The human microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms present in the body. When it’s in balance, it contains only healthy microbes that support and maintain a healthy body. Microbes in the mouth and stomach contain genetic materials that sends signals to the body in health and in illness. When the microbiome is unbalanced, the presence or absence of any type of microbe can have an effect on many systems in the body, and lead to several diseases. That negative state is called microbiome dysbiosis.

Microbiome Dysbiosis has Both Internal and External Causes

Microbiome dysbiosis affects both the oral microbiome and the gut microbiome. As you would expect, the foods you eat can affect your microbiome in both positive and negative ways. For instance, a diet heavy in sugars and low in fiber can cause dysregulation of the microbes that control digestion and cause conditions like diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Disease and other ailments of the digestive tract. Dysbiosis can also be caused by host-specific factors such as genetic background, health status (infections, inflammation), and lifestyle habits or—more importantly—environmental factors such as diet (high sugar, low fibre), xenobiotics (antibiotics, drugs, food additives), and hygiene. Just an aging body can cause microbiome dysbiosis. “One of the newest hallmarks of aging is what we call gut dysbiosis”, says Dr. Helen Messier, Fountain Life Chief Medical and Science Officer. “We know that as people age, their microbiome begins to change, and it changes for the worse.” The diversity of the gut microbiome is a cause of this worsening, which means that the gut is missing some of the microbes and metabolites necessary to carry on the body’s processes.

The Oral Microbiome is Linked to Several Illnesses

Several studies have linked both the oral and gut microbiomes to cardiovascular disease. It has been shown that affect compounds like short-chain fatty acids and metabolites that process lipids make this connection between mouth and heart. As expected, the oral microbiome dysbiosis also leads to periodontal disease and other oral conditions. Gut microbiome is also connected to cardiovascular disease. One study revealed that gut microbiota can produce trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite linked to arterial stiffness and coronary artery disease. This production is triggered by certain foods, like beef, pork and eggs. The microbiome is also linked to other diseases like depression (as it is thought to control the production of serotonin) and even COVID. It is very important, then, to make sure that microbiome dysbiosis isn’t present.

Microbiome Dysbiosis Can be Treated

The good news is that microbiome dysbiosis can be treated, and the first steps to treatment are diagnosis and prevention. Fountain Life provides a test of the gut microbiome as part of the APEX and EDGE memberships. Dr. Messier explains the diagnostic process: “[W]e look at the gut microbes specifically by doing a stool test, and sequencing what microbes are there and what their activity is. And then we also look at metabolites that are released from the microbe, that are floating around in your blood and show up in your urine. ”Once your microbiome test is complete and evaluated by a Longevity Physician, APEX members will have access to a host of treatment options designed to address the specifics of your microbiome dysbiosis. Your entire Fountain Life Health Care Team – including a health care coordinator, nurse, nurse practitioner and health care coach – will be with you throughout your entire APEX membership, helping you understand your results, and making sure that you get the exact care you need. If you do not have a microbiome deficiency, your team will make sure you get any preventative treatments to keep your body as healthy as possible. You can be sure that with Fountain Life, your health care plan will be designed to give you the preventive care you need, with the personalized service that you want.