Functional MD’s find the strangest connections in the functioning of the human body. Today’s odd connection links gut bacteria with sarcopenia and inflamaging. Sarcopenia means that your muscles are shrinking. Inflamaging refers to the increased inflammation which occurs in many of our patients as they reach their later years.
Researchers have long wondered why human muscle strength usually dwindles as we age, and why some people dwindle more than others. Of course, they also ask why so they can find a therapy to reverse it. They also noted that we need to become more inflammed with aging, which produces negative health effects of all sorts. Many ideas have been proposed to explain these phenomena.
These authors argue that gut bacteria may play a role in this process. Looking at studies in both humans and animals, they walk through potential explanations for how different bacteria may decline or increase leading to the sarcopenia or inflamaing. Gut bacteria imbalances may create a leaky gut barrier allowing inflammation causing molecules like LPS to enter the body. On the other hand several bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum have shown benefits of several types in aging patients. Many other mechanisms are described also.
By studying this article further I look forward to applying these findings and principles in helping my patients live a healthier more abundant life. That is one the favorite things a functional MD like myself enjoys doing.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
