Human Nutrition, Gut Microbiome
And Immune System
By Zahida Chaudhary MD
Microbes in the Human Micro biome include species from each major domain
Bacteria
“Extremophile”Archaebacteria
FungiE-coli Virus
Symbiotic Relationships Between Microbes and Their Hosts
• Symbiosis means “to live together”
We have symbiotic relationships with countless microorganisms
Types of symbiosis
1. MutualisticBoth organisms benefit – “mutually beneficial” Escherichia coli
-Synthesizes Vitamin K & B complex Vitamins-In return, we provide a warm, moist nutrient rich environment for E. coli
2. Commensalistic– One organism benefits. The other is neither helped
nor harmed3. Opportunistic
– Under normal conditions, microbe does not cause disease, but if conditions become conducive , it can cause disease
Dysbiosis is the abnormal microbial colonization of the intestine , where changes in Quantity and Quality of flora become Pathological & Harmful.
When intestinal flora equilibrium is disturbed, the optimum expected health effects are lost autoimmune conditions result (IBD, rheumatoid).
A common cause of dysbiosis is antibiotic therapy (Iatrogenic).
Dysbiosis
Initial Colonization of the Newborn-Humans are born without any microorganisms.
-Colonization of skin, oral/respiratory tract, genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract begins immediately at birth with bacteria in the proximity of the birth canal and the anus.
-Genetic, Environment and Feeding pattern (fragile micro biota)
-Later the micro biota will stabilize according to the type of feeding.
Caring Suckling, kissing and caressing (mother’s flora
Intestinal Micro biota: Alterations During Human Life Cycle
Our adult bodies contain 10 times more microbial cells than human cells
Human colon contains up to 100 trillion bacteria
Numerous studies have suggested that shifts in the populations of microbial communities may be associated with a number of important acute and chronic diseases:
Inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, eczema and other skin diseases, vaginal infections
This presents an opportunity to develop new approaches to therapy as a means of maintaining health (Institute of genomic science)
The Human Microbial Meta genome
Intestinal Microbiota:Role in Health and Disease
C. difficile Manifestations• Carrier state• C. difficile - associated diarrhea colitis• Pseudomembranous colitis• Fulminant Colitis / Toxic mega colon• Atypical (e.g., sepsis, ascites)• Recurrent disease Why Do We Get Recurrent CDI ?• Impaired host-response• Altered intestinal microbiome
– “Dysbiosis” = decreased micro biota diversity
Intestinal Micro biota:Environmental Influence and Immune Response
Link between gut microbial communities and adiposity
Altered Intestinal
Permeability
Poor Dietary Choices
Stress & Emotions
Infection
Chronic Abx/Steroids
Systemic Disease
Toxic Exposure
Food Intolerance
Malnutrition
Dysbiosis
Toxic Overload
Elevated TotalToxic & Antigenic
Burden
Low Stomach Acid
Systemic Disease
Intestinal Permeability - Pathophysiology
Interplay Between Medicine and Microbes
Antibiotics
Kills infectious bacteria but also disrupts natural flora. Can result in yeast infections, digestive problems, etc.
Chemotherapy drugs
Gut flora has been shown to modify some drugs during metabolism. This causes many side effects, including upset stomach.
What can damage Gut Flora
Antibiotics
Steroids, The Pill
Other Drugs
Stress
Poor Diet
Infections
Disease
Bottle Feeding
Old Age
Pollution
Radiation
Alcohol
Toxic Chemicals
Dental Work
Imbalance of intestinal micro flora results in:
Poor nutritional response
Reduced efficacy of medications
Physiological dysfunction
Accelerated aging
Cancer
Deficient immune response
Susceptibility to infection
Physical discomfort
Ask both, what we can do for our microbiomeand what our microbiome can do for us
The implications of our nutritional choices are more significant than we may realize
Nutritional choices could impact our long-term health.
If we keep our micro flora happy and thriving in a balanced environment, our health will be on the right track.
Symbiotic Relationship