There are many theories on how the microbiome enhances or effects the body. In one article, discussing whether allergies and autoimmune diseases were caused by the hygiene hypothesis or by something different. The study found that it was not a lack of healthy microbiota, but the effects that short-chain fatty acids were having on the body, which are things produced by the body’s microbiome. These bacterial metabolites have varying effects and impacts on the body including large effects on areas on the immune system including its homeostasis, its T cell production, and inflammation regulation. Metabolites from bacteria activate immune receptors that initiate inflammatory responses throughout the body. These metabolites are beneficial to the body because it prepares the body for any foreign bacteria that may come later. This study claims to have found that a diet that is lacking in variety and nutrients can lessen the gut microbiome, leading to allergies and autoimmune diseases because it limits the growth of healthy metabolites. This specifically could be the cause of disorders where inflammation activity is not normal and can cause problems. They hypothesize that some autoimmune diseases could be prevented with a change to a healthier diet.
In addition to autoimmune disorders, another study conducted research on how the microbiome effects depression. The findings were that inflammation in the brain caused my bacterial metabolites do have an effect on depression and its severity. Unregulated stress, immunity, and the microbiome are the biggest risk factors for depression based on the findings of this study. The three often work together and have interdependent effects. The way in which these three things interact can either create homeostasis in the brain or create an imbalance that leads to a greater risk for depression. The study focused on compiling research that had already been done and studying many different cases. The interaction is still not totally understood but there is supporting data that suggests that gut microbiota have an impact on the likeliness of depression occurring in an individual. This study shows another example of the importance of bacteria in the body.
Before I did any research on this topic and before I took Microbiology, my understanding of the microbiome was very limited. Mostly, I thought that all bacteria is bad and that I should never touch anything and without washing my hands after. While this is true in the sense that the best way to avoid bad bacteria is to wash your hands, I think it is important for everyone to understand all the benefits that bacteria can have and how it has the possibility of harming our body, but more often than not, it benefits and helps the body. With specific regard to the depression study, I have had personal experience with how one’s diet can effect one’s mental health. My brother struggles with depression and with overeating. His depression has always been at its worst when his eating is out of control and all he is eating is fast food and sugar. Currently, he has gotten a life coach/personal trainer that has completely changed his eating plan. He has been on this eating plan that allows him to eat a variety of foods with lots of different nutrients and I have not seen him feeling so good as he has being on the new eating plan. I have no data, or scientific evidence to support that this is caused by the new eating plan but I have noticed a great change in his attitude and demeanor.
Micro Insights from Sarah 