Antibiotics, hygiene, diet and environmental factors change the microbiome (the gut flora).

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CONs ↓ (4)

This speaks in favor of it

Antibiotics not only target pathogens but also beneficial gut bacteria. Many broad-spectrum antibiotics reduce the diversity of the gut microbiome. As a result, certain types of bacteria can disappear or become less common.

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Altered gut flora can have health consequences. For example, after antibiotic treatment, the risk of diarrheal diseases caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile increases because the natural competition in the gut is weakened.

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Early administration of antibiotics can be particularly significant. The microbiome develops rapidly during the first years of life. Interventions during this phase could have long-term effects on metabolism and the immune system.

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Less contact with microorganisms can influence the development of the immune system.

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This speaks against it

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Facts

The microbiome refers to the entirety of microorganisms (primarily bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and other microbes) that colonize the human body. The gut microbiome is particularly important, as it is involved in digestion, metabolism, immune regulation, and possibly also in the development of various diseases.

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Studies show that the microbiome can partially recover after antibiotic therapy, but some changes can persist for months or longer. The repeated or unnecessary use of antibiotics is particularly problematic.

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Sources

Dethlefsen L., Relman D. A. (2011): Incomplete recovery and individualized responses of the human distal gut microbiota to repeated antibiotic perturbation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). WHO: Informationen zu Antibiotikaresistenzen und verantwortungsvollem Antibiotikaeinsatz.

The so-called "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that very low microbial exposure in childhood may be associated with a higher probability of allergies and certain autoimmune diseases.

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People in urban, highly industrialized regions often exhibit lower microbial diversity than people with greater contact with natural environments.

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Sources

Rook G. A. W. (2013): Regulation of the immune system by biodiversity from the natural environment: an ecosystem service essential to health. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Natural environmental influences contribute to the diversity of the microbiome: contact with soils, plants, animals and different habitats can promote microbial diversity.

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Diet is one of the most important short-term influencing factors. Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains promote bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These substances can support the intestinal barrier and the immune system. A diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and low in fiber is associated with reduced microbial diversity. Some artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and preservatives have been shown in studies to affect gut bacteria or the intestinal barrier.

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Sources

Chassaing B. et al. (2015): Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nature.

Emulsifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose or polysorbate 80 have been associated with changes in the microbiome and inflammatory processes in animal studies.

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Sources

Chassaing B. et al. (2015): Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nature.

Other possible influencing/environmental factors include: - Air pollution - Pesticides - Heavy metals - Pharmaceuticals from the environment - Industrial chemicals Climate change and altered food systems These substances can affect microorganisms indirectly or directly.

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Sources

Claus S. P. et al. (2016): The gut microbiota and its role in health and disease. Gut Microbes.

Environmental chemicals can affect the composition of gut bacteria. Some bacteria can break down chemicals, while others are sensitive to them.

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Sources

Claus S. P. et al. (2016): The gut microbiota and its role in health and disease. Gut Microbes.

Uncertainty exists because research has often considered individual substances separately: The long-term consequences of combining many additives in industrially processed foods are not yet fully understood. In reality, however, humans ingest complex mixtures daily: various emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorings, preservatives, flavorings, thickeners, and packaging chemicals such as certain plasticizers. The effect of a single additive can differ from the combined effect of many substances. Interactions between additives and the individual microbiome are still only partially understood. People may react differently due to genetics, age, diet, medication use, and lifestyle.

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Ideas / Solutions

Clarifying the complex interplay (combination effects / "cocktail effects") of various additives and other environmental factors through expansion of "exposome research": This involves examining the entirety of all environmental factors to which a person is exposed throughout their life. More long-term studies on humans. Transparent labeling and scientific evaluation of complex food mixtures.

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Responsible antibiotic use: Use antibiotics only when medically necessary. Stricter controls on antibiotic use in agriculture. Research into therapies that protect the microbiome.

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Promote a balanced diet: Increase fiber intake through vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Reduce highly processed foods. Increase food variety.

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Balanced hygiene: Maintain good hygiene during illness and food preparation. At the same time, allow more contact with natural environments. Avoid excessive disinfection in everyday life.

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Reducing environmental pollution: Fewer pollutants entering soil and water. More sustainable agriculture. Better control of chemicals with potential effects on the microbiome.

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Opinions

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