Welcome to your Gut Microbiome!

Digestive compaints are prevalent in todays world, due to many factors, and some of the main reasons are 1. the lack of mineral rich food due to depleted soil; 2. GMO foods; 3. chronic stress; 4. dehydration; 5. malabsorption, and 6. dysbiosis. In this blog we briefly discuss intestinal dysbiosis and how psychological stress and diet can impact on your health.

The gastrointestinal tract (GI)

This is one of the largest interfaces between your internal environment and the outside world. Its function is to digest and absorb the crucial nutrients provided by the food you eat. At the same time, your GI also provides a barrier that prevents health threatening molecules to pass through the intestinal mucosa and access the systemic circulation.

These intestinal dysfunctions are now known to be contributing factors to many chronic diseases such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders and degenerative diseases, which we see daily in clinical practice.

Intestinal Dybiosis

Your intestinal microflora represents a complex ecosystem that has a critical role in 1. the digestion and absorption of nutrients, 2. the synthesis of vitamins and fatty acids, 3. the detoxification of ingested chemicals and 4. the regulation of the immune system.

Any alteration in the composition of the microflora generally leads to dysbiosis - an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine - of which the average adult human intestinal tract is estimated to host up 50 different genera of bacteria, accounting for more than 500 different species.

Antibiotic use many of us have received a prescription for antibiotics. This is a common cause of major alterations, and it is the dosage, length of administration recommended by your GP will determine the impact on the microbial flora. It takes a simple 7-day course of antibiotics to considerably reduce your benefical gut bacteria!

Psychological stress

Prevalent in society today, this has affected both the young and old - particularly during and since the covid pandemic - affecting the composition of the gut flora. This includes a significant decrease in beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) and an increase in pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Stress may affect bacterial growth by significantly reducing the mucosal production of mucopolysaccharides and mucins, which are important for inhibiting the adherence of pathogenic organisms. Also, by decreasing the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), your first level defence, which play a crucial role in the elimination of opportunistic pathogens.

Neurochemicals are produced with psychological stress that also directly enhance the growth of pathogenic organisms: for instance norepinephrine (noradrenaline) may stimulate the growth of Y. Enterocolitica, P. Aeruginosa, and gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli.

Diet

A balanced nutritious diet promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms, while others (processed and refined sugars) promote harmful microfloral activities. For instance, diets rich in sulfur compounds - raw, non-homogenised organic/grass-fed dairy products, organic eggs, broccoli, bok choy, and cabbage, sun-dried fruits - promote the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Globally it appears that populations consuming the typical Western diet have more anaerobic bacteria (typically suppurative, causing abscess formation, tissue necrosis, gas formation and tissue-destructive enzymes) less Enterococci, and fewer types of yeasts than populations consuming a vegetarian or high complex-carbohydrate diet.

If you are considering working with a nutritionist or simply want to learn more about nutrition, Get in touch today to find out more about our Nutritional Program.

You will get the best results working with our Registered Nutritionist, Ala, who will tailor a custom plan to your goals, whether they be:

• Deepen your knowledge of a healthy lifestyle
• Improve your relationship with food
• Transition to a plant-based diet
• Optimise your nutrition for pregnancy
• Manage a chronic disease such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Crohn's/Colitis, Acid Reflux, Diverticulitis, cancer or Prediabetes