Bob Crowther shares research findings about microbes associated with our bodies, positive health benefits.
The numbers and diversity of invisible microbes that inhabit our bodies have been the subject of many newspaper and online articles during the past several years.
National Public Radio (NPR) aired several programs during 2012 on this subject including a discussion of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP): an effort to identify all the microbes on/in the human body and their gene sequences.
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This analysis of microbes, including bacteria and viruses, involved sampling of over 200 healthy adults [looking at multiple sites of five body regions].
This data provides baseline information that will allow scientists and medical professionals to ask questions about how the genes of microbes interact with human genes.
Bacteria form diverse and normal symbiotic communities (ecosystems) throughout our bodies that differ depending on their location (consider the gut, mouth and skin) and significantly influence our health.
Some reported roles attributed to the gut bacteria:
- important in enzyme and vitamins (some B and K) synthesis
- influence metabolism of fiber; production of amino acids and short-chain fatty acids
- release anti-inflammatory chemicals; interaction with immune cells
- synthesis of neurotransmitters; signaling molecules to various organs including the brain
Scientists have documented that excessive use of antibiotics have unintended consequences: drug treatment leads to the loss of 'good' bacteria.
This has led to research focused on how the diverse array of microbes interact with human immune cells and their impact on inflammation and illness.
The HMP observations have been complemented by other studies examining variations of genes in different strains of bacteria in the guts of healthy women over time.
Related individuals were found to have similar populations of gut bacteria.
During 2013, NPR aired a discussion about the Food and Drug Administration and a medical therapy (fecal transplants) for individuals with infected large intestine and severe diarrhea from the pathogen (the bacterium, Clostridium difficile) not responding to other treatments including antibiotics.
Michael Pollan, author of the Omnivore's Dilemma and Cooking: A Natural History of Transformation, addressed a wide range of topics about the gut microbiome in a New York Times article (May, 2013).
Pollan identified himself as a participant in the American Gut Project: extending observations from the HMP studies and providing an wider analysis of gut microbes and their genes obtained from the public.
Insights about microbes continue to emerge: evaluation of microbiomes of individuals from remote geographical areas not exposed to 'Western' medicine / antibiotics have suggested low diversity of microbes may lead to an increase of allergies, asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
The negative impact of processed foods consumed throughout the 'West' (including the United States) continues to be evaluated as the diagnosis of obesity increases.
Lab studies with mice using bacteria to influence excessive weight continue to be evaluated.
In various animal studies, ingredients within processed foods and the lack of fiber (the subject of my next post) have been shown to contribute to inflammation of the colon.
Recent revelations should encourage the public to be cautious about consumption of prebiotics (foods for microbes) and probiotics (introduction of so-called 'good' microbes) in the absence of informed scientific data and better oversight.
Medical professionals note the quality control of probiotics need to be evaluated further to substantiate advertised claims.
A preliminary take home message from the emerging microbiome data is for individuals to take a more active role in evaluating the foods they consume.
Eating more raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts instead of processed foods will likely enhance the microbial diversity of the intestinal tract and help to maintain your health.
Keep active, attend a yoga session.
#Microbes #Microbiome #Human Microbe Project #Microbes and Nutrition #Yoga And Nutrition
