MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT: This guide I am writing comprises of an introduction to the human microbiome, followed by two main sub-divisions: information to the general public on how diet and probiotics can help you maintain a healthy microbiota, as well as a patient guide directed towards people suffering from inflammatory bowel disorders and one interesting and effective treatment option. The study of the microbiome is a new and rapidly change field of biology. The human microbiome is the collection of roughly 100 trillion bacteria inhabiting our bodies that forms a community to help us fend off disease-causing microbes, digest foods, and make essential vitamins and other nutrients we cannot produce ourselves. Present even before birth, the bacteria inhabiting our gut are essential in maintaining our overall health. Poor diet and disease may have devastating consequences on the microbiome and the human body. Research shows that eating certain foods, like yogurt and fermented foods, and taking probiotics (naturally through food or in pill-form), can greatly increase microbiome diversity and prevent bacterial infections. A novel and effective technique called a fecal transplant is recommended for many patients suffering from C. difficile infection, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, fecal transplants have nearly a 90% cure rate My guide will inform readers on a blooming field of science that affects them directly – although unseen and rather unknown, the huge microbial diversity within our bodies is vital to our health and survival.

WC: 229

READER'S PROFILE I imagine a reader who is a patient suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for many years and is disturbed by the suggestion of a fecal transplant.

READER'S RESPONSE: Yuck! Is a fecal transplant really what it sounds like? That is an incredible cure rate and I hate having IBS… the bloating, the sudden bowel movements, the abdominal pain… but do I really want someone else’s feces implanted into my body? That’s disgusting! I guess I should read through this patient guide to find out more information, instead of just going with my gut on this – haha get it? I’m sure there must be a reason why this treatment is so effective. Maybe I will ask my gastroenterologist about it to see what she thinks.

R - good plan. You will use headings to distinguish the parts of the document, right?

You may want to note the classes of bacteria -- the flora and fauna species in groups -- in addition to the astonishing trillion number of total microbial "buddies" inside us.

I look forward to reading this. :)