The role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology ^ | October 2012 | Harry J. Flint et al.

[neverdem]

Abstract
The microbial communities that colonize different regions of the human gut influence many aspects of health. In the healthy state, they contribute nutrients and energy to the host via the fermentation of nondigestible dietary components in the large intestine, and a balance is maintained with the host's metabolism and immune system. Negative consequences, however, can include acting as sources of inflammation and infection, involvement in gastrointestinal diseases, and possible contributions to diabetes mellitus and obesity. Major progress has been made in defining some of the dominant members of the microbial community in the healthy large intestine, and in identifying their roles in gut metabolism. Furthermore, it has become clear that diet can have a major influence on microbial community composition both in the short and long term, which should open up new possibilities for health manipulation via diet. Achieving better definition of those dominant commensal bacteria, community profiles and system characteristics that produce stable gut communities beneficial to health is important. The extent of interindividual variation in microbiota composition within the population has also become apparent, and probably influences individual responses to drug administration and dietary manipulation. This Review considers the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, diet and health...

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[Yaelle]

Fascinating.

[GOP Poet]

Is it safe to say Yaelle that you find this article Fascinating?

[GOP Poet]

As Yaelle may agree this is fascinating stuff. Thanks so much for posting. I work hard to make sure I keep the bad bacteria out of my bod and insure the good dominates. I also eat very well in a way that supports this and it has helped tremendously in many areas.

[bicyclerepair]

Actually my GI works better w/o meat. Eat very little of it. Occasional bbq at a relative’s house. That’s about it. And take a lot of fiber before going.

[presently no screen name]

I think Yaelle is convinced!

[Jemian]

Not THAT fascinating.

Did a yogurt company commission this study?

[GnL]

Is there a cliffs note version?

[Disambiguator]

Go read up on GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome). It’s all about gut flora and healthy GI tracts. Many auto-immune disorders can be traced to poor gut health.

[memyselfandi59]

Here’s one study that threw me for a loop. I have MS and am and have been very probiotic and diet aware. Then awhile ago this study was published, and it makes one wonder if my healthy gut was a trigger (the study separates MS from other autoimmune diseases)

From the article:

“For a long time, pathogens were believed to be such external influences. According to scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology in Martinsried, however, it is apparently not harmful bacteria that trigger multiple sclerosis, but beneficial ones — specifically, the natural intestinal flora, which every human being needs for digestion.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that in humans with the corresponding genetic predisposition, the essentially beneficial intestinal flora could act as a trigger for the development of multiple sclerosis.”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027112520.htm

[neverdem]

Thanks for the link.