Contributor Betul Hatipoglu, MD
Diabetes is increasing at a worrying rate. As an
endocrinologist, I have been attempting to understand the underlying reasons
for its increase in the United States and the rest of the world. I suspect few
of us doing work in the field of endocrinology could have imagined that one day
we may link the microbes in our gut to be possibly one of the causes of this
increase. We carry almost six pounds of microbes in our gut, which form our gut
microbiome. Everyone has a unique gut microbiome (also known as gut microbiota)
based on a number of factors.
These
include:
·
Genetic background
·
Diet.
·
Antibiotics exposure.
·
Age.
Your gut microbiota is as customized as your
signature. For example, some categories of microbes are inherited, and others
are ecologically acquired. A category called Christensenellaceae is associated
with a lean and healthy lifestyle and is very strongly inherited in family
members.
This unique mix of bacteria is diverse and
accountable for numerous functions. For instance, some of our gut bacteria
protect against external bacteria and support our immune system. They also help
regulate intestinal hormone secretion and synthesize vitamin K and a number of
B-vitamins, including folate and vitamin B12.
New
analysis links gut microbes to Type 2 diabetes. In recent years, new research
recommends that microbes in our gut may play a role in the progression of Type
2 diabetes. Some microbes form intoxicants that enter the gut and cause
inflammation in the body, which affects the liver and fat cells. As a result,
insulin sensitiveness and overall metabolism can change.
Studies have concentrated on two main
populations of microbes:
·
bacteroidetes, which are thought to be important
for protein and carbohydrate digestion in the gut.
·
firmicutes, which are involved in dietary fat
processing. Researchers are discovering stunning links between the changes in
our gut flora mix in the last several years and the possible link with an
increase in obesity and diabetes.
Even
though the connection between changes in the gut flora and the development of
diabetic issues has not yet been verified, the suggestions are becoming strong
enough to warrant more research.
Studies concentrate on other aspects of gut
flora. Some studies now explore the benefits and protective effects of
improving the gut flora in young children who have Type 1 diabetes. Researchers
are intensively working to understand how these microorganisms may affect
cardiovascular disease and diabetes and potentially help change the gut flora
too much better mix with natural interventions, such as a healthier diet.
A
Cleveland Clinic research has been examining at the impact of bariatric surgery
on diabetes. Scientists found that the gastric bypass treatment not only took
off weight, but it also enhanced the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin
five-fold. Researchers were surprised to find that a hormone change in the gut,
caused by the bypass, activates the pancreas to make insulin again.
In addition to Type 2 diabetes, obesity and
cardiovascular disease, other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and
colon cancer, asthma and multiple sclerosis have been linked to changes seen in
the gut flora.
How your
diet and lifestyle affect gut microbiota. Diet is probably the single most
important aspect that influences gut microbiota. Studies on animals have shown
that changes in diet result in changes in the gut microbes. Human researches
have confirmed these findings.
A healthy low-fat, high-fiber diet has been
associated with a more diverse and better gut microbiota as compared to a diet
rich in fat and low in fiber. Research has also shown that human gut microbiota
adjusts and shift when exposed to a plant-based diet compared to an
animal-based diet within a few days.
It has
been suggested that physical activity is also a significant influence on the
gut microbiota. Smoking cessation also likely influences the gut microbiota.
What you can possibly do to keep your gut healthy.
We'll most likely learn a lot more from future
studies, and we'll likely comprehend the underlying mechanisms and use this
understanding to find new ways to treat various diseases. But until then,
eating healthy and working out can help maintain and establish a healthy gut microbiome.
This post is based on one of a series of
articles produced by U.S. News & World Report in affiliation with the
medical professionals at Cleveland Clinic.
Tags: diabetes, gut microbiota, healthy diet,
Type 2 diabetes.
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