Understanding the Microbiome and Menopause with Prof Jack Gilbert

In this blog post we delve into insights from our interview with Professor Jack Gilbert on the Middling Along Podcast.

The Interplay Between Menopause and the Microbiome

Professor Gilbert started off by discussing how sex hormones, especially oestrogen, interact with gut microbiota. As women go through menopause and their oestrogen levels drop, significant changes occur in the gut's microbial composition. This can increase levels of inflammation-causing bacteria, which may contribute to menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, and general inflammation.

The Importance of Diet: Fiber, Fermented Foods, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

One of the crucial parts of maintaining a healthy microbiome is diet. Consuming a diverse array of plant fibre and fermented foods can lead to the production of beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help maintain a healthy gut lining and regulate the immune system. Professor Gilbert emphasizes the need for around 30 different species of plants weekly to achieve a healthy microbiome.

Probiotics and Their Potential Role

When asked about probiotics, Professor Gilbert noted that while some clinical studies support their efficacy for conditions like anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal disorders, results can vary. It's essential for individuals to choose evidence-based probiotics and maintain a balanced diet to sustain a healthy microbiome.

Fecal Transplantation: A Revolutionary Yet Underexplored Avenue

Another intriguing topic discussed was fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT), where fecal matter from a healthy donor is introduced into a patient’s gut. This method has shown remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections. While there's potential for FMT to alleviate menopausal symptoms, more robust studies are necessary to support such applications.

Diet, Microbiome, and Stress Response Regulation

Professor Gilbert also elaborated on how the gut microbiome affects our stress responses through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Inflammatory bacteria in the gut can lead to chronic low-grade anxiety by hijacking this stress response system, emphasizing the need for a balanced diet to minimize such impacts.

The Healing Power of Nature

There is growing evidence that spending time in nature can positively influence our microbiome and mental health. Gardening, for instance, not only exposes us to beneficial microbes but also improves overall well-being.

Towards the end, Professor Gilbert shared his vision for a comprehensive study on the microbiome and menopause. Using an innovative device called "the gut lab," which collects and analyzes stool samples, he hopes to predict menopausal symptoms based on pre-menopausal microbiome compositions. This ambitious research could lead to groundbreaking insights into personalized health during menopause.

In closing, both Professor Gilbert and I are optimistic about the future of microbiome research and its potential to revolutionize how we understand and manage health, particularly around key life transitions such as menopause. Stay tuned for more advancements in this exciting field!