The Hidden World Within: The Gut Microbiome
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that influence far more than digestion. From immune function and inflammation to mental health and chronic disease, the gut and its microbiome play a central role in how the body functions—and how it heals.
This three-part Mini Medical School series invites you to explore the rapidly evolving science of gut health with University of Minnesota experts. Through engaging, plain-language lectures, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the digestive system works, what happens when it doesn’t, and how emerging research is reshaping prevention and treatment for gastrointestinal and systemic conditions.
Launched in 1999, Mini Medical School was developed to connect Minnesotans with University of Minnesota experts who answer questions and share the latest advancements in health and research. Mini Medical School has empowered countless individuals with invaluable knowledge about health and wellness, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and engagement.
Moderator:
Levi Teigen, PhD
Assistant Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Speakers:
Justin Howard, MD
Associate Professor, Medical School
Josh Sloan, DO
Director, Esophageal Disorders Program
Shahnaz Sultan, MD, MHSc, AGAF
Professor, Medical School
Q&A
- What happens when you swallow a large pill and it feels stuck and how does aging affect swallowing?
- What kind of workup should be done with a primary care provider before a GI referral, and when should you ask for one?
- What kind of workup should be done with a primary care provider before a GI referral?
- What is the impact of sparkling water and diet sodas on gut health?
Moderator:
Levi Teigen, PhD
Assistant Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Speakers:
Camille Beauduy, PharmD, BCIDP
Lecturer, College of Pharmacy
Jennifer Granick, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM)
Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine
Andrew Sommer, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate, Microbiota Therapeutics Program
Q&A
- How quickly can the microbiome change after diet or environment shifts?
- How quickly can a pet’s microbiome change or recover?
- Can you quickly rebuild your microbiome after a colonoscopy?
- Does gut health affect just digestion or the whole body?
- Do fiber supplements actually help the microbiome?
- When should you use probiotics vs. just diet (for pets)?
- Do foods like broccoli or cabbage have unique microbiome benefits?
- Why is microbiome science still so uncertain?
- Should you take probiotics at the same time as antibiotics?
- How do you choose a trustworthy probiotic brand?
- Are raw diets or bland diets good for pets?
Moderator:
Levi Teigen, PhD
Assistant Professor, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Speakers:
Alexander Khoruts, MD
Director, UMN Microbiota Therapeutics Program
Cyrus Jahansouz, MD
Assistant Professor, Medical School
Alexa Weingarden, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Medical S
Q&A
- How can you prevent infections like C. diff when taking antibiotics?
- Is it necessary to get IV antibiotics prior to surgery?
- Can celiac disease be cured and does U.S. wheat affect it?
- Can donor microbiomes be replicated or optimized?
- Is cow’s milk allergy the same as lactose intolerance, and how does it affect the gut?
- What are anastomotic leak rates after intestinal surgery?
- What is the role of the microbiome in autism and the gut-brain axis?
