The Gut Microbiome
"What one poops is what counts and not what one had the intention of pooping." ~ Pablo Picasso
Why do I feel like "crap" (sorry) when I eat crap?
Why do I feel sicker every time I take antibiotics?
Why do I get "brain fog" and walk around like a zombie after a big meal filled with fried food and carbs? It tasted great!
Why does "Garbage in = Garbage out"?
Why do people say "You are what you eat"?
The answers may be multiple and vary from individual to individual but the key contributor likely revolves around the gut microbiome - the relatively new name given to our resident gut flora (bacteria and, to a lesser degree, yeast and protozoa) that inhabit our intestinal lumen. These organisms number in the tens of trillions, represent more than 1000 species, 2/3 of which are unique to individuals. Though performance of studies and reviews of the role of the microbiome and its interactions with the host (us) in health and disease can only be described as "explosive", most "in the know" would agree that this well has just begun to be tapped.
Why is the public not keenly aware that the composition and alteration of the gut microbiome may be key to understanding such important and widespread issues such as obesity, mood, anxiety and depression, many autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. I’m not sure. Is it because the location of this ecosystem (inside the intestine) has a certain taboo associated with it? Is it because although much has been described, we are only beginning or not yet ready to make definitive statements regarding true cause and effect and the best ways to manipulate an altered microenvironment in our favor? Is it because the early experts were non-traditional professionals - doctors and scientists as well as non-traditional, non-professionals, many of whom undoubtedly were focused on economic gain rather than accuracy? These pioneers (mostly underground) loudly endorsed how important the gut flora was and promoted treatment with various combinations of prebiotics (indigestible food that nourishes the "good bacteria"), probiotics (delivery of diverse species of "good bacteria" to the gut via the oral root, various antibiotics and "cleanses" as well as specialized diets. Many of the "patients" found their way to their "saviors" after wandering aimlessly through the healthcare system. Many had symptoms such as "brain fog" malaise, fatigue, depression and pain that were debilitating but non-specific, widespread and unremitting. Labeled as psychosomatics, malingerers or with the kinder (but no less helpful) diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, they were an internist’s nightmare. Many were given the "bullshit" (sorry) diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis or "leaky gut" syndrome.
It is certainly time to shine a bright light on these "insiders" and embrace the concept of the gut as "the second brain." I strongly suspect that a load of vital information will be discovered by investigating this topic. It is clear that potentially lethal cases of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by killing "good bacteria" and allowing the multiplication of the toxin producing clostridium difficile can often be dramatically cured by providing a "fecal microbiota transplant (FMT)." is no question that FMT or an easier, more efficacious way of restoring the microbiome will be studied and utilized in multiple, diverse pathologies.
When your gut is upset (bloated, grumbling, passing excessive gas), pay attention to what you’ve eaten and how you feel. If it hasn’t already, a "light will turn on."
Eat "clean." Strongly consider eating probiotic-rich foods or taking probiotic capsules known to provide sufficient live bacteria with high colony counts and adequate variability of "good bacteria" at least when taking antibiotics or your belly is feeling shitty (sorry). Companies that are able to sample stool or less direct sources (mouth swab, breath) to define your individual gut microbiome and suggest a "designer" probiotic are rapidly emerging.