You Really Should "Go With Your Gut"

Do you remember learning in school about the different types of biomes found on Earth? Tundra, tropical rainforest, desert, etc.  One of the reasons specific plants and animals thrive in these locations is because they are best adapted to that local climate.  If you think of each individual's gut as having a certain type of "climate" then it makes sense that certain types of organisms would best thrive there.

The results of a recent study were published last month and the findings should be of interest for anyone with intestinal problems.  Basically, the bacteria found in the intestines of humans can be broken down into three types.  In other words, just as you have a blood type, this study indicates that you also have a gut type.  In fact, one news article compared this finding to the importance of the discovery of blood types.  The study not only has the potential to change the way gut problems are treated, but might also lead to a greater understanding of what triggers the symptoms found in Crohn's Disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420143620.htm

More thoughts on this study:

What if your immune system has adapted to a particular group of bacteria and now because of where you live and what you eat you are only getting bacteria that isn't well-suited for your intestinal "climate"?

The longer you have Crohn's Disease the more familiar you become with the foods that can cause you problems.  It doesn't take long to realize that there is no master list of bad foods for people with Crohn's.  While there may be some similarities, each food list is still specific to each individual.  Could this be because of the variation in our gut types?

If I have a certain gut type, then how do I know a probiotic that works for one person will work for me?  What does this mean for treatments like fecal bacteriotherapy?

So many questions!