. (2021). The gut microbiome as a modulator of healthy aging. Nature Aging, 1(2), 24-37.
5. Lv, L., Jiang, H., & Chen, Y. (2020). The impact of gut microbiota on neurological disorders and its possible mechanisms. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 52(1), 1-12.