Gut Microbiome: The Tiny World Inside Us & Its Link to Disease
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By Bernitta Willoughby, Osteopath
As an osteopath, I’ve long been fascinated by how interconnected the systems of the body truly are. Over recent years, one area that has particularly caught my attention—both in the research and in my own clinical observations—is the gut microbiome.
We often think of bacteria as something to fight off, but the gut is home to a thriving world of microbes that are not only beneficial, but essential to our health. More than ever, we're learning that the health of the gut doesn’t just affect digestion—it may also play a role in everything from immunity to mental health and chronic pain.
Let’s explore what the gut microbiome is, and why so many health professionals, including myself, are turning to it as a window into whole-body wellness.
🧠 What Is the Gut Microbiome?
The gut microbiome refers to the vast collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract, particularly in the large intestine. These microbes aren’t freeloaders—they contribute to digestion, help synthesise vitamins, regulate inflammation, and even support the nervous system.
No two microbiomes are alike. Your microbial makeup is shaped by genetics, your birth (vaginal or C-section) - yes when we are born through the vaginal canal, we get a whole face-full of bacteria from our mothers which is a great gut microbiome start-up (always have found that totally amazing, plus when mothers are nearing full term of pregnancy - the bacterium ‘down there’ changes in preparation for birth! ) whether you were breastfed (yes the nipples also have their own bacterium), the foods you eat, stress levels, medications, and more. As an osteopath, I often look at how these factors contribute to my patients’ overall health picture, particularly when chronic issues are at play.
🔬 What the Research Says: Gut Health & Disease
One reason I’ve become so passionate about gut health is because of the incredible amount of emerging research. The microbiome appears to influence many long-term conditions, and not just digestive ones.
1. IBD & IBS
In people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the balance of gut bacteria is often significantly altered. A drop in diversity, or an increase in pro-inflammatory species, can contribute to gut dysfunction and painful symptoms.
These are conditions I come across in practice, especially when chronic back pain or fatigue is present. Many patients have no idea their digestive issues could be linked to the rest of their symptoms, this can be referred to as a viscera-somatic pain response and is well-known across the medical profession.
2. Metabolic Conditions
The microbiome also appears to influence blood sugar regulation, weight gain, and insulin resistance. Some bacterial strains may encourage fat storage or affect how we metabolise food, influencing the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
I often talk to patients about nutrition and natural supplements, especially those managing inflammation or joint pain. Supporting gut health through diet is one of the most impactful lifestyle shifts a person can make.
3. Mental Health & the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain connection is an area I find particularly compelling. The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and communicates constantly with the brain via the vagus nerve.
There’s growing evidence that gut imbalances may contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues. I’ve seen this in patients who, after addressing gut health, report not only better digestion, but improved mood, focus, and energy levels.
4. Autoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
In my osteopathic practice, I regularly support individuals with autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Interestingly, studies have indicated in these patients that the gut microbiome is often out of balance in these individuals—suggesting it may play a role in triggering or sustaining immune dysregulation.
In some cases, restoring a healthier microbial environment may ease the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life.
5. Skin & Musculoskeletal Health
Chronic inflammation is a common thread across many complaints—from eczema to osteoarthritic pain. I often encourage a gut health assessment for those struggling with persistent musculoskeletal issues, as inflammation can stem from poor gut function or an imbalanced microbiome. Sugar is also emerging as a clear aggravator for inflammation within the joints, and yet it is in so many foods, even ‘savoury’ products!
🥦 Supporting a Healthy Gut – Practical Tips
The good news? You can influence your microbiome with daily habits. Here’s what I often recommend in practice:
Eat a wide variety of plant foods – Aim for 30+ different plant types per week to feed a diverse microbiota.
Include fermented foods – Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and miso are natural sources of beneficial bacteria.
Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods – These can reduce beneficial bacteria and promote inflammation.
Use antibiotics only when necessary – They clear out the good with the bad.
Manage stress and prioritise sleep – Chronic stress negatively affects gut balance.
Move your body regularly – Physical activity supports a diverse microbiome and better digestion.
🧪 What About Probiotics?
Probiotics can be helpful, particularly after illness or antibiotics, but it’s important to choose the right strains. I often advise patients to focus first on whole foods and fibre, and to introduce probiotics only when appropriate—ideally with guidance.
💬 A Whole-Person Approach
One of the reasons I love osteopathy is because it never looks at the body in isolation. The gut is just one system among many—but it may hold the key to better health for those struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, or inflammation.
When I work with patients suffering from gut complaints, I often palpate to assess areas of tension and discomfort, collect information about the patient’s dietary habits and give pointers on gut support where appropriate as part of a broader care plan.
🌱 Final Thoughts
The gut microbiome is no longer a niche area of science—it’s central to our understanding of health and disease. As an osteopath, I find it exciting to combine hands-on care with lifestyle education, helping patients not only move better, but feel better from the inside out. You may be surprised how connected the gut and back pain can be!