Gut Microbiome and Health
Learn about the power of understanding gut microbiomes to elevate your nursing practice and enhance patient care! Dive into this article where you will discover the fundamentals of gut microbiomes, their pivotal role in various health issues, and the impact of diet and supplements on a person’s unique microbiome.
Course Details
Overview
Over the last 20 years, extensive research has shown the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in various health domains from digestive and cardiovascular, to even mental health. Factors like diet and supplements influence an individual's microbiome composition and balance, making each person's microbiome unique, with some researchers even calling it a newly discovered organ. While further investigations are warranted to gauge the efficacy of dietary interventions and supplements, the standardization of therapies holds promise for healthcare providers, especially nurses, in offering tailored guidance and education to patients in fostering a healthy, balanced gut microbiome.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Describe the gut microbiome development process.
- Discuss how probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics impact the gut microbiome.
- Explain the connection between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and mental health.
Presented by:
Terri A. Clark, EdD, MSN, RN; Kristen Butler, DNP, MSN, RN; and Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC
The authors work at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Terri A. Clark is an associate professor and RN to BSN pro¬gram facilitator. Kristen Butler is an associate professor. Debra Rose Wilson is a professor and Lenora C. Reuther Chair of Excellence.
