How The Gut Microbiota Affects Our Health with Dr. Erica & Dr. Justin Sonnenburg

Dr. Justin Sonnenburg is an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford and Dr. Erica Sonnenburg is a senior research scientist in the Sonnenburg lab where they the research many aspects the interaction between diet with the 100 trillion or so bacteria in the gut (specifically the colon) and how this impacts the health of the host (which in this case is a laboratory research mouse). In this episode we discuss the pivotal role fiber plays in fueling good bacteria in the gut to produce compounds that regulate the immune system including increasing the number of T regulatory cells, which are specialized types of immune cells that keep the immune system in check and prevent autoimmune responses, and how these compounds also increase other types of blood cells in the body in a process known as hematopoiesis. We also talk about how the lack of fiber in the typical American diet actually starves these good bacteria of their food. This has an effect not only on the immune system and autoimmune diseases but also results in the breakdown of the gut barrier, which leads to widespread inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Lastly, in this podcast, Dr. Erica Sonnenburg talks about how C-sections, have a negative effect on the infant’s gut due to the lack of exposure to bacteria present in the mother’s vaginal canal, and how the use of formula deprives the infant not only from the good bacteria present in Mom’s gut but also from special carbohydrates in breast milk that are good for the infant gut flora known as HMOs or human milk oligosaccharides. EPISODE LINKS: Show notes and transcript: https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episod... "The Good Gut" Book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594... The Sonnenburg Lab: http://sonnenburglab.stanford.edu/ PODCAST INFO: Email: https://www.foundmyfitness.com/newsle... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vEb... Full interview playlist:    • Interviews   Clips playlist:    • FoundMyFitness Clips   Chaptering 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:36 - Microbiome 00:05:21 - Diet 00:11:41 - Inflammation and autoimmunity 00:15:49 - Fiber 00:22:19 - Artificial sugars 00:24:33 - Antibiotics 00:28:53 - Probiotics 00:35:12 - Microbiome development 00:39:15 - Pregnancy SCIENCE OF HEALTHSPAN EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Receive emailed episode notifications and regular updates on the emerging science of healthspan. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/newsle... SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Many of the magnificent resources associated with the FoundMyFitness channel exist directly as a result of our premium membership. As a premium member, listeners get access to our exclusive podcast The Aliquot, monthly Q&As, a special summary of scientific research every other week called the Science Digest, and more. Sign up to become a premium member and nurture the existence of all of the otherwise free resources provided by FoundMyFitness at https://www.foundmyfitness.com/crowds... Thank you for watching! SOCIALS:   / foundmyfitness     / foundmyfitness     / foundmyfitness   PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QjpaU0... #microbiome #guthealth #inflammation