The Role of the Gut and the microbiome

The human gut microbiome and its role in both health and disease has been the subject of extensive research, establishing its involvement in human metabolism, nutrition, physiology, and immune function. Imbalance of the normal gut microbiota have been linked with gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and wider systemic manifestations of disease such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atopy. The constituents of the microbiota—bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes—have been shown to interact with one another and with the host immune system in ways that influence the development of disease. We review these interactions and investigate the impact of a holistic approach to studying the microbiota that goes beyond characterization of community composition and encompasses dynamic interactions between all components of the microbiota and host tissue from within the womb into old age. We look at what affects the microbiome and how we can through food and supplementation strengthen both the gut and the microbiome. We also look into the role of the gut as the second brain, its impact on mood, depression, autism, Alzheimer’s, ADD, ADHD, and our disconnect from our “gut feeling”. A must-do course for ANYONE who wants to establish health and vitality, physically, emotionally and mentally.

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