Microbiome Moment: 🐝 What’s the Buzz About the Microbiome, Anyway?

Why It Matters for Moms and Kids — and How It Inspired Microbiome Moments

I had heard the word microbiome in one of my science classes in nursing school, but it was just skimmed over. I never understood the importance of it or really thought about it, until my son’s digestion was so off that I was desperate for answers. Maybe you’re feeling that way right now, or you have at some point. If you have ever wondered why you or your child’s digestion, skin, mood, immunity isn't where you think it should be, or why you can’t seem to get your own health back on track… keep reading.

What is the microbiome? 

Your microbiome is the home to trillions of tiny bugs (organisms), both good and not so good, like bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and even viruses that live in and on our bodies, mainly in the gut. Every single type and strain of bacteria plays a vital role in making sure things are running smoothly. When the microbiome is out of balance, this is called dysbiosis, and you may experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, skin issues, frequent illness, mood swings, and more. (But no symptoms doesn’t mean no imbalances either; your body might just be compensating!) When the microbiome is balanced, it facilitates proper digestion and absorption of food and supports the immune system, mood, and hormones. The microbiome is shaped by your mode of delivery, feeding, diet, nutrition, environment, stress levels, and even the microbiome of your mom! It continues to change throughout your life based on what you eat, how you live, and the exposures you encounter. Research shows our gut microbiome influences digestion, metabolism, immune health, and even brain function! (Here’s one study if you are curious)

Okay… but why does this matter for moms and kids? A healthy microbiome sets everyone up for success! For kids, it can affect their health, including how often they get sick, whether they struggle with constipation, reflux, or food sensitivities. The first three years of a child’s life are critical in shaping their microbiome and are helpful for projecting their gut health into adulthood. In moms, it can impact hormone balance, stress resilience, and energy levels. I have seen this firsthand in my own family. My kids’ digestive challenges and my long history with gut issues led me to start digging deeper. What I learned completely changed how I approach my health, the health of my family, how I feed my family, and how I support the moms and children I work with today. The impact that the food we eat and our lifestyle has on our microbiome is so significant. Processed foods, increased stress, a go-go-go lifestyle, a lack of food variety, and the increased use of antibiotics over the years can disrupt the balance and robustness of the microbiome. That’s why supporting the microbiome early with small supportive shifts is so essential.

My history with digestive issues started in high school after multiple rounds of antibiotics as a child for chronic ear infections. Over a decade later, my children’s digestive challenges made me realize there had to be a bigger connection. Almost 4 years ago, I ran my first TinyHealth microbiome test on my son. The results were eye-opening. From there, I started working with a naturopathic doctor, running functional testing for both of us, and making slow, supportive changes—prioritizing nutrition, removing what wasn’t serving us, and adding in gentle supports. It wasn’t overnight, but that experience lit a fire in me to learn everything I could about the microbiome and help other families find the same relief and confidence.

When it came time to name this blog, I wanted something that reflected both my passion for gut health and my belief in slowing down to notice the small, meaningful shifts that create lasting change.

The microbiome is constantly changing!! No one gets an A+ on a gut health test. Sometimes it shifts in significant ways, but often in tiny, daily adjustments we barely notice at first. The same is true for our health journey. Real wellness is in the quiet, everyday choices and consistency: adding one more veggie to your plate (or having your child put the veggie on the plate…baby steps!), taking a walk after dinner, getting outside in the sunshine, or making time to rest.

For me, Microbiome Moments is about those little wins, little shifts, the moments when you feel a bit more energy, your digestion is smoother, your child’s skin clears, or your mood lifts. They may seem small, but they add up to lasting health for you and your family.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s one small habit that makes a big difference:
Add a new colorful plant food to your week.
This could be a vegetable you don’t usually buy (think yellow onion instead of a white onion), a new fruit for breakfast, or even a fresh herb. Different plant foods help feed different beneficial microbes, so the more variety you give them, the more resilient your microbiome can become.

You don’t have to overhaul your diet or buy a pantry full of supplements to support your microbiome. Start by focusing on one or two moments each week where you make a choice that feels good for your body. Start with adding things in. Over time, those moments add up, and your gut will thank you.

Curious about your microbiome? Let’s chat about your options in a free consultation here. Let's Talk Microbiomes 

And don't forget to grab my FREE 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan for simple, doable steps to support your microbiome starting today. You can check that out here! FREE 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan

 Remember, the path to true gut health isn't going to be an all or nothing battle against food, life, or yourself. It's about making those small choices to make real lasting changes. No matter how big or small the change is, it's a win for gut health!

Until next time, thank you for being here with me!

XO,

MaryRose
The Microbiome Mom

Want to keep up with the adventures of The Microbiome Mom?

Follow my adventures of gut wisdom on my socials below!

Instagram.com/rosenutritionandwellness/

Facebook.com/rosenutritionandwellness

Linkedin.com/in/RoseNutrition

Pinterest.com/rosenutritionandwellnes

🫶 Need Supplements You Can Trust?

As a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I’ve curated a Fullscript Dispensary with trusted, professional-grade supplements so you can support your gut, energy, and hormones with confidence.

✅ Practitioner-vetted brands
✅ Personalized recs (if you need them)
✅ Delivered straight to your door

Start here
View My Dispensary 👉 Fullscript