THE health of your microbiome (gut bacterial flora) can affect your overall health. Past research has shown the correlation between microbiomes and diseases like Alzheimer’s and other form of dementia. Recently, clinical investigators from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas identified 10 specific types of bacteria in the gut of individuals linked with the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A well-balanced gut microbiome (having the proper number of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract) helps with the proper absorption of nutrients, which helps keep our immune system healthy and ward off diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
Other studies have also shown the link between microbiome and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative illness like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There must be an overall balance (good and bad organisms in our gut) in order to achieve gut health, and therefore, general health.
‘Each person’s gut microbiome is different, depending on the individual’s genetics, diet, medications being taken, and their respective surrounding environment.’
The discovery of specific types of bacteria associated with Alzheimer’s will expedite the development of new strategies to aid in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and expedite finding its cure. The study was posted in the Journal of Scientific Reports.
Role of microbiome
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microscopic organisms living in our intestinal tract. They are bacteria, fungi, viruses and others, which assist with our body’s ability to absorb nutrients, recover energy from food metabolism, break down fiber, and maintain gut health and safety. Poor and imbalanced microbiome leads to inflammation, which is a precursor of diseases.
Each person’s gut microbiome is different, depending on the individual’s genetics, diet, medications being taken, and their respective surrounding environment.
Unhealthy gut
The signs of an unhealthy microbiome could include bloating, gassy feeling, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, sleep problem, food intolerance, skin issues, heartburns, mood changes, anxiety, depression, and sugar cravings.
‘Oligomeric tau’
New discovery: Researcher’s found that a particular type of harmful protein, called “oligomeric tau,” may have a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is different from the amyloid plaques found in autopsies of the brain of Alzheimer’s victims. Studies on this new discovery continue. There are about 55.2 million people around the world with Alzheimer’s, more than 6 million in the United States (10.7 % of Americans 65 and over have Alzheimer’s), and more than 4 million of those 65 years and older.
Gut-brain link
The gut microbiome “modulates brain function and behavior via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication system connecting neural, immune and metabolic pathways.” Changes in the gut bacteria can affect the immune system, “causing inflammation throughout the body, including the brain.” This could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The gut bacteria could produce chemicals that cross the blood-brain barrier, act as neurotransmitters and impact brain functions, like cognition, behavior, and mood. The microbiome could also produce short-chain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system.
Microbiome aids
Fortunately, there are practical strategies within our power to improve our gut microbiome: eating a healthy diverse diet (like the Mediterranean Diet), including prebiotic food items, eating fermented foods, taking probiotic supplements, exercising daily, skimping on sugary food items (sweets, soft drinks, carbs in general); getting enough sleep, avoiding antibiotics as much as possible, and staying away from tobacco, alcohol. Indeed, our overall health, including our gut health, is in our hands. The question is, do we have the wisdom and discipline to stop abusing our bodies?
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, Senator, and later presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
