Did you know you have up to 100 trillion microbial cells in your body? Many of these cells make up your gut microbiome, which influences how your digestive tract functions and your overall health. Here’s how.
Although it’s reasonable to assume the 10-100 trillion microbes inside your body put you in danger, most microbial cells work in tandem with your healthy body to keep your systems running smoothly.
You have microbiota communities in your skin, respiratory tract, mouth, and reproductive organs, all comprising your overall microbiome.
Your gut microbiota is a community of microorganisms in your digestive tract, and it plays an instrumental role in your gastrointestinal (GI) health and overall well-being.
This intricate ecosystem helps perform essential functions such as metabolism, immune system education and regulation, and protection against pathogenic invasion. Here, our Newtown Gastroenterology team delves into your gut microbiota and how it impacts your health.
Gut microbiota composition varies from person to person but typically contains various bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other similar microorganisms.
Each person’s microbiome is unique and shaped by diet, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. These microbes work harmoniously with your body, aiding digestion, vitamin production, and even fighting harmful pathogens.
In the right ratios, these microorganisms work hand in hand with your body, but too few or too many or the wrong types can cause problems, such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
SCFAs, such as butyrate, hold a special place among the many substances your gut microbiota produces.
These molecules are a vital energy source for cells lining your colon, known as colonocytes. Butyrate triggers apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in colon cancer cells, so it has a potentially therapeutic role in managing colon cancer.
Dysbiosis occurs when your gut microbiota’s delicate balance gets disrupted. You’re at risk for various health issues when you lack beneficial bacteria or have too many harmful ones. For instance, research suggests a link between gut dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dysbiosis often leads to inflammation, primarily due to changes in microbial components that enter your body. Chronic inflammation, in turn, can contribute to health problems like cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diabetes.
The impact of the gut microbiome extends beyond gastrointestinal health. Emerging research suggests a microbial imbalance may lead to autoimmune diseases or mental health issues, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.
Your gut microbiota also influences how your body responds to medications, affecting drug metabolism and effectiveness.
Since your gut microbiota influences everything from digestion to mental well-being, we offer personalized treatment plans to balance your microbiome and improve your overall health. From dietary changes and supplements to surgical solutions, our Newtown Gastroenterology team can help you solve your gut issues and harness the power of your internal microbial allies.
Book online or call Newtown Gastroenterology to schedule an appointment with our gut microbiota experts.
