The Universe Within by Jerry Brainum 8/22

 

Residing in your lower intestine or colon are trillions of various organisms that play a huge role in every aspect of health. There are 10-times more of these organisms than there are cells in the body, and they add about two kilograms or just over four pounds to your body weight. Collectively, these assorted organisms that include bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other species are known as the intestinal microbiome. The research on the microbiome has exploded in recent years and is one of the hottest topics in medicine. In the past, the organisms that reside in the colon were thought to be passive, helping with digestion and the production of certain nutrients, such as vitamin K and biotin. But as medical research progressed and new techniques emerged to more accurately assess the workings of the microbiome, its importance became apparent. For example, the microbiome interacts with the immune system to the extent that 99% of immune reactions are related to communication between the microbiome and the immune system. This alone has enormous implications on health, but this is just part of what the microbiome does. Indeed, a recent study in the journal Gut found that those who suffered from recurring health problems after being infected with the Covid-19 virus showed dysbiosis or an imbalance of organisms in the microbiome. The scientists who conducted the study think this dysbiosis may be the cause of what's called "Long-haul Covid."

The microbiome contains over 1,000 different species of bacteria and these vary in their health effects. The human body contains several microbiomes including in the skin, mouth, vagina, and respiratory system. But 70% of the microbiome resides in the large intestine or colon. In the gut bacteria, the major bacterial phyla are the Firmicutes, which encompass 64% of the various types of intestinal bacteria, and the Bacteroidetes, which include 23% of other types of bacteria.  Many of them are vitally important for health, while others are pathological and related to disease. Indeed, the diseases affected by intestinal bacteria are surprising and unexpected. An example of this is the role that certain intestinal bacteria play in the onset of cardiovascular disease and cancer, the two greatest killers. The microbiome also plays a role in how food is digested and assimilated, including protein, fat, and carbohydrate. That of course is important for anyone involved in fitness, sports, and bodybuilding. But one problem is that bodybuilders often engage in habits that are detrimental to the health of the microbiome, and this can adversely affect both bodybuilding progress and long-term health.

Humans evolved with this diverse population of organisms in the colon since mankind emerged on this planet. We have what's known in biology as a symbiotic relationship with the microbiome. What this means in simple terms is that the microbiome helps . . .