I truly believe, you are what you eat. Unfortunately, the general public is quite unaware of the microbiota and how a poor diet can not only affect them physically, but also physiologically, biochemically, and immunologically.
The microflora of the gut is populated initially by the environment it encounters upon birth. This allows the microbiota to flourish and advance in complexity. The normal adult microbiota is very diverse and specialized. Consequently, having a positive net effect on the immune system overall. The diversity and bacterial load play a specific role in the immunity and pathological disease. The intestinal epithelium acts as a barrier and is highly responsive to gastrointestinal immune mediated signaling. Within the intestinal epithelium IgA can be found. Immunoglobulin A has demonstrated its efficacy in bacterial infections and colonization.
It is still unclear if the composition of a developing gut microbiome could then impact the adult later in life secondarily due to imprinting. In a study performed on germ-free mice, the levels of iNKT cells were found to be elevated in the lungs and of the colon, specifically the lamina propria, thus, activating a cytokine reaction. Consequently, these germ-free mice were found to have increased morbidity and induction of IBD and allergic asthma. It was found that the timing was critical with exposure to microbes. Neonatal colonization of the mice shortly after birth would allow for tolerance later in life. The germ-free mice and mice that had limited exposure to a variety of microbes demonstrated elevated levels of IgE. These mice were more likely to have antigen induced anaphylaxis.
The communication between the gut microbiome and immune system is impacted by the diet. Commensal bacteria break down food for energy in the colon, thus, making nutrients available. Germ free mice were found to have less short chain fatty acids and suffered from profound inflammation. Unfortunately, much like the germ-free mice, the American diet is lacking in nutrients, as well as, short chain fatty acids and allows for the overgrowth of pathological bacteria and inflammation. This has contributed to the expansion of immunity related diseases and overall mortality.
Diversity in the microbiome of the gut is extremely beneficial and has shown to influence the immune system. However, further research needs to be completed on the development of the gut microbiome as it relates to the development of disease pathology later in life.
New Life Wellness Center 