How Your Gut Microbiome Shapes Everything — from IBS to Immunity
Did you know your gut affects almost every part of your body — from your mood and skin to your immune system, metabolism, and even risk of chronic disease?
Your gut isn’t just an organ for digestion; it’s an ecosystem. Inside you live over 100 trillion microorganisms producing more than 20 million genes — that’s 150 times more genes than the human genome.
In fact, 99 % of your body’s genetic material comes from your gut microbes, making your microbiome one of the strongest predictors of your long-term health [1].
Your Poop = A Window into Your Health
Prof. Francis Chan and his team at CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) have proven that what we once saw as waste actually holds powerful data.
By studying the microbiome through stool analysis, scientists can identify imbalances that signal early risks for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), chronic inflammation, and even colorectal cancer (CRC) — the third most common cancer worldwide.
“We can’t change our genes, but we can change our gut microbiome — and that holds tremendous potential to prevent disease,”
— Prof. Francis Chan, CUHK
Watch the video snippet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ECf7_e1267Q_A84XzrbqvffowbvEL99B/view?usp=drive_link
What’s Throwing Our Gut Off-Balance?
Our modern, Westernized diets — low in fibre and high in processed foods — are one of the biggest disruptors of gut health. They feed harmful bacteria while starving the beneficial ones, leading to gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance).
When that happens, your gut produces fewer short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — the healing compounds that reduce inflammation, protect your intestinal barrier, and support mood regulation.
Low SCFAs = weak gut barrier + higher risk of inflammation and chronic disease.
Why Your Gut Deserves Attention Now
A healthy gut does more than digest food. It:
- Keeps harmful pathogens in check
- Trains your immune system
- Produces mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin
- Protects against chronic inflammation and premature aging
When the gut environment is disrupted, the effects ripple throughout the body — triggering digestive discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, skin flare-ups, and long-term health risks.
The Start of a Healthier Gut Journey
To help people repair and protect this vital system, Prof. Chan’s team developed SMT04 — a next-generation precision synbiotic that works with your body to restore microbiota balance in 48 hours and increases microbial diversity by 42.6% in 1 month [2].
Developed using one of the world’s largest Asian-specific microbiome datasets, SMT04 is designed to address the unique gut profiles found in our region — offering targeted, clinically backed support for IBS, leaky gut, and long-term prevention.
Watch the video snippet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rr85ctyOgfXAGLBshFS1bOtQeVUD_SNn/view?usp=sharing
Your Takeaway This Week
Your gut is more predictive than your DNA.
Before symptoms appear, your microbiome is already sending signals about your future health.
Start listening — and start rebuilding.
Feed your gut, protect your barrier, and set the foundation for long-term well-being.
Next Week (Week 2): We dive into how a damaged gut barrier — Leaky Gut — is the hidden root of IBS, and how SMT04 helps rebuild your intestinal defense.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43674270
[2] Liang JQ et al., Cells. 2023
Ching et al., Int J Probiotics Dietetics. 2023