The gut transports and digests food to provide nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to the body. It contains other organs, such as the liver, with important functions. A double-fold lining of the abdominal cavity holds the intestine to the abdominal wall, holds all other internal organs in place, and prevents the gastrointestinal tract and other organs from twisting.
However, the gut might be an even more complex organ than previously thought. The gut is seeded with microbiota right after birth. Although the composition of the gut microbiome is influenced by both host genetics and environmental factors, it can be remodeled throughout life. The microbial community's formation depends on environmental factors such as dietary nutrients, fiber, antibiotic use, gastrointestinal disease, and the host's genetic background. Fecal transplants from obese to lean mice have also triggered well-recognizable neurologic complications of obesity in the receiver animals. There are indications that the same relationship is valid in humans as well.
However, the gut might be an even more complex organ than previously thought. The gut is seeded with microbiota right after birth. Although the composition of the gut microbiome is influenced by both host genetics and environmental factors, it can be remodeled throughout life. The microbial community's formation depends on environmental factors such as dietary nutrients, fiber, antibiotic use, gastrointestinal disease, and the host's genetic background. Fecal transplants from obese to lean mice have also triggered well-recognizable neurologic complications of obesity in the receiver animals. There are indications that the same relationship is valid in humans as well.
Alterations in the intestinal microbiota show a clear link to metabolic diseases [type-2 diabetes], autoimmune arthritis, and psychiatric disorders. Obese subjects also show deficits in memory, learning, and executive functions. Epidemiological studies also indicate that obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, and vice versa. Obesity-associated microbiota may contribute to endocrine, neurochemical, and inflammatory alterations. Understanding the full set of metabolites will open new insights into how changes in the gut microbiome affect systemic metabolism and its alterations in diabetes and obesity.
Gut microbes play a role in human physiology by synthesizing vitamins and digesting complex compounds such as polysaccharides, drugs, and other substances. The gut microbiota mediates the effects of environmental pressures (e.g., diet, lifestyle) on human physiology. For example, over 800 different peptides appear to affect brain function in various ways, suggesting cross-talk among energy metabolism, mood, and cognitive function. Gut microbes also play a role in immune cell development and protect from colonization by pathogenic bacteria.
In mice, the Ketogenic Diet (high levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrates) has shown positive cognitive outcomes in epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and autism patients. Detailed studies have shown that the gut microbiome improved and that blood glucose levels and body weight decreased. The most exciting finding has been the reduction of amyloid-beta, a known hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, in the brain. Other studies have found that consuming raw foods may also be beneficial for mental health.
Bacteria in your gut (the microbiome) are more important than you ever suspected. This gives new meaning to the old adage, you are what you eat. Read more...
Picture credit: Tvanbr
Picture credit: Tvanbr
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