Dysbiosis of the Microbiota: Therapeutic Strategies Utilizing Dietary Modification, Pro- and Prebiotics and Fecal Transplant Therapies in Promoting Normal Balance and Local GI Functions

TLDR: This chapter discusses therapeutic strategies that utilize pro- and prebiotic treatments, as means to promote normal microbiota balance and maintain normal local GI functions, while potentially intervening in inflammation-based conditions.

Abstract: Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota making up the human microbiome can have a profound influence on energy and immune homeostasis, which result in significant metabolic and immunologic effects on the host, ultimately leading to many local and systemic diseases. Diet, as it contains components that provide energy to the host microbiota, plays a significant role in the maintenance of the complex microbiome. High-fat and high sugar diets, and diets that are low in fermentable fiber lead to dysbiosis, while diets low in fat and sugar, and high in fermentable fiber, particularly prebiotic fiber, can significantly promote proper energy homeostasis and immune response to reduce disease risk and promote overall health. In healthy condition, dietary modification, as well as treatment with pro- and prebiotic use, can help maintain proper microbiota balance and promote proper energy and immune homeostasis. In a dysbiotic condition, dietary modification, as well as treatment with pro- and prebiotics, and, in more severe cases, complete restoration of fecal microbiota through stool transplantation, may help intervene in a disease state. This chapter discusses therapeutic strategies that utilize pro- and prebiotic treatments, as means to promote normal microbiota balance and maintain normal local GI functions, while potentially intervening in inflammation-based conditions. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation is discussed as therapy to intervene in more severe infections or inflammatory conditions.