GI = Gastrointestinal
“All Disease Begins In The Gut.” — Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, made this statement over two thousand years ago and it still somehow holds true today. Although not all disease begins in the gut (i.e. genetic diseases), there is evidence that many diseases do, in fact, begin in the gut.
The gut plays a central role in overall well-being. The foods we eat and the way we process them are essential to the normal functioning of the rest of the body. And, this has a lot to do with the different gut microbes residing in our gut. Abundant research suggests that the gut microbiota performs many important roles in promoting normal gastrointestinal function, regulating metabolism and immune functions. The roles performed by the gut microbes lead some to liken gut microbiota to a ‘forgotten organ’.
The first few years in life are the most critical period when the gut is developing and gut microbiota is established, and its alteration during this period has the potential to profoundly affect our health. ‘Gut Health in Early Life’ is an educational series highlighting gut health during the first 1000 days, a critical period of human development which provides the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. The series is intended as a practical guide for healthcare professionals working with mothers and young children, and their caregivers.
‘Significance of the Gut Microbiota and Nutrition for Development and Future Health’ is the first book in the series to provide an overview of early gut development, the role of gut microbiota and how it influences short- and long-term health. The book is edited by international experts in the field: Professor Raanan Shamir, Professor Ruurd van Elburg, Professor Jan Knol and Professor Christophe Dupont. Professor of Intestinal Microbiology in Early Life at Wageningen University, Jan KNOL said, “The critical role of the gut microbiota in human health is clearly recognised today, and it makes us aware of the importance of its establishment in early life.”
Second book in the series entitled ‘Implications and Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders’ provides the latest updates in the prevalence, cause, impact, diagnosis and management of common functional gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy and infancy. “Gut health impacts fundamental aspects of psychosocial, physical and mental wellbeing. Gastrointestinal disturbances have been identified as stressors in early life that can have a long lasting negative effect on the quality of life of families”, said Dr. Thomas Ludwig, Principal Scientist Paediatric Gastroenterology at Danone Research & Innovation, an editor of the book. The other editors are the world renowned paediatricians Professor Yvan Vandenplas and Professor Hania Szajewska.
– The first book in the series is available on-line: http://www.essentialknowledgebriefings.com/downloads/gut-health-in-early-life-significance-of-the-gut-microbiota-and-nutrition-for-development-and-future-health/
– The second book in the series is available on-line: http://www.essentialknowledgebriefings.com/downloads/gut-health-in-early-life-implications-and-management-of-gastrointestinal-disorders/