The gastrointestinal tract is home to a wide variety of microbes, most of which are harmless.
Called gut microbiome, this dazzling collection of bacteriaThe following are some examples of how to get started: other microorganisms has been the source of much attention – linked to a vast array of health conditions, from autism spectrum disorder and Diabetes. You can also check out our other blog posts., Alzheimer’s Disease. movement disorders.
But for all that researchers have discovered about the gut microbiome, there’s a whole lot we still don’t know – and a stack of myths it appears we need to clean up.
Write in English Nature MicrobiologyAfter scouring literature, UK microbiologists Alan Walker, from the University of Aberdeen, and Lesley Hoyles, from Nottingham Trent University, weigh in on the 12 myths and misunderstandings surrounding the gut microbiome. This is partly due to the enormous potential that the microbiome has for human health.
Walker and Hoyles say that, “While exciting, this increased focus on the microbiome has unfortunately led to hype and entrenched misconceptions.” Writer.
As a result of repeated repetition, many statements that are not supported or are under-supported have become “facts.”
Walker and Hoyles say that while some of these myths may be trivial, other are more prevalent and could collectively undermine public confidence and progress in research. The following are some arguments to help you understand.
So, let’s take a look at the myths that are most enticing. Remember the mucus.
The first microbiome samples were taken from the human intestine in the late 19th Century.
The mysterious link between the bowels of the body and the brain, also known as the limbic system, is another example. gut-brain axisHas been Researched for centuries. We have only recently begun to understand how this connection works in both directions.
Here are some numbers. It has been estimated that the sum of all human microbiota weighs between 1 and 2 kilograms (2,2 to 4.4 lbs). Walker and Hoyles could not find the original source of this widely quoted figure.
The researchers estimate the microbiota in humans to weigh 500 grams or less. The revised estimate is based upon how much a typical human stool weighs, which is 200 grams of wet weight. It also takes into account how much of the poop is microorganisms.
In the 1970s some ‘back-of-the envelope’ calculations led to the notion that the human body contained 10 times as much DNA. individual microbesIts own cells
Researchers have already tried to dispel this myth, and found that the ratio is The ratio is probably closer to 1.. If we hear these numbers repeated, then it is worth repeating.
A common belief is that babies inherit their microbiota at birth from their mothers. Research suggests that while some microorganisms can be directly transferred at birth, few species remain with us for the rest of our lives.
Microbiota from mothers can cause babies to have a bacterial infection. Quick health boostOur microbiome is shaped by our diet, our antibiotics, our genetics and our environment.
Walker and Hoyles: “Even identical twins raised in the same home end up with unique microbiota.” Note:.
The last misconceptions concern the busy lab work of microbiologists.
We’re most curious about the changes that occur in a human’s microbiome. Contribute to the disease.
Walker and Hoyles explain that it is difficult to discern patterns in the microbiota because of “the wide variation between individuals and their health status.” Writer.
Age, BMIIt is difficult to separate cause and effect from observational studies when a variety of factors are involved, including medication, metabolism, immune system and a person’s lifestyle.
The perspective has recently been published. Nature Microbiology.
