Microbiome 101

The microbiome is a universe of trillions of bacteria that naturally live in and on our bodies from the moment we are born. They can be found basically everywhere–from our gut to our skin.

Actually, a lot! Beneficial microbes, which you might know as probiotics, play a fundamental role in our health. From regulating our digestion to keeping our skin clear, these good bacteria are essential to whole-body wellbeing. 

Not so much. Many antibacterial products we use to keep us healthy can also affect the good bacteria in our bodies– think hand sanitizer, antibiotics, and even everyday soap. While these products are useful for destroying bad bacteria and viruses in the short-term, over the long-term they can kill off our beneficial bacteria and cause issues like skin irritation, body odor, and digestive issues. 

OK, this is crazy but true: body odor is not created by sweat. It’s actually created by bacteria. When odor-causing bacteria on our skin seizes control from the good bacteria that normally keeps it in check, we get smelly (like, really smelly).