Writing Exercise #5

Prior to taking this course, I have never given much thought in regards to microbial communities, especially those that reside within me. However, after learning a significant amount of information with articles from this course along with external research, I now know the significance of a healthy gut microbiome.

In reflection of my past nutritional choices and consumption, I have realized that I unintentionally induced harm to my gut microbial communities through occasional alcohol use, antibiotic use, and not eating a diverse range of foods. Alcohol is known to cause an adverse effect on microbial health and antibiotics destroys both bad and good bacteria. In the future, I will take synbiotics prior to alcohol or antibiotic use in order to help restore and strengthen the gut microbiome before damage. Lastly, as an Asian American, my diet mainly consists of rice along with certain side dishes. Needless to say, my diet does not include a diverse range of foods which does not benefit my microbial health.

Some choices I make that positively impacts my microbial communities include regularly consuming yogurt, Kefir, Multigrain fiber bars, and fermented foods like kimchi. I typically eat a nutrigrain fiber bar along with yogurt each morning that improves my gut flora. Prior to this course, I unintentionally eat this every morning because I enjoy it. The probiotics in yogurt and fiber in my breakfast helps to improve and restore my gut flora. I have to admit that I did not know the function and benefits of Kefir, but I have been drinking it occasionally as I like yogurt drinks. Lastly, the kimchi I eat contain beneficial bacteria that help support my microbiome.

In summary, my non-intentional choices that I have made prior to knowledge gained in this course has now turned into intentional choices as I will further attempt to improve my gut microbiome which is correlated to the development of many diseases.

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