Digestive Harmony: Expert Explains Role Of Gut Microbe And Personalised Approaches To Gut Health

The gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in metabolic health. It influences nutrient absorption, energy harvest, and the production of metabolites that impact various metabolic processes. Maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial not only for preventing infectious diseases but also for warding off chronic conditions. We spoke to our expert Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-Founder and Director, Leucine Rich Bio, who explained the role of gut microbes on digestive health and personalised approaches to gut health.

“Understanding our unique gut microbes and achieving digestive harmony is akin to finding the missing piece of our health puzzle. It's about fostering a balanced gut environment where beneficial microbes thrive, supporting digestion and overall well-being. The role of the microbiome in metabolic health is an expanding field of research. Studies have shed light on how microbial composition impacts conditions like obesity and diabetes, paving the way for targeted treatments focused on the microbiome,” said Dr Dhar.

According to a 2011 study, as you age, your gut microbiome naturally becomes more diverse, incorporating a wider array of microbial species. Greater microbiome diversity is generally associated with better health outcomes.

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Personalised Medicine: Promoting A Positive Gut Environment

“In the context of gut health, personalised medicine refers to developing tailored techniques to promote a healthy gut environment wherein beneficial microorganisms thrive. This approach goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach by recognising the individuality of each individual's microbiome,” said Dr Dhar. By examining microbial profiles and personalising therapies to individual gut health, we can effectively address the underlying causes of metabolic diseases.

A 2015 study involving 1,500 participants found that the gut microbiome significantly contributes to promoting healthy High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

“Personalised medicine includes extensive microbial profiling with modern techniques like metagenomics and metabolomics. These technologies permit a thorough investigation of microbial communities and their metabolic processes. Healthcare providers can develop focused therapies to restore gut health by detecting specific microbial imbalances,” added Dr Dhar.

According to Frontiers In Microbiology, the human gut microbiota contains about 150 times more genes than the entire human genome. It is widely acknowledged that around a hundred trillion microbes reside on and inside the human body, playing a crucial role in various biological processes, including those related to health and disease.

People with a high pro-inflammatory bacteria count, for example, may benefit from anti-inflammatory dietary components and certain probiotic strains. In contrast, those with limited microbial diversity may require prebiotics and dietary changes to increase microbial richness.

Also Read: Gut Microbiome And Diabetes: Expert Explains Role Of Gut Microbiome, Probiotics, And Their Impact On Diabetes

Link Between Gut Health And Lifestyle

There is an ecosystem between an individual’s lifestyle and gut health. The gut microbiota keeps changing with food habits. For instance, people living in urban areas have different gut microbiota than rural areas. To avoid chronic diseases, one can take certain preventive measures. Here are some listed by Dr Dhar:

• Opting for a balanced diet rich in fibre and avoiding processed and Western diets can help preserve a healthy microbiome.
• Adequate sleep and other healthy lifestyle practices can also contribute to maintaining a diverse and resilient gut microbiota.
• Every facet of our lives, from diet to stress levels, has an impact on the composition of our microbiome and additionally, our general health.

Bottomline

Dr Dhar concluded, “The mission is to achieve digestive harmony: where discomfort is replaced with ease, and energy flows freely. We're dedicated to integrating scientific insights into everyday wellness, providing practical solutions that empower individuals to manage their gut health effectively. As public awareness of disease impacts grows, it's evident that medicine and healthcare must move away from the one-size-fits-all approach.”

[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.]