Bacterial signaling substances can also latch onto other organs and affect the metabolism there. They can dock onto liver or the fatty tissue itself and encourage the deposition of more fat. They can also affect the thyroid gland causing it to produce fewer thyroid hormones, slowing the rate at which the body burns fat.

Unlike acute infections, which cause weight loss or even emaciation, ‘sub-clinical’ infection causes weight gain. Ofcourse, hormone imbalances, too much oestrogen, lack of vitamin D, or too much gluten rich food, can also be responsible for ‘sub-clinical’ infections and have a similar effect.

Gut bacteria are miniature factories and different bacteria produce different substances, such as acids, gases and fats. Most gut bacteria are harmless, or even helpful, but some can cause harm, diarrhea, sores and severe fatigue. Many skin problems could actually be intestinally induced and are not just dermatological, thus requiring dietary changes, not just skin creams.

Signals from the gut reach many different parts of the brain, such as the insula, the limbic system, the pre-frontal cortex, the amygdala, the hippocampus and the anterior cingulated cortex, and do exert some influence thereon.

Research also shows an intriguing link between lack of a specific species of gut bacteria and neuro developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Such a condition may be caused by imbalance in gut bacteria and be reflected in maternal obesity.

Most of the inhabitants of our gut are today recognized as belonging to four types; mainly Bacteroides (gram -ve), Firmicutes (gram +ve), Prevotella (gram -ve) and Ruminococcus (gram +ve), with a smattering of Actinobacteria (gram +ve), Proteobacteria (gram – ve) and Verrucomicrobia (gram -ve) and many other bacteria. However, each person carries thousands of bacterial species and too little is known about them and how they interact each other. Hence it is too early to say what gene set we need in our guts to be healthy. Populations of specific microbes can vary widely among different individuals.

Our gut is where digestion happens and where most of our immune response occurs. Good gut bacteria train our immune system to better recognize and react to harmful bacteria. Also a lot of the nutrients we get come from friendly bacteria which help digest the food we eat. Probiotics also produce essential nutrients like vitamin B-3 and folate. Bad bacteria, like E. coli and C. difficile, produce toxins that poison, cause illness, and speed the aging process. When friendly probiotics like Bifidobacterium infantis line our intestines, they break down fibre and sugars that lead to bloating, gas, and conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Studies have shown that men and women with balanced levels of probiotic bacteria can focus and concentrate better and enjoy stronger bones, normal blood sugar, fewer allergies, and better cardiovascular health.

A proper undertaking of this microbiome can allow us to address ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic inflammation and soothe the immune system.

An ailing microbiome may be linked to intestinal problems and even depression. Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is used to treat heavy c.difficile infection, often caused by antibiotic use, and it is over 90 percent successful.

Butyrogenic bacteria, as a Probiotic is also used to treat c.difficile, a major cause of diarrhea.

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