Microbiome and Drugs

The microbiome can be defined as all the bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. The amount of microbial cells in the body outnumber host cells by 10x making up 1-3% of total body mass.The microbiome is unique to each individual and is influenced by multiple factors. There are many different processes within the body that are linked to the microbiome including sleep patterns, weight gain/loss, immune system, brain functionality and development, cardiovascular function, and bowel disorder.
    The gut microbiota are also linked with cancer. When there are changes within the interaction between the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelium, and host immune system are associated with cancer. Through observation, the authors of Cancer Dysbiosis showed that anticancer therapy can promote two functionally opposite types of dysbiosis, which according to dictionary.com is defined as “an imbalance between the types of organism present in a person's natural microflora, especially that of the gut, thought to contribute to a range of conditions of ill health.” These two types of dysbiosis include detrimental dysbiosis, and beneficial dysbiosis. This provides evidence that the pharmacological manipulation of the microbiome may be able to improve anticancer therapy treatments. 

We have all taken drugs such as ibuprofen or tylenol to help subside that awful headache, or decrease pain when injured, but how do these drugs actually work and affect our ayurveda? Drugs often interfere with our brain’s neurons, causing messages to be sent throughout our body. Some drugs can mimic the brain’s own chemicals, however, the neurons do not interact with the drugs the same way they would interact with our body’s natural neurotransmitters. Other drugs can cause an increase in the amount of natural neurotransmitters being released which alters the brain’s chemical balance and can disrupt normal communication processes. While some drugs are meant to block pathways, other drugs are meant to help improve the functionality of pathways, but do scientists really understand the long term effects these drugs can have on the balance and functionality of the brain? 

Abuse of certain drugs can lead to a disease called addiction. Addiction can be defined as the compulsive use of a drug despite the effects using the drug has on the individuals life, and relationships. Addiction can also be explained as excessive use of a drug in order to produce a specific/desired mood. Addiction affects ayurveda by altering the chemistry and even the structure of the brain. We often talk about the importance of brain development during puberty, and teen years. This is because development and structure of the brain is dependent on the individual's activities during this crucial time period. 

There are certain factors that may increase the risk of addiction. One of these factors is genetics. It has been shown that genetic exposure may lead to higher risk of addiction or drug misuse. There are also social factors that may increase the likelihood of using certain drugs. Some of these factors include major life stressors, abuse (whether physical, sexual, or verbal), low self-esteem, mental disease, as well as lower socioeconomic status. However, use of drugs can lead to increase in anxiety, depression, agitation, among any other effects. 

Drugs go far beyond just science. Throughout society, drugs are used in cultural traditions and these traditions can affect a society as a whole. Culture can play a very central role in forming the experiences about potential problems with drug use. Addiction affects many different areas of an individual's life and can destroy personal relationships.