Gulsen Meral
Biography
Associate Professor Gülsen Meral graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpa?a School of Medicine in 1994. She became a specialist in paediatrics in 2001 . She is Associate Professor in Pediatrics and worked as a specialist as well as deputy chief physician and chief physician at several hospitals. She was the Rector’s advisor between 2019-2021 at the Northern Cyprus ITU. She is also an Acupuncture instructor. She worked as a Nutrigenetics graduate course and lecturer and gave undergraduate and graduate courses on child development. She has many national and international publications, and worked on editorial boards and as reviewers. She has a Master's Degree in Hospital Management. She has a Turkish language literature undergraduate education. She completed PhD program in Medical Genetics. In addition to her scientific achievements, she is ambitious about poetry and has 5 poetry books. She is the Founder of the Nutrigenetics and Epigenetics Association, and has memberships in the Green Crescent and Rumelia Association, Istanbul Acupuncture Association, and International Society of Nutrigenetics & Nutrigenomics. She participated in the first and second International Epigenetic Congress as the president. She is still the organizer and educator of the Epigenetic Coaching Program. She is actively giving trainings on Nutrigenetic & Epigenetic Counselling to health professionals from all over the World as a certified CPD program. She continues research and training as the founder and manager of Epigenetic Coaching.
Research Interest
CAN DYSB?OS?S BE THE CAUSE OF V?TAM?N D DEF?C?ENCY? ITS ?MPORTANCE ?N LONGEV?TY
The human VDR genetically influences the modulation of the intestinal microbiome. The VDR acts as a key regulator of the biological effects of vitamin D and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy intestinal flora permeability. Vitamin D protects the health of intestinal cells by binding to the VDR, thus preventing adverse conditions such as increased intestinal permeability and triggering inflammation. In addition, studies with probiotics have provided a better understanding of the role of vitamin D and VDR in maintaining intestinal health. In particular, probiotics of the species lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus reuteri have been shown to have the ability to increase vitamin D levels. These probiotics play an important role in regulating the intestinal microbiota and strengthening the immune system. In my study, the use of probiotics increased vitamin D levels with lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus reuteri and bifidobacter. Instead of taking high doses of vitamin D for longevity, low-dose vitamin D supplements supplemented with probiotics may increase success. This shows that a balanced diet plan along with probiotics should be considered in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, rather than just vitamin D supplements.
A fatty diet can lead to epigenetic changes in the body that can cause vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, even if you do not have these genetic variants, unhealthy eating habits can cause vitamin D deficiency in your body. Therefore, the first step in combating vitamin D deficiency is to improve eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
