You’ve probably heard the phrase “trust your gut” or heard something being described as a “gut punch.” But how familiar are you with the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes, that live in the gastrointestinal tract, mainly in the intestines.
All these organisms play a very important role in maintaining your health. How so, you may ask?
We’ve selected five things to know about the gut microbiome taken from research published by Mass General Brigham investigators.
Your gut microbiome plays a significant role in your nutrition and digestion. It breaks down foods, produces vitamins and influences how your body absorbs nutrients. Additionally, it also impacts your risk of certain diseases such as Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and diabetes as well as the development of allergies.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham have identified specific strains of gut bacteria associated with IBD. Researchers have also found that an altered gut microbiome may play a crucial role in the development of food allergies. Another study from Mass General Brigham found that specific changes in the gut microbiome were linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Featured studies from Christopher S. Smillie, PhD (MGH) and Lynn Bry, MD, PhD (BWH)
Why are younger adults developing cancer, especially colorectal cancer, at higher rates? Mass General Brigham researchers are still working to find answers, but one hypothesis is that the composition of the gut microbiome may be influencing cancer risk. One Mass General Brigham study has taken this hypothesis a step further, finding that a Western-style diet, rich in red and processed meat, sugar and refined carbohydrates, could be increasing colorectal cancer risk by influencing the gut microbiome.
So far, it’s an indirect link, but researchers are continuing to investigate, looking for ways to address this disturbing trend in cancer rates.
Featured studies from Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH (MGH) and Shuji Ogino, MD, PhD, MS (BWH)