Deep within the human body, our intestines are home to a vast and complex world of tiny microorganisms. These are called the microbiome. For decades, scientists considered these organisms to be just “bacteria” or “unnecessary microorganisms,” but recent research has shown that the microbiome plays an important role in both our health and disease.
Today, intestinal health is not limited to the digestive system, but it is also linked to our mental health, immunity, weight control, heart health, and even the treatment of diseases like cancer and diabetes. This is why scientists and doctors around the world are now considering it as the “medical revolution of the future”.
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is actually a group of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes) found in our body, especially the intestines. It is estimated that about 100 trillion microorganisms live in our intestines, which is even more than the number of human cells.
These microorganisms not only help in the digestive process, but also regulate the body’s immune system, produce essential vitamins and contribute to maintaining hormonal balance.
Intestinal health and diseases are closely linked
The intestinal microbiome is also called the “second brain” because it is connected to our brain-gut axis. This means that the health of our intestines also affects our mental health and mood.
Some major diseases that have been directly linked to the microbiome include:
- Obesity and diabetes – An unbalanced microbiome can increase insulin resistance and obesity in the body.
- Depression and anxiety – Research suggests that the gut microbiome affects mental health, and probiotics can improve mood.
- Cancer – The success rate of immunotherapy may depend on the gut microbiome.
- Heart disease – A poor microbiome can have a negative impact on cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Autoimmune diseases – such as arthritis or Crohn’s disease, in which gut health plays an important role.
Revolutionizing microbiome research
In the last few years, microbiome research has caught the attention of the medical world. Now along with traditional medicines and treatments, scientists are beginning to look at how diseases can be treated by balancing the gut flora.
Some of the major research areas include:
Use of probiotics and prebiotics
- Probiotics: Good bacteria that improve the balance of the intestines.
- Prebiotics: Food elements that nourish these good bacteria.
- Both of these are being used to treat depression, digestive problems and strengthen the immune system.
Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT): This technique is currently in the news. In this, good bacteria are removed from the intestines of a healthy person and transplanted into the intestines of a sick person. It is proving successful in severe intestinal infections and other diseases.
Microbiome-based medicines: Big pharma companies are now developing new medicines that directly target the microbiome. This can lead to new treatments for cancer, diabetes and diseases related to the immune system.
Personalized Medicine: Every person’s microbiome is different. Because of this, in the future, medicines and treatments will be given according to the microbiome profile of each person.
Importance of lifestyle and diet
- If we take the right steps in our daily lifestyle, then the microbiome can be kept healthy.
- Fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) strengthens the microbiome.
- Fermented foods such as curd, pickles, idli, dhokla, kanji are excellent sources of probiotics.
- Junk food and processed food harm the microbiome.
- Sleep and stress control also directly affect gut health.
Role of microbiome in future medicine
In the future, doctors will not only diagnose a disease through blood test or X-ray, but the patient’s microbiome test will also be done. This will determine which treatment will be most suitable for him.
- The role of microbiome is considered very important in cancer treatment.
- Treatment of diabetes and obesity will be based on individual gut flora.
- The use of probiotics and microbiome medicines will increase in mental health treatment.
Conclusion
It can be said that microbiome research is not just a new chapter in medicine, but the key to our healthy future. Intestinal microorganisms are now affecting everything from our food to diseases. In the coming times, this research will determine the direction of modern treatment and personalized health care.