The Human Gut Microbiome
(Room Paradise Valley)
03 Jul 19
9:00 PM
-
10:15 PM
Our knowledge of our gut microbiota is currently making a quantum leap forward. Recent studies show that interactions between microbes and our immune system in our first three years of life are critical for normal, healthy development. If an infant/toddler does not get sufficient exposure to a wide variety of bacteria, his or her immune system may fail to learn to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to lifelong autoimmune disorders. Disturbances in gut microbial communities are associated with obesity, diabetes, allergies, autism, anxiety, depression, and many more adverse health conditions. These findings raise the possibility that changing our gut microbes could alleviate some of these conditions. A 2019 clinical trial reports an almost 50% reduction in autism symptoms after microbiota transfer therapy—with results holding after two years. While it is very difficult to alter our gut microbiome once it has become established in early childhood, there are dietary and lifestyle changes that can shift the balance of microbes in adults in a healthier direction. In this presentation, we’ll discuss some suggestions for improving the health of our microbiome and our own well-being. It is important to realize that we’re not single autonomous entities, but rather a symbiotic community of trillions of cells. The good news is that knowledge is power: In the very near future, we’ll be able to inexpensively manage our microbiomes for greatly improved health in an era of skyrocketing costs for conventional health care.