The Mighty Microbiome & Metabolic Health
A decade ago, most people didn’t give the microbiome a second thought. Today, the microbiome is nearly a household term. In fact, scientists now know the microbiome plays an important role in human development, immunity, and nutrition. Data shows that the risk of diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be partially impacted by gut bacteria. It may not be surprising, then, that the microbiome may also play a role in the presentation of MASLD.
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is a group of trillions of microorganisms—including bacteria, fungi, and viruses—that live in the gut.
Everyone’s microbiome is unique, partially determined by DNA and also by the microorganisms received during birth and via breast milk. Later in life, a person’s microbiome can change due to nutrition and environmental exposures, such as medications. These changes are sometimes harmful, as the risk of certain diseases and conditions can increase.
What’s the connection between the microbiome and MASLD?
An overabundance of gram-negative bacteria has been documented in the microbiome of those with MASLD suggesting a link between the makeup of the gut microbiome and the development of MASLD. Some of the proposed explanations for this link include changes to the permeability of the intestine leading to liver inflammation, changes to the amount of energy absorbed from diet, and changes to hormonal signaling pathways which promote fat storage in the liver.
What’s the connection between the microbiome and obesity?
Obesity is a well-known risk factor for the development of MASLD, but what isn’t well-known is that the makeup of the gut microbiome appears to be a key player in determining how a person responds to weight loss efforts. One recent study showed that participants with higher concentrations of beneficial gut bacteria at baseline experienced more weight loss when placed on a weight loss program. This is likely due to the direct impact the gut microbiome has on metabolism and fat deposition.
The types of bacteria living in the gut also play a role in blood sugar control. An abundance of certain strains of bacteria has been linked to the development of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, a diverse population of microorganisms appears to have a protective effect. Keeping blood sugar under control prevents hormonal disruptions and insulin resistance which are known barriers to weight loss.
*References available with PDF download*