Natural_Medicine_Magazine_Issue_145_July_2017
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health<br />
DR ARIEN VAN DER<br />
MERWE, MBCHB NHA<br />
MISMA<br />
www.DrArien.co.za<br />
Twitter @DrArien<br />
Arien is a medical doctor,<br />
an experienced public<br />
speaker, bestselling author<br />
and has developed several<br />
online health courses.<br />
Arien specialises in natural<br />
integrative medicine,<br />
stress management and<br />
workplace wellness. She<br />
is a registered trainer with<br />
the NHA and a member of<br />
the International Stress<br />
Management Association.<br />
Her latest book is Managing<br />
Diabetes and Related<br />
Health Challenges. Other<br />
books include Health &<br />
Happiness and Stress<br />
Solutions.<br />
The<br />
micr bi me<br />
& internal balance<br />
The human microbiome, which is comprised of all the microorganisms<br />
(the microbiota) that live on and in humans, plays<br />
an essential role in determining good health.<br />
Microbes cover every surface of our<br />
bodies, inside and out. They’re on our<br />
skin, inside our noses, mouths, whole respiratory<br />
tract, plentiful in our digestive tract, reproductive<br />
system, and so on. These microscopic<br />
life forms consist of thousands of species and<br />
outnumber our own 50 trillion cells by about<br />
10 to one.<br />
OUR MICROBIOME PROTECTS US<br />
Our microbiome can be considered as a newly<br />
discovered, still largely unexplored system,<br />
with numerous functions essential to human<br />
life. Very few microbes actually cause disease<br />
and, in fact, many are essential for homeostasis<br />
(internal balance) which is important<br />
for good health. They are key to a healthy immune<br />
and digestive system.<br />
062 | NATURALMEDICINE.CO.ZA
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