The gut is at the root of many diseases. A balanced, diverse microbiome (gut bacteria) is essential for health. Reduced microbiome diversity has been linked to increased gut permeability, autoimmune, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, diabetes (types 1 and 2), obesity, Alzheimer's, MS, autism, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease. When the gut microbiota is altered or disrupted, it is referred to as "dysbiosis," which results in the gut becoming inflamed and permeable ("leaky gut"). A leaky gut allows substances to pass through the walls of the gut into the blood stream. This leads to inflammation and oxidative stress - triggers for chronic diseases. A permeable gut also can start an autoimmune response because antibodies are formed against the food proteins that pass through the wall of the gut. Gut health is intricately connected to brain health. You will learn about gut health and how it effects overall health.