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What is The Gut Microbiome? - Dysbiosis and Care in the Community

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The gastrointestinal system is home to a thriving and diverse microbial ecosystem otherwise known as the gut microbiome. This community represents an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms and can consist collectively of up to 1,000 different species.

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The gastrointestinal system is home to a thriving and diverse microbial ecosystem otherwise known as the gut microbiome. This community represents an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms, and while the microbiome can consist collectively of up to 1,000 different species, a few dominant bacterial species are the major inhabitants. Comprising 99% bacteria, the microbiome also harbours some yeast, viruses and pathogens that can impact on the wider community. External environmental factors (in particular diet), directly influence microbial balance. Poor nutrition reduces the diversity and alters the finely tuned balance of this gut ecosystem, leading to what is medically termed dysbiosis.

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Meet the educator

KH
Kirsten Hogg
Kirsten Hogg PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons) conducted her PhD studies in reproductive biology in Edinburgh, UK studying endocrine and metabolic dysfunction in a model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Moving to Canada and then Australia, Kirsten has since built considerable research expertise in fetal and placental development, with a particular focus on the role of epigenetics in health and disease. She has had numerous research papers published in peer-reviewed science journals and is the sole author of an e-book, a molecular biology troubleshooting guide aimed at early career scientists. Kirsten is using her research background and passion for science to pursue her interests in scientific and medical writing.
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35 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Portrait of Fee Sievers
Fee Sievers
07 Mar 2021
Very interesting.
LS
Leini Soki
05 Dec 2022
Useful
Portrait of Heather Blackhall
Heather Blackhall
01 Sep 2022
Registered Nurse
Good clear information
MK
Melinda Kelly-Hamilton
16 Dec 2021
Good
CT
Chantal Tabrett
17 May 2022
Registered Nurse
A quick overview, that outlines the basics of this emerging area of health.
Portrait of Leanne Forbes
Leanne Forbes
04 Dec 2020
Simple & informative
SB
Sean Brown
29 Apr 2021
Portrait of Jennifer Hawke
Jennifer Hawke
03 Oct 2020
Intriguing
SK
Santosh Kaur
24 Sep 2020
good
LC
Lee Cowling
03 Feb 2021
This was a basic article reinforcing how gut health can affect many other areas of the body.
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