YOUR 2025 BRAIN BRAWN • MINI RESOLUTION THE GUT MICROBIOME • WEEK 1

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Captain Kirk may have proclaimed space the final frontier, but with regard to human health, the microbiome may end up taking us places no man has gone before.
 
On us and within us live trillions of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi that modulate our health. Collectively, these are called “the microbiome.” Multiple organs and body systems having a microbiome of their own—such as the gut, our skin, the genitourinary system and even our eyeballs. But when most people talk about “the microbiome,” they are usually referring to the gut microbiome (GMB), which will be our focus this month.


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The GMB cooperates with the host to regulate immunological, metabolic, neurological and endocrine function. It accomplishes this via direct and indirect communication between the gut and the peripheral and central nervous system. Directly, via the vagus nerve—which runs between the gut and the brain—and indirectly, via a network of neurons, proteins and chemicals that also relay messages between the GI and brain. Collectively, the vagus nerve and this network are referred to as the gut/brain axis and transmit messages from the brain to the gut and vice versa. Thus, the relationship is bi-directional.
 
The GMB is an important moderator of this communication as it is involved in nutrient absorption, and the synthesis of enzymes, vitamins and neurotransmitters, producing metabolites (SCFA, butyrate, acetate, propionate and acetate) which maintain barrier integrity of the gut, modulate the immune system and protect against pathogens.
 
The role of the GMB is so important that it is frequently viewed as an organ unto itself—with some referring to it as “the body’s microbial organ.” It is thought a balanced, highly diverse microbiome promotes health. A GMB that is out of balance is considered dysbiotic, wherein pathogenic, pro-inflammatory bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria.
 
For those over the age of 75, GMB diversity may be diminished for a variety of reasons (including medications, dietary changes, lack of exercise and poor-quality sleep) which may potentiate the risk of metabolic, autoimmune and neurological diseases. Some believe “super agers” may be the exception. These are people who have been found to have the GMB diversity of 30-year-olds.
 
Recently, several studies have identified reduced GMB diversity and dysbiosis in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is theorized that the imbalanced condition of the GMB triggers neurodegeneration and tau pathology. Researchers are delving deeper into the concept that the status of the GMB may become a biomarker for early identification of AD.

So, what exactly do we mean when we say “microbiome diversity?”

 
There are more than 8,000 strains of microbes living in the GI. The richer and more evenly distributed these microbes are, the greater the diversity.
 
Throughout life, the GMB is highly modifiable by lifestyle and environment, and this can be used to our advantage or disadvantage.
 
Excitingly, research is starting to define specific strains of bacteria implicated in certain disease states, even Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). As such, the GMB is currently considered a potential therapeutic target for immunological, metabolic, neurological and endocrine conditions.
 
Interestingly, the microbiome is fully formed by the age of 2 or 3 and initially provided by the mother at birth via the birth canal and during breastfeeding. C-section babies and those bottle fed are thought to have less diverse microbiomes with could have potential long-term effects on the child’s health and immunity.

DID YOU KNOW?
 
Considering that the microbiome is composed of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi, it probably won’t surprise you that abuse of antibiotics can potentially have negative impacts on the GMB. What do we mean by abuse? Antibiotics are powerful and important agents against bacterial infections but can be counterproductive to the immune system when a bacterial infection doesn’t exist (e.g. if you’re taking antibiotics for a virus). Please keep this in mind the next time your physician determines the nature of your ailment is viral, in which case antibiotics will not be helpful.

Well, we’ve left you with a lot of information and, next week, we’ll look at how oral health can be an indicator of GMB health. Until then, use the log to continue working at our past mini resolutions.
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