By Dr. Sean M. Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

Continuing our series on gut health and the gut microbiome, we are going to talk about a new finding in the ever-expanding gut bacteria research: a gut biome health score.

Similar to how we have credit scores, which can denote whether a person has good or bad credit history, a gut biome health score may give physios and other healthcare providers insight into many facets of a patient's lifestyle.

Recall the gut biome is the bacteria, archaea, fungi, and some viruses that live within our small and mostly large intestines. These small bugs live in a symbiotic relationship with our bodies and:

• Help to produce neurotransmitters (90% of serotonin is made by gut bacteria)
• Process foods to make health short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which can improve cardiovascular health
• Modulate the immune system response

The last factor likely has the biggest implications for physical therapists (PTs). As rehabilitation...