Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have long been treated with lifestyle changes and medication. But what if the key to managing these diseases lies not in what we do or take, but in the tiny organisms living within us? Our gut microbiome, a vast ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes, is now at the forefront of groundbreaking research that could reshape how we view chronic disease. We spoke to our expert Dr Palok Aich, Professor and Dean, Research and Development, NISER Bhubaneswar and Director, MicrobioTx, who explained its impact on our overall health and chronic disease management.
The human gut microbiome is a key source of bacteria, playing a crucial role in both beneficial and harmful effects. Its interactions with our body significantly influence our health throughout life, as stated in a 2022 study.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. “Traditionally, efforts to manage these conditions have focused on lifestyle changes and medications. However, a burgeoning body of research is uncovering a potential game-changer in the fight against chronic diseases, the gut microbiome,” said Dr Aich.
The Microbiome: More Than Just Gut Health
The microbiome is a bustling ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes inside our intestines. Microbiome’s impact on health extends beyond just good digestion. “An imbalance in these microorganisms, known as dysbiosis, can lead to various wellness issues, such as improper metabolism, poor immunity, low mood, that could lead to several chronic conditions,” said Dr Aich.
Emerging scientific evidence suggests that one’s microbiome can be a more sensitive predictor of chronic disease risk than genetics. “In the case of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers, specific bacterial profiles in the gut have been shown to correlate more strongly with disease development than hereditary factors. This could revolutionise the way we understand disease progression and plan interventions,” highlighted Dr Aich.
Probiotic Therapy and Weight Management
One of the most promising approaches is using probiotic therapy to change the gut microbiome and improve health. Probiotics are live bacteria that, when administered in the right amounts, may confer health benefits to the host by restoring balance within the gut.
“Studies have already demonstrated remarkable effects in patients with certain chronic diseases, such as obesity. Altering the gut microbiome through targeted probiotic treatments not only led to significant weight loss but also improved insulin sensitivity, two key factors in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes,” added Dr Aich.
For those suffering from metabolic syndrome, characterised by high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abnormal cholesterol levels, the introduction of specific bacterial strains can reduce inflammation, improve lipid profiles, and even reverse early signs of diabetes. These promising results point to the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies to alleviate some of the most burdensome aspects of chronic disease management.
The Microbiome and Drug Efficacy
“The importance of the microbiome extends beyond prevention as it also plays a critical role in the effectiveness of medical treatments. For example, cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy have been found to respond more favourably when their gut microbiome is in a healthy balance,” said Dr Aich. Certain bacteria have been shown to enhance the body's response to immunotherapy, improving patient outcomes. Conversely, an unhealthy microbiome may hinder drug efficacy, potentially leading to a suboptimal response to life-saving treatments.
This relationship is also observed with more common medications like Metformin, a widely prescribed drug for managing Type-2 Diabetes. Patients with healthier microbiomes experience better outcomes when taking Metformin, as their gut bacteria help optimise the drug’s effectiveness, added Dr Aich. Such findings underscore the significance of microbial health in enhancing the benefits of traditional medicine.
Gut Function Tests and Personalised Probiotics
While our genetics can't be changed, we can modify our microbiome through lifestyle, diet, and probiotics. This leads to exciting possibilities for personalised medicine. A key innovation is the Gut Function Test, which uses a simple finger prick to analyse your microbiome and spot imbalances. Based on this, personalised probiotics can be created to address specific health concerns.
By tailoring probiotic treatments to an individual's unique microbiome profile, gut dysbiosis and hence the risk of chronic diseases could be addressed in an individualised manner. “Probiotic interventions can prevent harmful bacteria from exacerbating conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or even depression and anxiety, which have been linked to gut health. Additionally, these therapies can play a preventive role by maintaining microbial balance before disease manifests,” explained Dr Aich.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]