A Gut Biome Credit Score?
By Dr. Sean M. Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN Continuing our series on gut health and the gut microbiome, we are going to talk about a new finding in the ever-expanding gut bacteria research: a gut biome health score. Similar to how we have credit scores, which can denote whether a person has good or bad credit history, a gut biome health score may give physios and other healthcare providers insight into many facets of a patient's lifestyle. Recall the gut biome is the bacteria, archaea, fungi, and some viruses that live within our small and mostly large intestines. These small bugs live in a symbiotic relationship with our bodies and: Help to produce neurotransmitters (90% of serotonin is made by gut bacteria) Process foods to make health short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which can improve cardiovascular health Modulate the immune system response The last factor likely has the biggest implications for physical therapists (PTs). As rehabil...