This accessibly written, comprehensive summary of research findings on the gut microbiome and its implications for health and disease-a topic of growing interest and concern-serves as an essential resource for teachers and students.Most people know that the digestive tract contains billions of helpful gut bacteria, but how does the gut microbiome affect our health? What exactly do these bacteria do, and what are the negative effects when these microorganisms are harmed by what we eat and do? What impacts might they have on conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and autism? This book provides an accessible, holistic introduction to the study of the human gut microbiome and its effects on digestion and disease-one of the newest and most rapidly expanding fields in medicine today.The gut microbiome is known as the forgotten organ because it is not identified as part of the human body per se, yet it has an immense influence on many systems in the body. The Gut Microbiome: Exploring the Connection between Microbes, Diet, and Health explains what the microbiome is, the many functions it serves, how it can be either harmed or supported by our actions, and the role it may play in various diseases and in determining our overall health. The book examines the various potential causes of imbalance in the microbiome, such as diet and other lifestyle factors, and then identifies strategies for improving human health by protecting the gut microbiota. The science-based information is detailed but accessible to general readers or students without extensive background knowledge.
Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: A Cultural Context for Human-Microbe Symbiosis Evolution of the Human Diet: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters The Industrialized Western Diet Conclusion Chapter 2: The Gastrointestinal Tract and Its Microorganisms Classification of Gut Bacteria Introduction to the Gastrointestinal Tract and Its Microorganisms The Stomach and Small Intestine The Large Intestine Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria Archaea and Fungi Baby's First Encounter with Microorganisms The Aging Microbiome Conclusion Chapter 3: Nutrition and the Gut Microbiota Culture, Diet, and Varying Gut Microbiota Populations Carbohydrates: Nutrition for Host and Commensal Bacteria Bacterial Metabolism Conclusion Chapter 4: Immunity Microbes Influence the Development and Function of the Immune System Innate and Adaptive Immunity Gut Microbes and Immune Dysfunction Conclusion Chapter 5: Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Metabolism and Energy Homeostasis Adipose Tissue The Endocannabinoid System SCFA as Signaling Molecules Gut Microbes and the Liver in Metabolic Function Sleep, Exercise, and Other Lifestyle Factors Conclusion Chapter 6: The Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Diseases Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome The Low-FODMAP Diet Colorectal Cancer Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Intestinal Infections Conclusion Chapter 7: Cardiovascular Disease Do Bacteria Contribute to Clogged Arteries? Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Gut Microbes and Blood Lipids Hypertension Conclusion Chapter 8: Microbes and the Gut-Brain Axis Communication between Gut Microbes and the Nervous System Gut Microbes and Autism Neurodegenerative Diseases Conclusion Glossary References and Further Reading Index
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