The role of Bifidobacterium longum in a healthy human gut community
Classification
Kingdom Bacteria
Division Actinobacteria
Class Actinobacteria
Order Bifidobacteriales
Family Bifidobacteriaceae
Genus Bifidobacterium
Species longum
By Luke Calcei
Overview of Digestive Health
A healthy human gut is imperative to living a healthy life. Faulty digestion can limit the amount of nutrients extracted from healthy food sources. Unhealthy immune systems lend themselves to having a ‘leaky gut’ [1]. Leaky guts are caused by weak intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Although the intestines are deep within humans, the intestinal barrier is a primary barrier from the external environment. Although, it is not typically viewed this way, a leaky gut is similar to having an open wound. Intestinal wounds occur when pathogenic microflora outcompete healthy gut microflora. When flourishing, pathogenic microflora release toxins and inflammatory factors, which compromises IECs (Kathy 2015). Compromised IECs allow those toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, activating the immune system. If this is a continuous problem, the immune system can become overactive causing various autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks its own cells. Autoimmune diseases include lupus, alopecia, and arthritis and affect approximately 50 million Americans, nearly 20% of the population (AARDA 2016). Autoimmune diseases are not life threatening, yet they dramatically inconvenience life and distract the immune system, thus making those with autoimmune diseases more susceptible to contracting and being effected by minor illnesses. Autoimmune responses can be triggered by environmental toxins, foreign bacteria, and viruses in individuals who are genetically predisposed (AARDA 2016). Improving digestive health can decrease autoimmune incidences improving the overall health of populations in developed countries.
Section 2
Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 3
Include some current research, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 4
Conclusion
References
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Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2016, Kenyon College.