You Need More Than Bacteria For a Healthy Gut Microbiome

First There Was The Microbiome – Now There’s The Mycobiome

The lower digestive tract – the colon — contains over 10,000 individual strains of bacteria. Taken together, they weigh three or four pounds. This microbiome, as it’s called, has become the subject of intense research. Many people eat yogurt and take probiotic supplements to boost their good gut bacteria.

But our guts also have a mycobiome. This term refers to 184 different fungus species that comprise about two percent of the microbes or “bugs” in our guts.

If you went to school eons ago like I did, you might think living creatures are divided into two kingdoms, plant and animal. But there are five or six kingdoms of living creatures, and bacteria and fungi each constitute a kingdom in themselves.

The bacterial and fungal colonies in our guts interact with one another. This reveals itself when patients are on a long course of antibiotics. Killing off bacteria often encourages fungal overgrowth, such as Candida albicans, and the many unpleasant symptoms accompanying it.

Christopher Thornton, associate professor of fungal immunology at the University of Exeter, says, “It’s not just about bacteria anymore — there is a shift in research which is putting greater importance on the role of fungus and bacteria together.”

NIH-funded scientist Mahmood Ghannoum has spent more than three decades researching fungi. He agrees with his UK colleague.

He and his research team at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, discovered that both types of microbe cooperate to create digestive plaque.

This plaque lines the lower intestinal wall, protects the microbes, and benefits bacteria and fungi. It’s similar to plaques formed on the teeth.

Need a Balance Between Good and Bad Fungi

These plaques can consist of helpful species that break down food and maintain a balance of gut organisms. In this case, the plaques are muted and modest in size.

However, a plaque usually comprises sizable and robust fungi that grow plaque and secrete tissue-destroying enzymes. These bad bacteria can lead to digestive disorders and a weakened immune system.

Like bacteria, there are “bad” fungi that have these adverse effects and “good” fungi that act as a check on the harmful ones. You need to sustain a balance between the two, or your digestion, regularity, and overall health can be compromised.

Several studies demonstrate this.

In March, scientists from the University of Utah found that Saccharomyces cerevisiae “exacerbated intestinal disease in a mouse model of colitis and increased gut barrier permeability.”

In plain English, this strain of fungus inflames your colon and creates holes or lesions in the colon wall that allow foreign matter to pass into your bloodstream. Not good.

In a human study, Spanish researchers found that obese people had less of a fungal genus called Mucor. This condition can be reversed if the person loses weight. The researchers concluded that “manipulation of gut mycobiome communities might be a novel target in the treatment of obesity.”

How To Keep Your Gut Fungus-Friendly

The best way to avoid fungal imbalances is to follow recommendations encouraging good gut bacteria.

Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid refined foods, sugar, artificial ingredients (food additives and chemicals), and excessive alcohol. Not surprisingly, these dietary recommendations can also support healthy levels of good probiotic bacteria and a microbe called blastocystis.

Chronic stress can also substantially disrupt the myco- and microbiomes. If you suffer from stress, you might like to follow Professor Ghannoum’s example and practice yoga and mindful breathing daily.

Another idea is to look for probiotics that contain yeast cultures and bacteria. Most probiotic supplements contain only bacteria.

Summary

Research reveals that fungi in the gut, collectively known as the mycobiome, play an essential role in maintaining gut health alongside bacteria. The balance between beneficial and harmful fungi can influence digestive health and immunity. To support a healthy gut mycobiome, one should eat a balanced diet, manage stress, and consider probiotics containing yeast cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mycobiome?

The mycobiome refers to the community of fungi residing in the human gut, working alongside bacteria to influence gut health and overall well-being.

How can an imbalance in gut fungi affect health?

Imbalances can lead to digestive disorders, increased gut permeability, inflammation, weakened immunity, and even obesity.

How can I promote a healthy mycobiome?

Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, managing stress, and taking probiotics with yeast cultures can help maintain a balanced mycobiome.

Can all fungi in the gut be harmful?

No, not all fungi are harmful. Some fungi support gut health by aiding digestion and balancing harmful bacteria, while others can cause issues if they overgrow.