Bacteroides, Bifidobacteirum, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus– these are the names of some of the 100 trillion bacteria who are living and working in your gut. These microscopic critters, collectively known as the microbiome, help our body to digest food, process nutrients, make vitamins B and K, and produce immune molecules that fight inflammation and heal wounds. The most impressive role of this busy workforce may be, surprisingly, in the brain.

While the digestive tract and the brain feel far apart in your body, they are actually connected via a 24/7 direct line of biochemical communication, set up by special nerve cells and immune pathways. It’s called the gut-brain axis. Down in the gut, bacteria make neuroactive compounds, including 90% of our neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulate our emotions. In turn, the brain can send signals to the gastrointestinal system, for example, to stimulate or suppress digestion.

A healthy microbiome is a diverse microbiome. A rich community of varied species protects against one dominating and causing trouble in our gut and beyond. Shifts in the composition or function of the microbiome have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, autism, and blood cancers. Researchers are now discovering that a disrupted microbiome, in certain contexts, may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions that cause dementia.

Dr. Sarah A. Kahn, MD

Practicing Gastroenterologist at Stamford Hospital..

Asst.Clin.Prof.GI Columbia University Med Ctr

Fellowship-GI at Montefiore Hospital of Albert Einstein
Medical Residency-Montefiore Hospital of Albert Einstein
Med School-Dartmouth
Undergraduate-Smith College
Married with 4 grown children one with developmental disabilities
Hobbies-reading,yoga,dog walking,spending time with friends and family,travel

Arranged by Alex Garnett

Here are Dr. Kahn’s slides:  Mini-Med updated 2019

Video of her presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyJclO2D7sI&t=13s