Full Description
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.
Contents
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
