The Gut Microbiome

Acknowledgments
Preface

Chapter 1: A Cultural Context for Human-Microbe Symbiosis
Evolution of the Human Diet: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters
The Industrialized Western Diet
Conclusion

Chapter 2: The Gastrointestinal Tract and Its Microorganisms
Classification of Gut Bacteria
Introduction to the Gastrointestinal Tract and Its Microorganisms
The Stomach and Small Intestine
The Large Intestine
Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria
Archaea and Fungi
Baby's First Encounter with Microorganisms
The Aging Microbiome
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Nutrition and the Gut Microbiota
Culture, Diet, and Varying Gut Microbiota Populations
Carbohydrates: Nutrition for Host and Commensal Bacteria
Bacterial Metabolism
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Micronutrient and Phytochemical Interactions with the Microbiome
Minerals and Vitamins
Phytonutrients
Herbs and the Microbiome
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Immunity
Microbes Influence the Development and Function of the Immune System
Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Gut Microbes and Immune Dysfunction
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolism and Energy Homeostasis
Adipose Tissue
The Endocannabinoid System
SCFA as Signaling Molecules
Gut Microbes and the Liver in Metabolic Function
Sleep, Exercise, and Other Lifestyle Factors
Conclusion

Chapter 7: The Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Low-FODMAP Diet
Colorectal Cancer
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Intestinal Infections
Conclusion

Chapter 8: Cardiovascular Disease
Do Bacteria Contribute to Clogged Arteries?
Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Gut Microbes and Blood Lipids
Hypertension
Conclusion

Chapter 9: Microbes and the Gut-Brain Axis
Communication between Gut Microbes and the Nervous System
Gut Microbes and Autism
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Conclusion

Glossary
References and Further Reading
Index
About the Author