New Delhi: Extensive studying of the gut microbiome has opened new dimensions in the field of medical sciences. The gut microbiota are not just the living organisms residing in our digestive tract, rather they are therapeutically important microorganisms that provide a wide range of health benefits that range from digestion to immunity boosting.
The association between gut bacteria and overall health was decoded by Dr Shubham Vatsya Senior Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.
What is the gut microbiome?
Gut microbiota is the microorganisms’ ecosystem present in the digestive system of the human body, which mainly comprises bacteria. This microbial community interacts with the human body (the host) and provides a wide array of health benefits.
- Aids in digestion and metabolism: The main function of the bacterial community residing in our gut is to break down the complex food particles and help in digesting the food. In this process, bacteria produce certain by-products known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that further strengthen the gut lining. This microbiome also influences the body’s metabolic rate and if there is an imbalance, it leads to additional fat storage and gain in pounds too.
- Immunity booster: The body’s digestive tract contains almost 70 percent of the body’s immune cells and the microbiome acts as the line of defense against the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in our body. The good bacteria of the gut interact with the immune cells and create a balance. If dysbiosis occurs, it leads to inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, etc.
- Gut and brain connection: Gut microbiota has a direct association with the functioning of the brain and influences mental health. The gut microbiome is responsible for producing neurotransmitters that play a key role in mood regulation such as serotonin, dopamine, etc. If there is dysbiosis in the gut, there is an onset of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc.
- Chronic disease prevention: If there is dysbiosis in the digestive tract, it leads to the onset of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. For those who have diabetes, the gut bacteria cause insulin resistance in them. Eggs and red meat contain choline and carnitine, which is metabolized by gut bacteria and converted into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which is linked with cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
The advancements in the field of gut microbiome have led to new developments in health and disease. There is a direct therapeutic link between gut microbiota and disease prevention.
