It’s the cure not the Carnival flu, that may kill you

According to a recent article in Nature by the Stanford microbiologist Justin Sonnenburg, “Consumption of hyper-hygienic, mass-produced, highly-processed and calorie-dense foods is testing how rapidly the microbiota of individuals in industrialised countries can adapt.” Sonnenburg notes that as the diversity in the microbiome declines, various genes are becoming harder to find.

The result is that we are passing on a decreased microbiome in each generation to our children and children’s children.

Although the microbiome can adapt to change, a loss of balance in gut microbiota may arise in some specific situations. This is called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis may be linked to health problems such as functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, obesity and diabetes imply because you ate badly and imbalanced your gut bacteria! Think about the last two days of meals that you ingested – and don’t forget what you washed it down with.

Shockingly most Trinis don’t factor in the ‘sweet drink’ that it takes to get that entire roti down. We eat too much of a badly balanced meal and then top it off with piles of sugar for good measure. The phrase you are what you eat has never been more true.

But there’s another aspect to the decimation of the western microbiome. Research based in two separate countries (a randomised, placebocontrolled clinical trial in the UK and Sweden) analysed the effects of four commonly prescribed antibiotics on the human gut in phases of one, two, four and 12 months following antibiotic treatment. The antibiotics indicated were clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, and amoxicillin. The results, compared to a baseline taken before prescribed drugs, showed that the oral (mouth) microbiome responded fairly quickly but bacteria in the gut in some instances suffered a crushing blow – literally a punch to the gut. Those on clindamycin and ciprofloxacin saw a decrease in types of bacteria that produce butyrate, which is responsible for lowering ageing stress and inflammation in the gut. We’re not advocating for you to cease all antibiotics. But carefully consider whether you actually do need it. And if you are going to take antibiotics, or not ready to make big changes to your diet just yet, please consider two words: Prebiotics and Probiotics.

There are dozens of studies that show the beneficial effects of prebiotics and probiotics on our gut microbiota. Serving as “food” for beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help improve the functioning of microbiota while allowing the growth and activity of some “good” bacteria. Meanwhile, adding some natural products like yoghurt can help the gut microbiota keep its balance.

More on antibiotics and the gut next week – this is gonna’ be inflammatory! This advice is culled from dozens of books, medical studies, discussions with professionals and experience. Always consult your doctor, your nutritionist or preferred health advisor before making any health changes. Most of all, listen to your body.