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Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to gain new life experiences, but it can also pose health risks. When in enclosed spaces such as airplanes, or in crowded places like airports, travelers are more likely to encounter infections that spread from person to person.

The events of recent years, associated with the coronavirus pandemic, have shown how quickly diseases can spread around the world. But viruses are only part of the problem. During travel, one may also encounter bacterial infections, which can be just as dangerous. That’s why it is important not only to understand how infections are transmitted, but also to know how to protect yourself.

For effective treatment of dysbiosis, it is crucial to begin with accurate diagnostics. In the first article, we discussed the basic concepts of dysbiosis, its impact on health, and potential causes. Many health conditions may present with similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches. As mentioned earlier, dysbiosis-related issues can be identified using a variety of diagnostic methods. The primary ones are stool analysis and breath tests. Stool analysis can detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while breath tests effectively reveal carbohydrate fermentation disorders, which may indicate SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).

Gut Microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that inhabit the human intestinal tract. The number of microbes in the human body is estimated to be around 39 trillion, slightly exceeding the number of human cells. However, their genetic material is much richer and has a profound impact on bodily functions.

The microbiota performs many key functions, such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, protecting against pathogens, and supporting the immune system. A healthy microbiota is key to maintaining long-term health, whereas imbalances may trigger a wide range of diseases.

The second part of the article focuses on the diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), continuing the discussion of essential topics not covered in Part One. In that part, we reviewed the core symptoms and causes of SIBO. Now we focus on diagnostic tools that help identify this condition and guide optimal therapy. Distinguishing between the different types of SIBO — hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide — requires accurate diagnostic methods to select the correct treatment. Importantly, diagnosing SIBO not only confirms the condition but helps rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition where bacteria that are normally present in small amounts in the small intestine—or that typically reside in the large intestine—begin to proliferate in the small intestine. SIBO disrupts normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. However, it’s not just discomfort—SIBO can significantly impact quality of life, leading to chronic fatigue, skin issues, weight loss, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The underlying cause of SIBO is often another condition, and SIBO is a dysfunction of the gut that results from this primary issue.

Mycoplasmas are unique bacteria characterized by the absence of a cell wall. Instead, they have a cytoplasmic membrane, which makes them distinct from microorganisms. This feature complicates their detection by the immune system and renders antibiotics targeting the cell wall ineffective.

However, drugs such as tetracyclines and macrolides, which act on other mechanisms like protein synthesis, remain effective against these microorganisms. Mycoplasmas can cause many diseases, including respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a type 4 herpesvirus and one of eight known viruses in the Herpesviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through saliva and other bodily fluids, earning it the nickname &“kissing virus”.

EBV can affect various organs and systems in the body. For instance, it may influence the central nervous system (linked to multiple sclerosis) and the thyroid gland (as seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Additionally, EBV is associated with certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Folate, or vitamin B9, plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, regulates methylation, and supports normal cell growth and development. A deficiency of folate in the brain can lead to serious consequences, including cognitive and neurological disorders.

Upon consumption, folates are absorbed in the intestine and transported to various organs via the folate receptor alpha (FRα). Under normal conditions, the folate level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be 2-3 times higher than in blood. However, in some individuals, blood folate levels may remain within the normal range while the delivery of folate to the brain is inadequate.

Epigenetic marks play a crucial role in maintaining health throughout life by regulating biological processes and predisposition to diseases. Understanding when and how these marks can change opens new opportunities for the prevention of chronic diseases and improving quality of life. In the first part of the article, we examined the theoretical aspects of epigenetics, how and when these changes occur, and their impact on health. In the second part, we will focus on practical approaches: how to influence epigenetics through nutrition, lifestyle, and other available strategies. Particular attention will be given to critical periods such as pre-pregnancy preparation, childhood, adolescence, and aging when external factors can have the most significant long-term effects on health.

In recent years, research in genetics and epigenetics has garnered increasing attention, opening new horizons for understanding health and chronic diseases. Genetics studies hereditary traits and variations in DNA structure, while epigenetics examines changes in gene activity that do not alter the DNA sequence itself. One of the key aspects of epigenetics is that these changes can be reversible. This opens up new opportunities for developing treatments for diseases where changes in gene expression play a crucial role, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, or metabolic disorders. Moreover, epigenetic modifications can be passed from parents to offspring, influencing the health of future generations. Understanding the mechanism of epigenetic regulation presents new prospects in medicine, particularly concerning the impact of the environment, nutrition, and lifestyle on health.