Gut what, gut who, gut zoo?? As the National Institutes of Health works to map our microbial populations through the induction of the NIH Human Microbiome Project (microbiome is a fancy-pants word for the population of organisms that live in, on, and among us) we continue to learn more about our microflora and how it affects not only our gut and our immune system but also, our overall health! I like to call it… the Gut Zoo.
Ponder this for a moment… the ratio of bacteria to human cells in the average adult is approximately 10:1 — with the majority of bacteria residing in the gut. This means that you are vastly outnumbered by these weird little commensals and for all intensive purposes, are one, big blob of bacteria. Don’t you think it’s about time we pay a little respect, offer them a little TLC, and see to it that they are kept happy and healthy? Let’s face it, they own us!
There are over 400 species of bacteria in the human gut, more microbes even than there are stars in the galaxy! The most well-known species (for better or worse) include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii, Escherichia coli, Candida, Helicobacter Pylori and Streptomyces. And, each person’s gut zoo varies depending on diet, country of origin and residence, age, lifestyle practices, health status, etc.
The purpose of this microbial population is multi-functional:
- combat pathogens
- encourage proper immune function
- aid in digestion
- synthesize important vitamins and minerals
- play an important role in lipogenesis, offer anti-carcinogenic activity
- and much more… including tasks we are not yet aware of!
So you can see the inherent value in keeping the zoo nicely maintained.
Many factors including cesarean delivery, ingestion of certain foods, alcohol, antibiotics, and even the aging process can diminish gut flora. Unfortunately, our in-house data-pool, from the Gastrointestinal Function Profile we offer, leans more heavily towards low and dysbiotic populations among the majority of our patients’ results proving that many factors do indeed decrease proper flora. This clinical picture is contrary to what research touts as “optimal” and may be associated with a number of symptoms and conditions.
Key studies point towards having a wide variety of robust microbes in proper balance with each other as being the most beneficial for overall health. So for this type of patient, deficient and imbalanced in overall flora, treatment focused on re-inoculation and support is warranted… this is this perfect time for a pre- and probiotic regimen, among other things.
Tell me more about Pre- and Probiotics
There are a number of dietary components that provide us with beneficial biota including fermented products, fruits, and vegetables. I always like to encourage patients to obtain as much of these beneficial biota as possible from their actual diets. When supplementing with a probiotic formula, unless your specific presentation warrants otherwise, it’s key to focus on a broad-spectrum formula that contains a number of different genera. This helps to ensure an adequate supply of overall bugs is provided, rather than just a few isolated species. In addition, it’s always a great idea to combo probiotic supplementation with a nice prebiotic which acts as “food” to the good bacteria. Often composed of various beneficial ingredients to help all microbiota flourish, prebiotics are also able to encourage the indigenous population that we, as a scientific community, have not yet identified.
As we continue to expand our knowledge-base on this important and fascinating topic, we’ll continue to learn more, so stay tuned. I also encourage you to do your homework and to check out as many valuable sources on this very subject, they are out there and waiting for you to read up!
Feed the animals
We’ve all seen the signs at the zoo that read, “don’t feed the animals.” Well in this case, PLEASE feed the animals, and make sure it’s the foods they like. The theme remains… it truly is all about the gut! And of course the gut flora that outnumbers our normal cells 10:1. Remember, keep that gut zoo happy!
Next time, I’ll shed more light on the features of our GI Effects Profile that make it a step above the rest! —Dr. Marynowski
Probiotics have proven to be effective at rebuilding the microbial population, decreasing GI symptoms such as diarrhea & inflammatory bowel disease, combating food allergies, and so much more! Food sources include:
- Kefir
- Live active cultured yogurt (including delicious coconut yogurt!)
- Miso
- Raw Sauerkraut
- Tempeh
Prebiotics are indigestible food components that encourage the growth and flurry of beneficial flora in the gut. Food sources include:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Banana
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Leeks
- Chicory root
- Dandelion greens
- Maple syrup
- Mushrooms
- Barley
- Rye
- Oats
- Tomato
Your Gut Health – Additional Resources:
