GUT MICROBIOME AND ITS FUNCTIONS IN THE COLON

it explains about the various Gut microbial flora and its functions.
it also explains about the benefits of Gut macrobiota and how it alters the metabolic functions.

1. Gut Bacteria FUNCTIONS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE

2. There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are found in your gut The human gut naturally contains communities of hundreds of different species of bacteria, which are important in health and disease, called the gut microbiome .

3. Most of these bacteria live in a part of your large intestine called the cecum .

4. The human gut is colonized by 10 14 microorganisms which is approximately ten times the number of human cells!

5. Large research projects including the Human Microbiome Project (whose aim is to facilitate characterisation of the human microbiome , https://hmpdacc.org) have identified 2172 microbial species in human beings, 93.5% of which belonged to the Proteobacteria , Firmicutes , Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla.

6. Development of microbiome Development of the microbiome The colonisation of the gut with microbes begins at birth. In a normal vaginal delivery microorganisms are transferred from the birth canal to the baby, live bacteria and microbial DNA have been isolated in meconium Babies delivered by C-section have a different microbial profile

7. C-section delivery has been associated with increased risk of obesity, and bacteria types which may increase infection risk. These differences may persist through the first year of life. The microbiome is able to encode over 3 million genes, and is able to undertake a range of metabolic functions that humans can’t do or have limited ability to do.

8. Formula fed and breast fed infants have differing microbes and there is suggestion that expressed breast milk, having been refrigerated or frozen, then warmed or thawed may also lead to changes in the infant microbiota. 6 Dominguez-Bello et al 6 state that ‘Early life microbiota functions are likely to be key in understanding the aetiology of chronic immune diseases of urban societies..’

9. Due to the large diversity of microorganisms found between individuals, it has not been possible to describe a ‘healthy microbiome ’ in terms of a common set of core microbes. 7 It has been suggested and that a microbiome may have a healthy functional core, 7 that is that the microbiome is carrying out all of its metabolic and molecular functions, although the organisms doing so, may differ from person to person. Diversity within the microbiome allows for this ‘functional redundancy’ in which there is more than one available microorganism type to complete a function. 4 As well as having diversity, to keep healthy the microbiome must have resilience to challenges, such as changes in diet or drug use or internal challenges like ageing. 7 It has been suggested that the Western lifestyle and diet has led to a Western microbiota that lacks diversity, is dysbiotc and leaves us vulnerable to disease. 1,9

10. In a study on gut bacteria conducted by researchers from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal, it was found that the Indian gut microbiome has the highest abundance of the Prevotella genus of bacteria, in particular, a species called Prevotella copri . On the other hand, the gut microbiomes of people from Western countries like the USA are dominated by Bacteroides

11. Gut flora are partially inherited from the mother at birth and the other half is determined by lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, stress, and age. A newborn baby is sterile and bacteria colonize the exposed lining of the digestive tract by entering through the oral pathway. The diet and nutrients received help in creating the microbial environment in the digestive tract. The composition of gut flora keeps varying from time to time and is unique for each individual based on lifestyle factors, exercise, stress, illness, travel, and age. Gut bugs are flexible and change according to the needs of the diet. For instance, Japanese individuals are able to partially digest seaweed due to the personalization of their digestive tract by certain bacteria.

12. Recent studies have shown several connections between the presence of gut flora and overall health. They can be the biggest ally in order to stay healthy or be the worst enemies based on the composition of the bacteria.

13. functions Fermentation of non-digestible food residues such as starch and cellulose with provision of energy both to the host as well as the intestinal flora Synthesis of vitamin K which is essential for production of clotting factors; gut bacteria also synthesize biotin and folate which are essential nutrients Aid absorption of dietary calcium, iron and magnesium Enhancement of immunity Lactobacilli in gut reduce the pH and prevent the growth of ammonia producing bacteria and additionally favor ammonia excretion. Both these effects reduce the blood levels of ammonia which is toxic to the body.

14. Prevent disease by competing with disease causing bacteria for nutrients and attachment to epithelial cells, thereby preventing entry of harmful bacteria into the intestinal cells. Good gut bacteria have been shown to promote oral health and reduce incidence of bad breath, dental caries, and throat infections. Production of acid by gut bacteria such as lactobacillus keeps the pH acidic and prevents yeast infection as well as E coli infection. Lactobacilli also reduce the risk of colon cancer by decreasing the synthesis of cancer causing chemicals by harmful gut bacteria.

15. gut bacteria line your intestines, they come into contact with the food you eat. This may affect what nutrients you absorb and how energy is stored in your body. One study examined the gut bacteria in 77 pairs of twins, one of whom had obesity and one of whom did not. A study found that those who had obesity had different gut bacteria than their twins without obesity. In particular, obesity was associated with lower gut bacteria diversity, meaning there were fewer types of bacteria in the gut . Other studies have shown that if the gut bacteria from people with obesity are put into mice, the mice gain weight. This suggests that gut bacteria could affect weight

16. Micro biota and weight loss humans can’t digest fiber but certain gut bacteria can. By digesting fiber, these gut bacteria produce a number of chemicals that benefit gut health and possibly promote weight loss .

17. Micro biota and weight loss gut bacteria also digest certain antioxidants found in plants known as flavonoids , which may help prevent weight gain

18. Role in inflammation gut bacteria play an important role in inflammation. Some species produce chemicals like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which cause inflammation when they pass into the blood. When mice are given LPS, they gain as much weight and have similar increases in blood sugar and insulin as mice fed a high-fat diet certain gut bacteria that produce LPS and cause inflammation may contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance . A study in 292 people found that those who were overweight had lower gut bacteria diversity and higher levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker in the blood (

19. Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia are beneficial species of bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut barrier and prevent inflammatory chemicals from passing from the gut into the bloodstream

20. Effect on hunger. Short-chain fatty acids are chemicals that are produced when certain species of gut bacteria break down fiber. One of these is known as propionate. One study in 60 overweight adults found that taking propionate for 24 weeks significantly increased levels of the hormones PYY and GLP-1, both of which influence hunger. People who took propionate also had reduced food intake and reduced weight gain

21. Effect on hunger People who ate 16 grams of prebiotics per day for two weeks had higher levels of hydrogen in their breath. This indicates gut bacterial fermentation, less hunger and higher levels of the hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which make you feel full

22. A balanced gut is necessary for proper digestion, but having enough good bacteria also keeps you healthy in other ways. For example, by producing vitamins, supporting the immune system, and fending off harmful bacteria. With more than 70% of your immune system residing in your gut, it’s worth keeping your gut well-nourished.

23. Microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria. many factors, including the foods you eat , can impact the type of bacteria found in your digestive tract. Generally speaking, a diverse microbiome equals a healthy microbiome . This is because the more species of bacteria you have, the more health benefits they can support. In fact,  several studies  show that elderly people possess a more diverse gut microbiota than younger adults. Between long-living Chinese, Japanese, and Italian people, all cohorts revealed diverse and balanced gut microbiota .

24. The composition of bacterial species varies significantly between people and has previously been shown to be associated with a wide range of conditions including obesity, immune response, a.nd mental health

25. Have you ever felt “butterflies in your stomach,” or made a “gut decision”? that might have been your “second brain” — otherwise known as your gut — talking. Our guts are composed of over 100 trillion bacteria and about 100 million nerve cells line the entire gastrointestinal tract. The gut and brain are often communicating with each other along what’s known as the gut-brain axis.

26. Both mental and physical health — from Alzheimer’s disease to depression — can be affected by the health of our guts . Recent scientific research has shown the numerous ways our guts work and heal.

27. In a massive study involving 668 children suffering from Crohn’s Disease (inflammation of the intestine), it was seen that the count of beneficial gut bacteria was significantly lower. Probiotics help combat these symptoms by increasing the levels of good gut bacteria.

28. Hormonal Regulation: Estrogen hormone is absorbed from the bloodstream by the liver, deactivated and then wasted through the stool. However, in the presence of good gut bugs, beta glucuronidase is produced that causes the reactivation of this hormone. Bacterial flora keeps problems like osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, and breast soreness at bay by regulating estrogen.

29. autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and allergies have been directly linked to gut flora. The pathogens form various toxins and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. This triggers inflammation and the occurrence of autoimmune disorders.

30. Cholesterol Levels : Most of the cholesterol produced by the liver is converted into bile acids, which are stored in the gallbladder and used to help digest fats and ultimately excreted through the colon. Harmful gut bacteria tend to attack these bile acids, and release a toxic by product. This triggers the liver to convert less cholesterol into bile acids, raising cholesterol levels in the blood which is harmful.

31. ref Gut Bacteria in Health and Disease - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/) Gut Flora in Health and Disease - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12583961) Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20664075)

32. Our gut bacteria produce many of the chemicals that affect our mood People usually assume that most of our serotonin, often known as the happy chemical, is housed in our brain. However, approximately 95 percent of our body’s serotonin is actually found within the gut. GABA, another neurotransmitter that improves mood, is also often present in the gut. And both are released from good bacteria, meaning that the gut has a tremendous effect on our overall health.

33. Various studies have catalogued the association between imbalanced gut microbiota — usually marked by bad bacteria — and neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Gut imbalances may also contribute to other types of critical diseases, including obesity and colorectal cancer. More research is needed to understand if these links are happenstance or if they’re actually caused by bad gut bacteria. But restoring the gut’s bacterial balance may be a crucial factor in the future for preventing and treating these types of diseases and chronic illnesses.

34. What does it do? —the trillions of probiotic bacteria that live on and in us, these microbes contribute to our health in myriad and previously unimagined ways. The beneficial bacteria in your intestines, for example, aid digestion, manufacture nutrients, protect against food-borne pathogens, and even appear to play a role in  regulating your body weight .

35. Escherichia coli bacteria, coloured scanning electron micrograph. E. coli bacteria are a normal part of the intestinal flora in humans and other animals, where they aid digestion

36. Microbiotone leaves.. These helpful creatures can be wiped out by  antibiotics  and other drug therapies, colonics, or even a bad case of diarrhea. When this happens, you want to restore those beneficial intestinal flora as quickly as possible. > even following colonoscopy.. Source: scientific american . Oct, 2015.

37. 6 How Gut Bacteria May Help Curb Your Heart Disease

38. Turns out it might not be the fat and cholesterol in red meat that most harm your heart. It could be how bacteria in your gut interact with the food.

39. of the host– microbiome interactions that impact on disease. Manipulation of the microbiota as a therapeutic tool is a rapidly advancing field in microbiome research. There is an abundance of data suggesting treatments capable of reversing dysbiosis are effective in managing certain human diseases. Targeted antibiotic use to eliminate select microbiota , probiotics and prebiotics to encourage the expansion of beneficial bacteria and faecal microbiota transplantation to restore bacterial communities are some of the approaches that are currently under investigation or in use. These studies will provide a greater understanding of the host– microbiome interactions that impact on disease.

40. Cleveland Clinic researchers surprised everyone with that news years ago. This month they revealed another surprise: It could be possible to treat or prevent diet-induced heart disease by tweaking your gut bacteria. So far, it has worked in lab mice.

41. “The concept that gut bacteria contribute not only to atherosclerosis , but also to heart failure and chronic kidney disease, opens up exciting new nutritional and interventional prospects,” says Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD , Head of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation.

42. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD Cleveland clinic.

43. Commonly used drugs accumulate in human gut bacteria, which can affect the drugs' effectiveness and change the bacteria's metabolism.

44. Anti inflammatory new study describes how molecules produced by gut bacteria help control the activity of a protein known to suppress inflammation. P-glycoprotein (P- gp ), one of its important functions is to catch and pump out foreign substances that enter cells. more recently P- gp has been found to also play a key anti-inflammatory role in the gut, producing molecules known as endocannabinoids which suppress inflammation.

45. The new research found P- gp expression is influenced by a combination of gut bacteria metabolites. Most importantly the research found P- gp expression is not regulated by one single metabolite or species of bacteria. Instead, P- gp expression is induced by a synergistic combination of a short-chain fatty acid known as butyrate and three secondary bile acids (LCA, DCA, and UDCA). Optimal P- gp expression was detected only when all of these molecules were working in concert with one another. Merran Dunford , a researcher from the University of Bath working on the study, says the big finding here is the discovery of a cross-talk mechanism highlighting how a healthy microbiome can communicate with the immune systems to keep inflammatory activity in the gut in balance.

46. the researchers grew 25 common gut bacteria and studied how they interacted with 15 drugs that are taken orally. The drugs were chosen to represent a range of different types of common drugs, including antidepressant medications, which are known to affect individuals dissimilarly and cause side effects such as gut problems and weight gain. The researchers tested how each of the 15 drugs interacted with the selected bacterial strains – a total of 375 bacteria–drug tests. They found 70 interactions between the bacteria and the drugs studied – of which 29 had not been previously reported.

47. there are many ways to reverse inflammatory responses that stem from an unhealthy gut. Our gut microbiota is extremely responsive to outside factors, such as diet, smoking, antibiotic use, infections and stress.

48. Avoiding diets that are high in saturated fats and sugars. Anti-inflammatory foods include foods with healthy fats, such as walnuts, flaxseed and oily fish like salmon or sardines; fruits and vegetables and whole grains. • Practicing well-being. Try mindfulness or meditation or just figure out a way to reduce stress that works for you, and commit to it. • Get physically active. Beyond the tangible benefits of improving our heart health and helping with weight control, exercise has been proven to enrich the diversity of our gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. As little as 20 minutes a day can produce anti-inflammatory benefits.

49. Gut and metabolic syndrome Chin Med J ( Engl ). 2020 Apr 5; 133(7): 808–816. Published online 2020 Apr 5. doi :  10.1097/CM9.0000000000000696 the pathogenesis of MetS is related to a variety of factors, such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, and oxidative stress. [ 1 , 2 ] In recent years, it has been found that gut microbiota disorder is also a risk factor for the development of MetS . In the human body, the gut microbiota is the most diverse microbial community

50. Some microbiota -derived metabolites are known to have a positive impact on the host. These include those with anti-inflammatory activity, anti-oxidant activity, and pain relief activity, as well as those acting as vitamins or energy sources, and those that regulate gut barrier function. On the other hand, certain microbiota -derived metabolites are harmful to the host, which include cytotoxins , genotoxins , and immunotoxins . [ 4 , 5 ] The gut microbiota , therefore, plays a key role in maintaining the physiological function of the host, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota caused by various factors leads to extensive physiological changes and increases the risk of MetS .

51. Interesting to know age? researchers studying the gut bacteria of thousands of people around the globe have come to one conclusion: The microbiome is a surprisingly accurate biological clock, able to predict the age of most people within years.

52. researchers studying the gut bacteria of thousands of people around the globe have come to one conclusion: The microbiome is a surprisingly accurate biological clock, able to predict the age of most people within years.

53. To discover how the microbiome changes over time, longevity researcher Alex Zhavoronkov and colleagues at InSilico Medicine, a Rockville, Maryland–based artificial intelligence startup, examined more than 3600 samples of gut bacteria from 1165 healthy individuals living across the globe. Of the samples, about a third were from people aged 20 to 39, another third were from people aged 40 to 59, and the final third were from people aged 60 to 90.

54. The scientists then used machine learning to analyze the data. First, they trained their computer program—a deep learning algorithm loosely modeled on how neurons work in the brain—on 95 different species of bacteria from 90% of the samples, along with the ages of the people they had come from. Then, they asked the algorithm to predict the ages of the people who provided the remaining 10%. Their program was able to accurately predict someone's age within 4 years, they report on the preprint server bioRxiv . Out of the 95 species of bacteria, 39 were found to be most important in predicting age.

55. Zhavoronkov and his colleagues found that some microbes became more abundant as people aged, like Eubacterium hallii , which is thought to be important to metabolism in the intestines. Others decreased, like Bacteroides vulgatus , which has been linked to ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammation in the digestive tract. Changes in diet, sleep habits, and physical activity likely contribute to these shifts in bacterial species, says co-author Vadim Gladyshev , a Harvard University biologist who studies aging.

56. Zhavoronkov says this " microbiome aging clock" could be used as a baseline to test how fast or slow a person's gut is aging and whether things like alcohol, antibiotics, probiotics , or diet have any effect on longevity. It could also be used to compare healthy people with those who have certain diseases, like Alzheimer's, to see whether their microbiomes deviate from the norm.

57. metS Lipopolysaccharide endotoxin is the only known bacterial product which, when subcutaneously infused into mice in its purified form, can induce obesity and insulin resistance via an inflammation-mediated pathway. Here we show that one endotoxin -producing bacterium isolated from a morbidly obese human's gut induced obesity and insulin resistance in germfree mice.

58. the endotoxin -producing Enterobacter decreased in relative abundance from 35% of the volunteer's gut bacteria to non-detectable, during which time the volunteer lost 51.4 kg of 174.8 kg initial weight and recovered from hyperglycemia and hypertension after 23 weeks on a diet of whole grains, traditional Chinese medicinal foods and prebiotics . A decreased abundance of endotoxin biosynthetic genes in the gut of the volunteer was correlated with a decreased circulating endotoxin load and alleviated inflammation

59. metS Mono-association of germfree C57BL/6J mice with strain Enterobacter cloacae B29 isolated from the volunteer's gut induced fully developed obesity and insulin resistance on a high-fat diet but not on normal chow diet, whereas the germfree control mice on a high-fat diet did not exhibit the same disease phenotypes. The Enterobacter -induced obese mice showed increased serum endotoxin load and aggravated inflammatory conditions. The obesity-inducing capacity of this human-derived endotoxin producer in gnotobiotic mice suggests that it may causatively contribute to the development of obesity in its human host.

60. ISME J. 2013 Apr; 7(4): 880–884. Published online 2012 Dec 13. doi :  10.1038/ismej.2012.153 Copyright/ License Request permission to reuse

61. Table 1 Changes of endotoxin load, inflammation indicators, metabolic phenotypes and the gut microbiota during weight loss of a morbidly obese volunteer MeasurementsDay 09 Weeks23 WeeksReference range Body weight (kg)174.8144.8123.5—BMI (kg m −2 )58.7848.6641.5018–23SBP (mm Hg)150120120⩽140DBP (mm Hg)1108075⩽90Triglycerides ( mmol  l −1 )2.681.721.180–1.7Total cholesterol ( mmol  l −1 )5.534.644.783.00–5.17HDL cholesterol ( mmol  l −1 )0.890.700.82>0.91LDL cholesterol ( mmol  l −1 )3.423.153.420–4.16Fasting plasma glucose ( mmol  l −1 )8.954.765.403.90–6.10Fasting plasma insulin ( μ IU ml −1 )58.725.823.06–27HbA1c (%)7.585.444.523.8–5.8AST (U l −1 )122513110–47ALT (U l −1 )9750330–41GGT (U l −1 )16849590–56LBP ( μ g ml −1 )7.032.294.78—C-reactive protein (mg l −1 )14.19.49.510–10IL-6 (pg ml −1 )6.714.462.76—Adiponectin ( μ g ml −1 )2.002.094.27— Enterobacter a 34.98%1.77%0%  Enterobacteriaceae b 13.23%0.45%0.32% 

62. HEALTHY gut Generally speaking, a diverse microbiome equals a healthy microbiome . This is because the more species of bacteria you have, the more health benefits they can support. In fact,  several studies  show that elderly people possess a more diverse gut microbiota than younger adults. Between long-living Chinese, Japanese, and Italian people, all cohorts revealed diverse and balanced gut microbiota .

63. Bad foodfs Rather than classify foods as good or bad, it’s important to emphasize the importance of bio-individuality. You are unique—as is your gut bacteria—and that’s a beautiful thing! Knowing how different foods might affect your gut will help you make informed decisions. Generally speaking, refined grains, refined sugars, industrial seed oils , conventional dairy, and alcohol are gut-offenders. In essence, these ingredients can have a massive impact on overfeeding yeast and candida in the body. In turn—you guessed it—affecting gut health.

64. GUT BRAIN AXIS Links between the central nervous system and the trillions of bacteria in the gut — the microbiota — are now a major focus of research,

65. But how does this ‘gut–brain axis’ work? A study published this week in Nature Microbiolog y tackles some of these issues ( M. Valles-Colomer et al. Nature Microbiol . https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-018-0337-x; 2019 ). The authors used DNA sequencing to analyse microbiota in the faeces of more than 1,000 people enrolled in Belgium’s Flemish Gut Flora Project. The team then correlated different microbial taxa with the participants’ quality of life and incidence of depression,

66. using self-reported and physician-supplied diagnoses. The researchers validated the findings in an independent cohort of 1,063 individuals in the Netherlands’ LifeLines DEEP project. Finally, they mined the data to generate a catalogue describing the microbiota’s capacity to produce or degrade molecules that can interact with the human nervous system.

67. The researchers found that two groups of bacteria, Coprococcus and Dialister , were reduced in people with depression. And they saw a positive correlation between quality of life and the potential ability of the gut microbiome to synthesize a breakdown product of the neurotransmitter dopamine, called 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. the results are some of the strongest yet to show that a person’s microbiota can influence their mental health. These are still correlations, not causes. Researchers know that the gut microbiota can produce or stimulate the production of neurotransmitters and neuroactive compounds, such as serotonin, GABA and dopamine, and that these compounds can modulate bacterial growth. The challenge now is to find out whether, and how, these microbe-derived molecules can interact with the human central nervous system, and whether that alters a person’s behaviour or risk of diseas Ref: Nature 566 , 7 (2019)

68. Gut feeling… Could the microbes that inhabit our guts help explain that old idea of "gut feelings?" There's growing evidence that gut bacteria really might influence our minds. I'm always by profession a skeptic," says Dr. Emeran Mayer , a professor of medicine and psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. " But I do believe that our gut microbes affect what goes on in our brains ."

69. Mayer thinks the bacteria in our digestive systems may help mold brain structure as we're growing up, and possibly influence our moods, behavior and feelings when we're adult

70. Brain and gut Mayer doing MRI scans to look at the brains of thousands of volunteers and then comparing brain structure to the types of bacteria in their guts. He thinks he already has the first clues of a connection, from an analysis of about 60 volunteers.

71. Brain and gut Mayer found that the connections between brain regions differed depending on which species of bacteria dominated a person's gut. That suggests that the specific mix of microbes in our guts might help determine what kinds of brains we have — how our brain circuits develop and how they're wired.

72. Gut and brain. other researchers have been trying to figure out a possible connection by looking at gut microbes in mice. There they've found changes in both brain chemistry and behavior. One experiment involved replacing the gut bacteria of anxious mice with bacteria from fearless mice.

73. A big nerve known as the vagus nerve, which runs all the way from the brain to the abdomen, was a prime suspect. And when researchers in Ireland cut the vagus nerve in mice, they no longer saw the brain respond to changes in the gut. "The vagus nerve is the highway of communication between what's going on in the gut and what's going on in the brain," says John Cryan of the University College Cork in Ireland, who has collaborated with Collins.

74. o find out what might be causing the behavior changes, Collins and his colleagues then measured brain chemistry in mice. They found changes in a part of the brain involved in emotion and mood, including increases in a chemical called brain derived neurotrophic factor , which plays a role in learning and memory.

75. The mice became less anxious, more gregarious," says Stephen Collins of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, who led a team that conducted the research . It worked the other way around, too — bold mice became timid when they got the microbes of anxious ones. And aggressive mice calmed down when the scientists altered their microbes by changing their diet, feeding them probiotics or dosing them with antibiotics.

76. gut microbes may also communicate with the brain in other ways, scientists say, by modulating the immune system or by producing their own versions of neurotransmitters.

77. "I'm actually seeing new neurochemicals that have not been described before being produced by certain bacteria," says Mark Lyte of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Abilene, who studies how microbes affect the endocrine system. "These bacteria are, in effect, mind-altering microorganisms." This research raises the possibility that scientists could someday create drugs that mimic the signals being sent from the gut to the brain, or just give people the good bacteria — probiotics — to prevent or treat problems involving the brain.

78. In the mice, many of their autism behaviors were no longer present or strongly ameliorated with probiotics , says Paul Patterson at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif.

79. One team of researchers in Baltimore is testing a probiotic to see if it can help prevent relapses of mania among patients suffering from bipolar disorder. "The idea is that these probiotic treatments may alter what we call the microbiome and then may contribute to an improvement of psychiatric symptoms," says Faith Dickerson , director of psychology at the Sheppard Pratt Health System

80. Mayer also has been studying the effects of probiotics on the brain in humans. Along with his colleague Kirsten Tillisch , Mayer gave healthy women yogurt containing a probiotic and then scanned their brains. He found subtle signs that the brain circuits involved in anxiety were less reactive, according to a paper published in the journal Gastroenterology .

81. Mayer thinks the bacteria in our digestive systems may help mold brain structure as we're growing up, and possibly influence our moods, behavior and feelings when we're adults. "It opens up a completely new way of looking at brain function and health and disease," he says. So Mayer is working on just that, doing MRI scans to look at the brains of thousands of volunteers and then comparing brain structure to the types of bacteria in their guts. He thinks he already has the first clues of a connection, from an analysis of about 60 volunteers. So Mayer is working on just that, doing MRI scans to look at the brains of thousands of volunteers and then comparing brain structure to the types of bacteria in their guts. He thinks he already has the first clues of a connection, from an analysis of about 60 volunteers.

82. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/11/18/244526773/gut-bacteria-might-guide-the-workings-of-our-minds?jwsource=cl

83. The future Future potential of microbiota manipulation for the treatment of disease Manipulation of the microbiota as a therapeutic tool is a rapidly advancing field in microbiome research. There is an abundance of data suggesting treatments capable of reversing dysbiosis are effective in managing certain human diseases. Targeted antibiotic use to eliminate select microbiota , probiotics and prebiotics to encourage the expansion of beneficial bacteria and faecal microbiota transplantation to restore bacterial communities are some of the approaches that are currently under investigation or in use. These studies will provide a greater understanding of the host– microbiome interactions that impact on disease.

84. In the far-flung future, perhaps medicines specifically targeting the microbiome will be created for psychiatric conditions; the microbiome may become an early warning system for certain diseases or even a diagnostic tool.

85. anipulation of the microbiota as a therapeutic tool is a rapidly advancing field in microbiome research. There is an abundance of data suggesting treatments capable of reversing dysbiosis are effective in managing certain human diseases. Targeted antibiotic use to eliminate select microbiota , probiotics and prebiotics to encourage the expansion of beneficial bacteria and faecal microbiota transplantation to restore bacterial communities are some of the approaches that are currently under investigation or in use. These studies will provide a greater understanding of the host– microbiome interactions that impact on disease.

86. IBD Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) —This is one of the most extensively studied human conditions associated with the gut microbiota . The composition of the gut microbiota differs between healthy individuals and patients with IBD both in terms of species richness ( ie , numbers of bacterial species) and species abundances ( ie , number of individuals per species). As bacteria are identified by sequencing, rather than by functional characteristics in the culture laboratory, the individual bacterial species or genus (depending on the classification of sequence data) are commonly referred to as operational taxonomic units in microbiota research.

87. welcome research that helps increase understanding of how environmental factors, diet and gut microorganisms may influence conditions such as Crohn's and colitis,” says Wakeman . “We hope that research such as this will lead to new and improved methods of managing the conditions in the future."

88. DIABETES ype 1 diabetes —The gut microbiota is involved in regulation of the metabolic–immune axis. 8 Research studies speculating the specific causative microbial composition and function have not been consistent. However, Bifidobacteria is believed to be protective, while Proteobacteria is a reported risk factor. Similarly, changes in gut microbiota caused by lifestyle ( eg , mode of delivery and diet) are known risk factors for the development of type 1 diabetes, like birth by caesarean section reportedly increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by 20%. 7

89. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) —The gut microbiota can influence human behaviour by modulating the gut–brain axis via endocrine ( cortisol ), immune (cytokines) and neural ( vagus and enteric nervous system) signalling pathways.. Several studies have described an altered gut microbiota in children with ASD compared with developmentally normal children. 25 However, more work is needed to establish if this is important in the pathogenesis of the condition

90. Can We Eat Our Way To A Healthier Microbiome ? Rob Stein got his microbiome analyzed recently in the name of science journalism.. As Stein noted, it may be possible to cultivate a healthier community of bacteria on and inside us by modifying our diets. Are certain vegetables good because they have a positive effect on our microbiome ? Or do they have a more direct effect on our metabolism? "That's still very much an emerging area of research," Knight tells The Salt.

91. Dietary fiber serves as food for many of the bacteria that live in our guts, says microbiome researcher Jeff Leach of the Human Food Project . "It doesn't hurt as a general rule to eat more fiber, There are a lot of different ways to get fiber. Leach recommends getting it from vegetables. Eat a variety of veggies, and eat the whole thing, he recommends. "If you're going to eat asparagus, eat the whole plant, not just the tips," he says.

92. Garlic actually has antimicrobial properties, which paradoxically, could also be good thing for our microbiomes . One study shows that garlic hurts some of the bad bacteria in our guts while leaving the good guys intact.

93. Another way to build a better microbiome may be to eat foods that naturally teem with probiotics . Michael Pollan mentions the puported benefits of organic veggies fresh from the soil

94. Can We Eat Our Way To A Healthier Microbiome ? vegetables contain high levels of a type of fiber called inulin , which feeds actinobacteria in our guts. Inulin is considered a prebiotic , since it feeds the good bacteria, or probiotics , that live inside us. When we starve our bacteria they eat us," Leach says. "They eat the mucus lining – the mucin in our large intestine."

95. including flax seeds in the diet has been proven to change the growth of gut bacteria and increase insulin resistance.

96. The Best and Worst Foods for Gut Bacteria A number of different foods are good for gut bacteria , including: Whole grains: Whole grains are grains that haven’t been refined. They’re high in fiber, which is digested by healthy gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and may aid weight loss ( 32Trusted Source ). Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain many different fibers that are good for gut bacteria. Eating an assortment of plant-based foods can improve gut bacteria diversity, which is linked to a healthy weight ( 33Trusted Source ). Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds also contain lots of fiber and healthy fats, which help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut ( 34Trusted Source ). Polyphenol -rich foods: These include dark chocolate, green tea and red wine. The polyphenols in these foods can’t be digested alone but are broken down by beneficial gut bacteria, promoting the growth of good bacteria ( 35Trusted Source ). Fermented foods: Fermented foods include yogurt, kombucha , kefir and sauerkraut. They contain beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli and can minimize other disease-causing bacteria in the intestines ( 36Trusted Source ). Probiotics : Probiotics aren’t necessary all of the time, but they can help restore healthy gut bacteria after an illness or course of antibiotics and may even aid weight loss ( 37Trusted Source ).

97. Bad for gut sugary foods: A diet high in sugar can stimulate the growth of certain unhealthy bacteria in the gut, which may contribute to weight gain and other chronic health disorders . ( 39Trusted Source ). Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin reduce beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which may contribute to high blood sugar

98. Foods containing unhealthy fats: Healthy fats such as omega-3s support beneficial bacteria in the intestines, whereas too many saturated fats may contribute to the growth of disease-causing bacteria

99. Here are the science-based ways to improve gut bacteria . 1. Eat a diverse range of foods few studies have shown that gut microbiome diversity is much greater in people from rural regions of Africa and South America than in people from urban areas in Europe or the United State

100. Bifidobacteria Eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruit They are high in fiber which your body can’t digest. However, certain bacteria in your gut can digest fiber, which stimulates their growth. Beans and legumes also contain very high amounts of fiber. raspberries artichokes green peas broccoli chickpeas Lentils beans whole grains bananas apples

101. Eat fermented foods Fermented foods have undergone fermentation, a process in which the sugars they contain are broken down by yeast or bacteria. yogurt kimchi sauerkraut kefir kombucha

102. Research shows that people who eat a lot of yogurt appear to have more lactobacilli in their intestines. These people also have less Enterobacteriaceae , which is a type of bacteria associated with inflammation and a number of chronic conditions

103. However, many yogurts, especially flavored yogurts, contain high amounts of sugar. Therefore, it’s best to opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt or a flavored yogurt with minimal added sugar that is made only of milk and bacteria mixtures, also sometimes called “starter cultures.”

104. Fermented soybean milk may promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli , while decreasing quantities of some other harmful strains of bacteria. Kimchi may also benefit the gut flora promote Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli ,

105. simple kimchi , is made with cut cabbage, radish, and scallions and a seasoned paste of red pepper, garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish sauce, salted shrimp, or kelp powder

106. 4. Eat Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. prebiotic foods They are mainly fiber or complex carbs that human cells cannot digest. Instead, certain species of bacteria in the gut break them down and use them for fuel. Many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain prebiotics , but they can also be found on their own.

107. Resistant starch can also be a prebiotic . This type of starch is not absorbed in the small intestine and passes into the large intestine, where the microbiota break it down. that prebiotics can promote the growth of several types of beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacteria Some studies suggest that prebiotics could also reduce risk factors for certain health conditions by decreasing levels of triglycerides, and cholesterol

108. whole grains Whole grains contain lots of fiber and nondigestible carbs , such as beta- glucan . These carbs are not absorbed in the small intestine and instead make their way to the large intestine to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut Research suggests that whole grains can promote the growth of Bifidobacteria , lactobacilli , and Bacteroidetes in humans

109. plant-based diet Diets containing animal-based foods promote the growth of different types of intestinal bacteria than plant-based diets do A number of studies have shown that vegetarian diets may benefit the gut microbiome , which may be due to their high fiber content

110. Plant based diet A small 2013 study found that a vegetarian diet led to reduced levels of disease-causing bacteria in people with obesity, as well as reductions in body weight, inflammation and cholesterol levels

111. foods rich in polyphenols Polyphenols are plant compounds that have many health benefits, including reductions in blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and oxidative stress Human cells can’t always digest polyphenols . Because they aren’t absorbed efficiently, most polyphenols make their way to the colon, where they are digested by gut bacteria

112. The polyphenols in red wine have similar effects and have even been shown to increase levels of beneficial bacteria in people with metabolic syndrome cocoa and dark chocolate red wine grape skins green tea almonds onions blueberries Broccoli Polyphenols from cocoa can increase the amount of Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in humans and reduce the quantity of Clostridia

113. Eat probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria, that provide a specific health benefit when consumed. Probiotics don’t permanently colonize the intestines in most cases. However, they may benefit your health by changing the overall composition of the microbiome and supporting metabolism

114. Eat probiotics some studies have shown that probiotics can improve the functioning of certain gut bacteria, as well as the specific types of chemicals they produce .. We can increase your intake of probiotics by consuming more probiotic -rich foods, including fermented foods like kimchi , kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

115. THANK YOU

116. Effect on drug metabolism. Commonly used drugs accumulate in human gut bacteria, which can affect the drugs' effectiveness and change the bacteria's metabolism.

117. Effect on drug metabolism Researchers grew 25 common gut bacteria and studied how they interacted with 15 drugs that are taken orally.

118. The drugs were chosen to represent a range of different types of common drugs, including antidepressant medications, which are known to affect individuals dissimilarly and cause side effects such as gut problems and weight gain.

119. Growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota can itself influence the actions of a range of xenobiotics , in both beneficial and potentially harmful ways. Traditionally, clinical studies evaluating the pharmacokinetics of new drugs have mostly ignored the important direct and indirect effects of the gut microbiome on drug metabolism and efficacy. Microbial factors are considered when determining drug pharmacokinetics and the impact that an evolving and dynamic microbiome could have in this regard

120. The collective direct and indirect metabolic influence of these microbes in the gastrointestinal tract is evaluated with regard to the chemical modification of pharmaceutical compounds, dietary components, and environmental agents, and the implications for host health.