Optimal Gut Health: Finding a Healthy Balance – Part 2

What to look out for... Dr. Bajnath explains more about keeping a health balance in your gut. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Longevity Insider HQ. [Click here]( to manage your e-mail preferences. [Longevity Insider HQ logo] Optimal Gut Health: Finding a Healthy Balance – Part 2 Anil Bajnath, MD | August 05, 2021 | Baltimore, MD Dear Longevity Insider, “All disease begins in the gut.” – Hippocrates Our gut ecosystem needs balance to maintain its synergism with the rest of the body. How so? Our gut microbiome contains microbes that are symbiotic and pathogenic. Symbiotic microbes are bacteria that live in symbiosis with another organism or each other. These microbes are beneficial to microbiota and the human body as they play a fundamental role in our immune system, specifically, by regulating immune homeostasis. Homeostasis in the gut microbiome refers to the state of equilibrium of the microbiome. On the contrary, pathogenic microbes may have viruses, bacteria, mycobacteria, and more that can promote disease. The microbiota of a healthy gut will provide adequate protection from pathogens that enter our body through contaminated food and water. When the balance of the bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract (GI) is disrupted, this is known as a condition called gut dysbiosis. When we have gut dysbiosis, the pathogenic microbes and symbiotic microbes are no longer coexisting in the gut in harmony. What are some common signs of gut dysbiosis? - Upset Stomach - Abdominal Pain - Unintended Weight Gain - Diarrhea - Constipation - Gas - Bloating - Indigestion - Acid Reflux While the common signs listed above are all related to the gut, gut dysbiosis influences more than just our gut. [Dysbiosis of the gut bacteria communities can cause many chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, cancer, and autism.]( The complex mechanisms of gut bacteria and human health are parallel. What Causes Gut Dysbiosis? Many factors that play into when dysbiosis happens in your GI tract. At the Institute for Human Optimization, we believe in looking at all possible aggregators from genetics to your environment. Let’s look at a few common causes: - Genetics: As a portion of our gut bacteria is inherited, our genes have an impact on our gut microbiome. There is a unique interplay between host genetics and gut microbiota. It’s important to note that your genes do not determine your gut health destiny. - Environment & Geographical Location: The role of the external environment and the gut microbiome is complex but relevant. If you live in a biodiverse microbe-rich environment, this may have defensive effects on your gut health. Living in an area that has environmental extremes (i.e. environmental pathogens, pollution, noise, high altitude, extreme heat and/or cold) that can be detrimental to gut host health. - Diet: Unfortunately, too many Americans consume a high intake of calorically dense, ultra-processed, nutritionally poor foods. A Western diet is not conducive to optimal gut health. [The composition of the diet will inevitably affect selective growth of types of bacteria in the gut.]( Studies have shown how ultra-processed foods adversely change the gut microbiota and lead to inflammation. As we learned in last week’s blog, chronic inflammation is dangerous as it is linked to several illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks, and much more. - Antibiotics: Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and/or preventing bacteria from growing. While [antibiotic therapy is considered as a milestone in fighting infectious diseases, its negative effects on gut microbiota and host health have been recognized.]( Not all bacteria in the gut are bad. Good bacteria are critical to human functions. Unfortunately, antibiotics cannot recognize the difference and do not just kill the bad bacteria. Studies have even shown that antibiotics have a negative effect not only on the gut but they affect systemic immunity. As of recently, we are starting to see more and more physicians recommend a probiotic and prebiotic with antibiotics to combat the negative effects of antibiotics. - Chronic Stress: Stress affects our entire health, gut bacteria included. When we are chronically stressed, our autonomic and circulatory systems transmit distress signals to the gut. In doing so, the amplified inflammation (because of the stress) then triggers the rise of pathogenic bacteria that promotes gut dysbiosis. Conclusion The gut microbiome is a living, dynamic, and complex environment that is unique to the individual. As we learn more about the complex living dynamic of the gut microbiome, clinicians are gaining a new understanding of its influence on human health and disease. As more research of the gut microbiome develops, this will help clinicians explore new treatment opportunities and therapeutic modalities. To your longevity, Anil Bajnath MD CEO/Founder, Institute for Human Optimization Chief Medical Officer, Longevity Insider HQ P.S. Research shows that the [No. 1 most dangerous ingredient]( in the American diet can be damaging to your gut and overall health. --------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to {EMAIL}. It is not our intention to send email to anyone who doesn't want it. 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