Funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3, Theme 10.
Funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3, Theme 10.
Six free video lessons for the Onfoods research community on the importance of the gut microbiota for human health.
The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in the proper functioning of the body. The balance of the communities that inhabit our intestines is crucial for maintaining metabolic, immunological, and neurological health. On the other hand, dysbiosis—an imbalance of the resident microbial communities—is often linked to various diseases. These include inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic degenerative conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle throughout life has beneficial effects on the gut microbiota, contributing to overall well-being and promoting a longer, healthier life.
In this regard, the scientific coordinators of the course Prof. Hellas Cena and Dr. Rachele De Giuseppe emphasize:
The gut microbiota is a key element for maintaining the homeostasis of the human body, influencing numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, immune system modulation, and neurological health. The balance of intestinal microbial communities is essential for preventing pathological conditions, while dysbiosis has been associated with various diseases.
In light of these findings, it is clear that adopting an appropriate lifestyle can modulate the gut microbiota and, consequently, promote health and longevity. In this context, personalized nutrition, in line with the principles of Lifestyle Medicine, emerges as an innovative approach to preserving the health of the body and reducing the risk of disease onset.
Given the gut microbiota’s role as a key mediator of health, the future of nutrition should prioritize more targeted and personalized strategies. The goal will be to ensure a better state of well-being throughout life, from the preconception period to aging, through Lifestyle Medicine interventions that promote biodiversity and stability of the gut microbiota.
The course consists of six video lessons in Italian, each lasting about 30 minutes, and is delivered in an asynchronous format (the lessons are pre-recorded). At the end, a final test is required to earn 4 ECM credits. To access the course, you must register via Google Forms. Upon registration, participants will receive an access voucher.
The Microbiota: A Resilient Architecture of Human Health
The role of the gut microbiota in promoting human health from birth throughout the entire lifespan.
Gender Microbiota
How male and female sex hormones can modulate the gut microbiota, influencing the risk of developing diseases.
Maternal Lifestyle and Microbiota
How a woman's lifestyle during her fertile years and throughout pregnancy can influence the composition of the gut microbiota and the health of the future newborn.
Breastfeeding and Microbiota
How different types of breastfeeding can modulate the composition of the infant's gut microbiota and influence the risk of developing diseases.
Complementary Feeding Shapes the Microbiota
How the introduction of solid foods into an infant's diet shapes the microbiota, promoting immune system development and its diversity.
"Centenarian" Microbiota
How the gut microbiota changes with aging and what role it plays in promoting longevity.
