A measure of the richness and evenness of the various species of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that colonize a particular ecosystem within the body, most notably the gastrointestinal tract. High diversity is generally considered a hallmark of a resilient and healthy gut ecosystem, correlating with improved metabolic function, immune system balance, and enhanced ability to resist pathogen colonization. Loss of diversity, or dysbiosis, is frequently associated with chronic inflammatory states.
Origin
This ecological concept was adapted from environmental biology to describe the microbial community within the human body following the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies in the early 21st century. The Human Microbiome Project greatly expanded the understanding of the complexity and variety of microbial life inhabiting the gut. Clinical research now links specific diversity patterns to various health and disease states, including those related to hormonal regulation.
Mechanism
A diverse microbiome supports a wide array of metabolic functions, collectively contributing to host physiology, including the efficient fermentation of dietary fiber into beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. This richness ensures robustness against environmental perturbations and maximizes the production of essential metabolites that influence systemic health. The mechanism impacts hormonal health by regulating the estrobolome’s activity, reducing gut permeability, and modulating systemic inflammation, all of which are crucial for endocrine homeostasis.
Specific gut bacteria, primarily those producing beta-glucuronidase, dictate estrogen reabsorption from the intestine, profoundly shaping systemic hormonal balance and overall metabolic function.
Fasting can reshape gut microbiome diversity, potentially enhancing beneficial bacteria and metabolic markers through sustained periods of nutrient scarcity.
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