Intestine: The 'Core Hub' of Human Health - Unveiling the Mysterious Connection between the Intestine and the Eight Major Systems
As the "second brain" and "eighth organ" of the human body, the intestine not only undertakes 99% of nutrient absorption and 80% of garbage excretion tasks, but also controls 70% of immune cell production, 95% of serotonin ("happiness hormone"), and 50% of dopamine ("reward hormone") synthesis. It is deeply linked to various systems throughout the body through complex "relationship axes", influencing our health code.
Intestinal liver axis: the "golden partner" of metabolism and detoxification. The intestine and liver are closely connected through the portal vein, forming a bidirectional regulatory network of the "intestinal liver axis".
The nutrients, bacterial metabolites, and even endotoxins absorbed by the intestine will directly enter the liver through the portal vein for processing; And the bile acids secreted by the liver will in turn regulate the balance of gut microbiota.
When the gut microbiota is imbalanced, such as the imbalance between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) will "take advantage of the situation" and activate Kupffer cells in the liver, causing inflammation, which is an important trigger for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Research has found that NAFLD patients have an increase in Prevotella and a decrease in Akkermansia in their intestines, while supplementing with Bifidobacterium can reduce ALT levels by 30% and significantly decrease liver fat content.
The intestines of patients with cirrhosis are often occupied by "ammonia producing bacteria", and elevated blood ammonia can directly affect cognitive function. The intestinal antibiotic rifaximin can reduce the recurrence rate of hepatic encephalopathy by 50%.
Protecting the balance of gut microbiota is actually building a "defense wall" for the liver.
Intestinal skin axis: The "external signal" of imbalanced microbiota and the state of the skin are often the "mirror" of intestinal health. The gut and skin form a "gut skin axis" through microbial metabolites, immune system, and neuroendocrine pathways.
Imbalance of the microbiota may lead to various skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
The short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota are the "anti-inflammatory guardians". For example, butyric acid can regulate Treg cell function and inhibit the onset of atopic dermatitis;
However, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) produced by Gram negative bacteria can "fan the flames" and activate skin inflammation through blood circulation, exacerbating acne and psoriasis.
Clinical data shows that acne patients have reduced levels of Bacteroidetes and increased levels of Proteobacteria in their intestines. Oral administration of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium for 12 weeks can reduce the severity of acne by 40%;
Children with atopic dermatitis have insufficient intestinal bifidobacteria, while supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during infancy can reduce the risk of disease by 20%. If you want your skin to be smooth, perhaps you should start by regulating your gut microbiota.
