Your body hosts trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiome. While some bacteria are linked to disease, many play essential roles in supporting your immune system, heart health, weight management, and overall well-being. This article delves into the significance of the gut microbiome and its impact on health.

What Is Gut Microbiome?

Interestingly, bacterial cells outnumber human cells in the body, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells compared to 30 trillion human cells. With up to 1,000 species of bacteria present in the gut, each plays a distinct role. While most bacteria contribute positively to health, some can be harmful. Together, these microbes weigh around 1–2 kilograms, functioning almost like an additional organ essential for overall well-being.

How Does Gut Microbiome Influence Your Health?

The relationship between humans and microbes has evolved over millions of years, with the gut microbiome playing a crucial role from birth. Initial exposure to microbes occurs during birth, and some evidence suggests that exposure begins in the womb. As the microbiome diversifies, it starts influencing key bodily functions:

Digestion of breast milk: Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria help break down essential sugars in breast milk, supporting infant growth.

Fiber digestion: Some bacteria process fiber into short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to gut health and reduce risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Immune system regulation: The gut microbiome interacts with immune cells, influencing how the body responds to infections.

Brain health: Emerging research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and brain function, potentially affecting mental health and neurological processes.

Gut Microbiome And Weight Management

An imbalance between beneficial and harmful microbes, known as gut dysbiosis, may contribute to weight gain. Studies on identical twins—one with obesity and the other without—suggest that microbiome composition plays a role in body weight independent of genetics. Additionally, animal studies indicate that gut bacteria can influence weight gain, even when calorie intake remains constant.

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in supplements and certain foods, can help restore gut balance and support weight loss, though their effects may be modest.

Gut Health And Disease Prevention

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in preventing and managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Imbalances in gut bacteria may lead to bloating, cramps, and digestive issues. On the other hand, beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli help strengthen the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of gut-related disorders.

Impact On Heart Health

Research suggests that the gut microbiome influences heart health by affecting cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Certain harmful bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound linked to blocked arteries and heart disease. However, probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacilli, may help reduce cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Blood Sugar Regulation And Diabetes Risk

The gut microbiome also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels. Research on infants genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes indicates that gut microbiome diversity declines before disease onset. Furthermore, individual variations in gut bacteria may explain why people experience different blood sugar responses to the same foods.

Connection Between Gut And Brain

The gut is physically connected to the brain through nerves, and certain bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and mental health. Studies indicate that people with mental health disorders often have different gut bacteria compared to those without such conditions. Additionally, some probiotics have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Tips For Healthier Gut Microbiome

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Here are some strategies to support gut health:

• Eat a diverse range of foods: A varied diet rich in fiber, legumes, and fruits promotes microbial diversity.
• Consume fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics that enhance gut health.
• Limit artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Include prebiotic foods: Bananas, oats, and asparagus contain fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria.
• Breastfeed infants when possible: Breastfeeding promotes a healthier gut microbiome in babies.
• Choose whole grains: Whole grains contain fiber and beneficial compounds that support digestive health.
• Opt for a plant-based diet: Vegetarian diets may reduce inflammation and support a healthier gut microbiome.
• Consume polyphenol-rich foods: Green tea, dark chocolate, and olive oil contain compounds that foster beneficial bacteria.
• Take probiotics if needed: Probiotic supplements can help restore gut balance after disruptions, such as antibiotic use.
• Use antibiotics cautiously: While antibiotics can be life-saving, overuse can harm beneficial gut bacteria.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed that more than 40 percent of prostate cancer patients in the country are diagnosed after the cancer has spread.

The 43 percent of late diagnosis cases indicates the significant burden of late detection of prostate cancer in the country. This can not only limit treatment options but also lead to poorer survival outcomes.

The study, published in the Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, revealed that while more than 80 per cent began treatment within two months, but referral patients experienced longer delays.

Researchers from the ICMR’s National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, in Bengaluru, stressed the need to strengthen referral pathways to ensure timely, stage-appropriate care.

“Our study indicates that over 80 percent of patients commence treatment within two months of diagnosis, but referral systems and delays in care persist,” said corresponding author Prashant Mathur, Director, ICMR-NCDIR, in the paper.

“To address these challenges, the healthcare system must prioritize improving referral efficiency, reducing administrative bottlenecks, enhancing coordination through digital health records, and multidisciplinary tumor boards,” the authors added.

Age, The Strongest Risk Factor For Prostate Cancer

The ICMR study is based on an analysis of 9,347 cases from 96 hospitals under the National Cancer Registry Program.

The researchers found that 75.6 percent of total prostate cancer cases occurred in the age group of 60–80 years, indicating that advanced age remains the biggest risk factor for the condition.

As life expectancy increases, more men reach the higher-risk age group, but awareness and screening practices have not scaled proportionately.

Adenocarcinoma was the most common pathology, constituting 77 percent of cases.

It is the most common form of prostate cancer, accounting for over 95 per cent of all cases. It develops in the gland cells that produce prostate fluid and typically grows slowly over several years.

Further, the ICMR researchers noted that about 57 percent of cases were diagnosed with localized (29.9 percent) or locoregional (27 percent) cancer.

Thirty percent underwent surgical treatment, and 22 percent received radiation therapy. Systemic therapy was the most common single modality treatment.

“Early detection and streamlined referral pathways are essential to improve prostate cancer outcomes in India,” the researchers said.

Prostate Cancer And Its Prevalence In India

Prostate cancer forms in the cells of the prostate -- a gland found only in males and a part of the male reproductive system. It lies below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum.

Nearly all prostate cancers develop from glandular cells (adenocarcinomas).

Globally, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in 112 countries and the leading cause of cancer death in 48 countries. In 2020, an estimated 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer and 0.37 million deaths were reported worldwide.

In India, it is the second most common cancer among men, accounting for more than 60 percent of the prostate cancer burden in South-Central Asia. As per the ICMR data, the country reported 34,540 incidences of prostate cancer and 16,783 deaths.

Prostate cancer symptoms include urinary difficulty, a weak stream, or blood in the urine.

As prostate cancer is a slow-developing disease, it often causes no symptoms during the early-stage, leading to delayed medical consultation.

Other reasons for late detection in India include low awareness, limited routine screening -- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) programs; social stigma and hesitation due to embarrassment or cultural taboos.

Lack of access to specialist care, diagnostic facilities, and cancer centers, especially in rural populations, coupled with cost and referral gaps, also leads to delay in diagnosis.

Colon cancer develops from polyps in the colon or rectum, often taking years to show symptoms. The cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.

As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year.. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths.

Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.

Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. However, Dr Jordan Karlitz, MD, of Exact Sciences, shared with The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) the three fundamentals of CRC prevention and early detection.

What Are The Three Tips For CRC Screening?

According to the expert, these are the three things you should do to protect yourself:

1. Timely risk screening

2. Knowing your cancer family history

3. Acting on early symptoms

"These are the 3 pillars that everybody needs to be aware of, because I think gaps in any of them could increase the risk of developing CRC and, unfortunately, lead to presenting with more advanced-stage disease," said Dr Karlitz.

Why Is Risk Screening Essential?

Timely screening for colon cancer is essential because it detects precancerous polyps early, allowing for their removal before they turn into cancer and identifies the tumors at highly treatable stages when survival rates are about 90 percent.

Screenings (like colonoscopies) can detect and remove pre-cancerous growths called polyps, preventing the development of cancer. The expert suggested that average risk screening now starts at the age of forty-five; you do not have to wait until age 50.

What Early Symptoms Should You Look Out For?

Colon cancer rarely announces its presence with dramatic symptoms. More often, it whispers — through changes in bowel habits, subtle abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.

Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel movements: Chronic constipation or diarrhea often dismissed as dietary effects.
• Blood in stool: Bright red or dark blood should not be ignored.
• Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.
• Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.

Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.

A Himalayan zoonotic disease, which is transmitted by mite bites, known as Scrub typhus, is re-emerging. However, the attention and recognition to its threat remains poor. A Mongabay report noted the life of Maya Rai, 38, from Dajeeling, who works throughout the day. Her packed schedule does not allow her to stop working. When there is a febrile illness, it is "just another fever".

However, one monsoon, the fever hit her hard, while she thought it will pass too with some rest. She felt too weak to work. She received no clear diagnosis at the local Public Health Center (PHC), and was sent home with just painkillers. However, her condition did not improve. She experienced fever with cough, nausea, breathlessness and discomfort. Being a wage worker, she missed seven days, which meant no money for a week. She was finally taken to a private hospital in town, hours away from her village and the rapid test confirmed 'scrub typhus'.

This is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium Orientia tsutugamushi. Maya was prescribed antibiotics and was able to survive. However, there are many cases where this febrile fever is treated like any other fever, until it is too late. Many cases arise much later in front of a medical healthcare provider, when complications like acute respiratory distress, liver inflammation, kidney failure, and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) have already happened.

Another case is from rural west Sikkim, where a 35-year-old Ganga Chhetri also had similar symptoms. However, by the time she was diagnosed, her organs were already critical. Ganga was also breastfeeding her two-year-old child and caring for her four-year-old.

Re-emergence of Scrub Typhus

The disease is locally known as kira le toke ko bimari, which literally translates it as a disease from an insect bite. This is re-emerging in the Dajeeling-Sikkim region of the Indian Himalayas, and is a public health concern in India. The cases have been reported across the country in India, as well as in other Southeast Asian countries. This affects one million people annually around the globe.

Scrub typhus was once confined to the Asia-Pacific’s ‘Tsutsugamushi Triangle’, a geographic stretch from northern Japan to Russia and northern Australia. Today, while this has changed, the disease still poses threat to many, including those living in the Himalayan region.

What Is Scrub Typhus And How Does It Spread?

It is an acute, potentially fatal, rickettsial infection that is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted by larval mites (chiggers) in rural areas.

At its core, scrub typhus in humans is associated with four interconnected elements: small mammals, particularly rats, tiny parasitic mites, the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, and the environment they inhabit together. The disease is spread specifically by the larval stage of trombiculid mites, commonly known as chiggers. Only the larvae transmit the infection, passing it to humans through their bite.

These chiggers feed on the blood of small mammals such as rats, which play a key role in sustaining mite populations. Rats can also carry Orientia tsutsugamushi and pass the bacteria to mites that feed on them. In contrast, the nymph and adult stages of the mite, typically found in soil and vegetation, do not spread the disease.

Humans become infected when they enter areas infested with mites or environments with high rat populations, allowing infected chiggers to shift from rodents to people. The likelihood of such spillover events increases when rodent numbers grow, mite populations expand, or human contact with rats intensifies.

Factors such as land use changes, shifting weather patterns, natural disasters, deforestation, rapid urbanization, and increased garbage accumulation can create conditions that favor rodent and mite proliferation, thereby raising the risk of disease transmission.