BRAIN HEALTH
MICROBIOME: THE HELPERS IN
YOUR GUT
From birth, our organs begin to grow
and develop…and so do a host of
tiny microbial organisms that will live
within us and accompany us on our
walk through life, helping our bodies
thrive and function in ways that science
is only beginning to discover.
The human microbiome is now
understood to be an essential component
of human physiology. Although
microbes live throughout the system,
the highest concentration resides
in the gastrointestinal tract—hence
the common term "gut microbiome"
which has been the focus of most
research. Smaller than human cells,
every person carries up to five pounds
BACTERIA &
THE BRAIN
RESEARCHERS EXPLORE LINKS
WBETWEEN GUT & BRAIN HEALTH
e tend to think of
bacteria in terms of
illness—something
to be eliminated to restore
us to health. But scientists
are learning more about the
“germs” that live within us all.
of these microorganisms, a unique
collection of 1,000 or more different
species which enhance our genetic
makeup to help affect our immune
systems, digestion, metabolism and
more. Since the Human Microbiome
Project was launched in 2007, many
studies have unearthed fascinating
connections between how our genes,
organs and microbiota interact.
BEHAVIORAL–MICROBIOME LINK?
Parents and healthcare professionals
have long noted that a majority of
people diagnosed with autism also
have some form of gastrointestinal
issue, such as digestive problems or
food allergies. Some research has
focused on a possible link between
autism and gut microbes.
8 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • OCT–DEC 2018 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM
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