A human gut contains trillions of bacteria that work together as part of our digestive tract to help with food digestion. While most bacteria are beneficial, others may cause illness and infection.
At its optimal state, the gut microbiome helps regulate and influence immune system functioning, cerebral activity, metabolic homeostasis and nutrition, intestinal barrier integrity, and even brain activity. Unfortunately, however, this delicate relationship can become disturbed or imbalanced, leading to dysbiosis. 
Dysbiosis wreaks havoc on the gut microbiome. It may lead to various physical illnesses, including digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as obesity. Moreover, the microbiota has also been found to play an integral part in various neurological conditions, particularly anxiety, and depression.
If you want to know more about common health conditions linked to the gut microbiome, continue reading.
What Is Gut Microbiome?
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms). Together these organisms create the microbiome – an ecosystem composed of numerous bacteria and fungi which work in harmony together to support energy harvesting, digestion, and immune defense functions.
Bacteria are among the most critical microorganisms found within human bodies. These microorganisms are essential to our well-being and can be altered through lifestyle choices like eating organic produce and taking probiotics as part of a supplement program, perfect probiotics supplements can be found here.
Probiotic foods like kefir, yogurt with active cultures, pickled vegetables, tempeh, kombucha tea, kimchi miso, and sauerkraut all have an impactful role in supporting our gut health. By increasing good bacteria populations and strengthening immunity systems, these food sources help prevent diseases like asthma, allergies, and obesity.
What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Gut?
The gut is the largest endocrine organ in our bodies and home to trillions of microorganisms. When functioning optimally, its balance of bacteria should ensure optimal health. Here are some warning signs you may have an unhealthy gut:
- Consistent Bad Breath
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
- Skin Allergies
- Unexpected Weight Gain or Loss
- Constant Stomach Issues
- Feeling Sleepy and Fatigued
- Food Intolerance
- Autoimmune Problems
- Frequent Mood Changes
Health Conditions Linked to the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome contains trillions of bacteria that help you digest food and keep your immune system strong, but when out-of-balanced, it can create serious health conditions. Here are some common health conditions linked to the gut microbiome.
Eczema
Eczema is an itchy, rash condition affecting more than 30% of US residents, most commonly in infants and children, but it can also impact adults. People living with eczema appear to have different bacteria in their gut than people without it; researchers believe this may contribute to their skin condition. Eczema patients also possess higher levels of the protein zonulin than people without it, an indicator of leaky gut syndrome, which occurs when your intestinal walls allow more substances than should pass through them.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by redness, pustules, and telangiectasia (swollen blood vessels), often occurring among fair-skinned women over 30. It can be due to a various factors, including changes to your genes and an allergic response to microscopic mites that live on your face. Furthermore, H. pylori bacteria have also been implicated in its development. This particular bacteria also stimulates the production of bradykinin chemical that dilates blood vessels.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on your skin, leading to itchy and uncomfortable experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the microbiome can play an integral role in psoriasis development and progression, particularly among patients who display severe symptoms. Diet and stress both play an integral part in altering one’s microbiome composition.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental health condition in which people become overly worried about their safety and well-being, making life more difficult than necessary. It can be hard to manage, impacting all areas of your life in profound ways. New research suggests that your gut microbiome could play an integral part in helping manage anxiety. Scientists discovered that microbes send metabolites directly to the brain, altering how neurons respond to stress.
Depression
Depression is a serious disorder affecting millions of people around the world, and its long-term repercussions can be far-reaching. Recently, researchers have observed a correlation between gut bacteria and depression. There are multiple ways in which the microbiome can influence depression, including altering levels of serotonin and GABA in the brain.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
The gut microbiome is an intricate ecosystem of bacteria that plays a crucial role in many aspects of body function, from immunity and digestion to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have recently discovered that people living with dementia tend to possess a gut microbiome. It is composed of more pro-inflammatory bacteria and fewer anti-inflammatory ones. Moreover, leading to inflammation that leads to symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that impacts the part of your brain responsible for movement. Often manifesting with symptoms like tremors and other issues that interfere with daily living. It has long been suggested that the gut-brain axis plays an essential role in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome may also trigger inflammation leading to neurodegeneration.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a group of health conditions in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues or organs by mistake, weakening them over time and potentially becoming life-threatening. Researchers don’t fully understand what causes most autoimmune diseases, though gut microbiome may be the reason behind them. Studies show that common autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis may develop due to gut dysbiosis.
Allergies
Allergies are a form of chronic illness in which your immune system misperceives harmless substances as being harmful, producing antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to attack allergens and cause symptoms. They can be due to dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, or food exposures. Studies show that gut dysbiosis may also be responsible for the development of food allergies.
Obesity
Obesity is an increasingly prevalent health condition and has links with dysbiosis. An altered community of bacteria that differ from that found in people of healthy weight. Dysbiosis may also contribute to obesity by altering metabolism, increasing fat storage capacity, contributing to chronic inflammation. Moreover, altering circadian rhythms – factors all of which play a part.
Conclusion
Gut bacteria play an essential role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and the absorption of essential nutrients from food sources. Microbial communities in our gut play a vital role in our health. Moreover, disruptions to them can have significant repercussions for our well-being. As more research unfolds, it also becomes evident that our gut microbiome and health can have complex links. While further investigation remains, improving our gut microbiome could greatly benefit overall well-being and prevent the development of various diseases.
