W8: Sarah's Stomach

Part A

Content: Despite the fact that I believe probiotics can help people with gut issues and can help me have a healthier gut, I have actually never really looked into them myself.

Concern, or question: What other advantages might natural probiotics offer for our bodies and gut?

Connection: Since I have celiac disease and a gluten allergy, I can relate to Sarah. About five years ago, I received a diagnosis; prior to that, I would frequently experience excruciating stomach discomfort.

Part B Part 1

1. What could be causing Sarah’s symptoms? Brainstorm possible causes of these symptoms that you are familiar with. Once you have a list, hypothesize at least three different possible diagnoses for the cause of Sarah’s illness.
2. Which of your potential diagnoses seems the most likely? What additional information would be helpful to reach a conclusion? Are there any tests that could be run?

Part 2

1. In your groups, look over the hypotheses that you came up with in Part I. Using the new information that was provided in Part II, which hypotheses can you exclude? What additional causes might you consider based on the new information you have about Sarah? Create a list of your top possible cause(s) for Sarah’s symptoms.

Part 3

Expert Group 1: The Gut Microbiome

1. Watch the video “The Invisible Universe of the Microbiome” (5:28 min) from NPR on YouTube at .
2. Read the following article from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for information on a healthy human microbiome at .
3. Outline the important information you have learned about the gut microbiome and dysbiosis. Make sure to answer the following:
   1. Where in or on the body do we typically find helpful bacteria?

 

1. How do intestinal bacteria contribute to digestion?
2. How do intestinal bacteria help prevent us from getting sick?
3. What is meant by “dysbiosis”?
4. What is the connection between diet and which bacterial species are growing in our intestines?

 

Part 4

1. Describe the relationship between gut bacteria and digestion in a healthy person.