Rescuing the Human Gut Ecosystem: Therapeutic Strategies for the Restoration of Gut Microbial Health in Gastro-Intestinal Disease, a Narrative Literature Review ^†

Abstract

Gastrointestinal illnesses affect an estimated 40% of persons worldwide. From severe inflammation and cancer to disturbances in gut motility and increased food sensitivity, they encompass a broad spectrum of diseases with a range of underlying mechanisms. The recent evidence suggests that disturbances in the gut microbial ecosystem (known as dysbiosis) could be a common and perhaps overlooked underlying factor. Dysbiosis has been shown to occur in a number of gastrointestinal conditions. Therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting dysbiosis and restoring microbial balance, utilising dietary therapies, probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods, are a current source of research interest. This review objective was to investigate the potential to restore gastrointestinal wellbeing, utilising non-pharmaceutical interventions that favourably alter microbial equilibrium. This was discussed in the context of a selection of common gastrointestinal conditions—irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colo-rectal cancer, post-surgical complications, constipation, helicobacter pylori infection, and proton pump inhibitor sequelae. The literature was located using the Ovid Medline Database focusing on three categories—(a) gastrointestinal disorders, (b) dietary therapy treatment, nutraceutical therapies, and functional food therapies, (c) gut microbiome alterations and effects. After exclusion criteria were applied, there was a final total of 32 relevant studies. Most explored the use of probiotic, and prebiotic supplements, with a few focusing on fermented foods, plant foods, and dietary therapies. The presented data revealed an informative research snapshot containing a rich resource for those interested in applying the benefits of these strategies. It also provided a greater knowledge base regarding the microbiota varieties involved in both beneficial and pathological activities in the gut. While the causation of dysbiosis and its relation to disease has yet to be demonstrated, continued research in these areas will provide a crucial evidence base that may yield substantive and constructive results.