Fascinating Things We Learned So Far About Microbiomes

By Ruth Jackson


The foods we consume and the habits we practice every day play a significant role in ensuring out optimal level of functioning. However, recent studies show that certain organisms within our bodies can also be considered as a major player in the midst. Here are examples of interesting tidbits we managed to learn so far from Microbiome Data Analysis in Mississippi State.

To start, micro biomes refer to tiny organisms that exist within our bodies. One such example is bacteria although fungi, viruses, and even other microbes classified as having a single cell also fall under this category. While some of these components are pathogenic, research suggests that they actually do play a role in making sure our bodies work normally.

For example gut flora. Most scientists tend to focus their energy into this particular area of the body due to the fact that the large intestine contains various communities of bacteria. Each of which plays a vital role which may include fighting against invaders, metabolizing food compounds, and maintains the lining of both the large and small intestine.

While different parts of the body have their own set of microbes, many tend to focus on the groups found within our large intestine. This is because the large intestine is considered the largest bacterial ecosystem within a person. On average, a person has about three hundred to one thousand different species of bacteria living in this area alone although this may change.

One way gut microbes can affect our health is the fact that it is often linked to our overall weight. Researchers believe that bacteroidetes and firmicutes, both families of good bacteria are responsible for determining how to break down certain food molecules. If there is a significant imbalance between these two, it could affect how much a person weighs in total.

While there are benefits to having a diverse group of flora living inside the intestines, they also bring setbacks that can result in chronic conditions. In most cases, this is usually a result of certain groups having a higher level of bodies compared to another. When unbalanced, it can affect or hinder the function and contribution of another thus resulting in debilitating diseases.

Another is it also affects weight. A person with an unusual imbalance of certain gut communities may result in weight gain. For instance, some research shows that obese patients often have a higher number of firmicutes and low bacteroidetes while persons who are lean have a perfect balance of both. While these microbes have varied effects on different people, a lack of proper balance can hinder one group from functioning effectively.

Persons who regularly consume a high fat and high sugar diet often fall prey to these side effects. Eating too much of these foods lead the body to become resistant to insulin which can lead to type two diabetes. This of course results to the person to become susceptible to other conditions since the immune system becomes warped.

With so many other groups of micro biomes to study, one can expect that ongoing research will continue so long as it is possible. Fortunately, modern technology can help reduce time constraints significantly by allowing one to gather data as efficiently as possible. All of which can help introduce new innovations to society.




About the Author:



Comments

Popular Posts