Definition of gut
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Definition of Gut
Gut Microbiota: Composition and Function
The gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is home to a diverse and dynamic community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota. This microbial ecosystem spans the entire length of the mammalian GI tract and is host-specific, evolving throughout an individual's life and influenced by both internal and external factors 1. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various aspects of host physiology, including nutritional status, behavior, and stress response 1. It is also involved in metabolic, defensive, and trophic functions, contributing significantly to the host's overall health 2.
Gut Health: A Multifaceted Concept
The term "gut health" encompasses multiple positive aspects of the GI tract, such as effective digestion and absorption of food, absence of GI illness, stable intestinal microbiota, effective immune status, and a general state of well-being 4. Despite its frequent use in medical literature and the food industry, the scientific community still lacks a clear and precise definition of gut health 4. The GI barrier, which interacts closely with the gut microbiota, is key to maintaining gut health. Any impairment in this barrier can increase the risk of infectious, inflammatory, and functional GI diseases, as well as extraintestinal conditions like immune-mediated and metabolic disorders 4.
Dysbiosis: An Imbalance in the Gut Microbiome
Dysbiosis refers to an alteration in the gut microbiome that can lead to various chronic conditions. This imbalance can disrupt the normal functions of the gut microbiota, contributing to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome 25. Dysbiosis highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced microbial community for overall health and underscores the potential of probiotics and prebiotics in restoring this balance 25.
Gut in Cultural Context
Culturally, the term "gut" has been imbued with various metaphorical meanings. It is often associated with courage ("that took guts"), determination ("what a gutsy effort"), and intuition ("I had a gut feeling"). Additionally, it is linked to emotional experiences, such as disappointment ("being kicked in the guts") and intense dislike ("I hate your guts") 3. These expressions reflect the deep-seated connection between the gut and human emotions and instincts.
Gut Health in Animals
In animals, particularly young pigs, gut health is critical for overall metabolism, physiology, disease status, and performance. The concept of gut health in pigs includes nutrient digestion and absorption, host metabolism, energy generation, a stable microbiota, and effective defense mechanisms 6. The health of the GI tract in pigs is especially important during the post-weaning transition, where changes in diet and structure can impact gut health significantly 6.
Conclusion
The gut is a complex and dynamic system integral to both human and animal health. It hosts a diverse microbial community that plays essential roles in nutrition, immunity, and overall well-being. Understanding and maintaining gut health is crucial, as imbalances can lead to various diseases. The cultural significance of the gut further underscores its importance in human life. As research advances, our knowledge of the gut and its microbiota will continue to grow, offering new insights and therapeutic opportunities.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Gut microbiota in health and disease.
Gut microbiota plays a central role in both health and disease, influencing host physiology, behavior, and stress response, and potentially contributing to various diseases.
Highly CitedLinking the gut microbiota to human health
Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining human health, with probiotics and prebiotics playing a key role in promoting symbiosis and preventing diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe guts of it.
Society and the English language afford 'guts' almost independent sentient being status. Long considered the source of courage, 'that took guts'; determination, 'what a gutsy effort'; and instinct or intuition, 'I had a gut feeling', the guts have also been an emotional powerhouse - disappointment is likened to 'being kicked in the guts' and an intense dislike for someone can be summed up by 'I hate your guts'.
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome: A Concept Analysis
This study proposes a refined definition of dysbiosis, emphasizing risk factors and consequences for holistic nursing practice, and highlights its co-evolving nature with advances in microbiome research.
Systematic ReviewGastrointestinal tract (gut) health in the young pig
Gut health in young pigs is crucial for optimal metabolism, physiology, disease status, and performance, with factors like enteric diseases, diet changes, and meal patterns affecting its ability to adapt to challenges.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGut microbiota and central nervous system development.
Gut microbiota influences central nervous system development and function, with gut dysbiosis linked to significant neurological problems, but more research is needed to determine specific bacterial phylum or species roles and protective bacteria.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe Gut Microbiome, Aging, and Longevity: A Systematic Review
Aging leads to increased gut microbiome diversity and functional differences, potentially impacting immune system dysregulation and disease susceptibility.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedRole of nutraceuticals in gut health and growth performance of poultry
Nutraceuticals, as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, can improve gut health, immune system, and growth performance in poultry, preserving the balance of gut microbiota.
Highly CitedThe Gut‒Breast Axis: Programming Health for Life
The complex interactions between the maternal gut, the breast, and the infant gut are crucial for proper infant growth and development, making human milk a unique functional food.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited