There has been a tsunami of clinical research since the completion of the human genome project in 2001. Did you know that two thirds of the human body consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi, prokaryotes, and archaea? Collectively, these micro-organisms are known as the microbiome. Also coined the “second brain’, the gut microbiota communicates with the human host in a symbiotic fashion.

Our lifestyles and environment modulate our gut microbiota and can lead to imbalances in its composition resulting in increased intestinal permeability. Uncontrolled intestinal permeability can modulate our immune response, and if left unchecked, can lead to autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and many others.

With modern advances in diagnostic testing, it is now possible to detect antibodies early on in the disease spectrum. Early detection may allow preventative steps that may preempt disease manifestation via precise and precision treatment plans. This ‘systems based’ approach will fundamentally change the way medicine is delivered in the coming years.

This presentation looks at the present status of how we, as “super organisms”, have the capability to modify the way our genes express themselves, by changing our lifestyle, and healing our gut.