altering gut microbiome Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Gut Microbes Play a Key Role in Regulating Stress Responsiveness Throughout the Day

The AHA! Team — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:22:36 +0000

University College Cork via EurekAlert! – New Research by Prof John Cryan and Dr Gabriel Tofani et al from APC Microbiome Ireland based in University College Cork has uncovered the vital role that the gut microbiome plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body’s circadian clock. Key Findings: New research from reveals that the gut microbiome regulates the body’s diurnal (day-night) rhythms in stress hormones. Depletion of gut microbiota results in disruptions in the brain’s core circadian system, and is associated with altered stress hormone rhythms. The research highlights that gut microbes also regulates key stress-responding brain regions throughout the day. Using microbe transplantation, the team confirmed that oscillations of gut microbes across the day are critical for regulating stress hormone secretion. A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body’s circadian rhythms. The findings open the door for developing new microbial-based therapies that could help individuals better manage stress related mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression which are often associated with alterations in circadian and sleep cycles. This breakthrough research from University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland – a Research Ireland Centre – offers compelling evidence that the trillions of microorganisms in the gut orchestrate the body’s hormonal responses to stress in a time-dependent manner, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting the gut-brain axis. Published in Cell Metabolism, this study shines a spotlight on the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central stress response system. The research demonstrates that depletion of gut microbiota leads to an hyperactivation of the HPA-axis in a time-of-day specific manner, which alongside with alterations to the brain’s stress and circadian responding regions, results in altered stress responsivity across the day. The study further identifies specific gut bacteria, including a Lactobacillus strain (Limosilactobacillus reuteri), as key influencers of this circadian-regulated stress mechanism. L. reuteri emerged as a candidate strain that modulates glucocorticoid secretion (stress hormones), linking the microbiota’s natural diurnal oscillations with altered stress responsiveness. This groundbreaking discovery opens up new possibilities for psychobiotic interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes by targeting gut bacteria that influence stress regulation. Impact and Implications With modern lifestyles increasingly disrupting circadian rhythms through irregular sleep patterns, high stress, and poor diet, this research underscores the importance of the gut microbiota in maintaining the body’s natural stress-regulation processes. Speaking about the findings, Principal Investigator Professor John Cryan said, “Our research has revealed an important link between the gut microbiota and how the brain responds to stress in a time-specific way. The gut microbiome doesn’t just regulate digestion and metabolism; it plays a critical role in how we react to stress, and this regulation follows a precise circadian rhythm. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, particularly for those living in today’s stressful and fast-paced environment.” First author Dr Gabriel Tofani added “Our findings underscore the importance of not only the gut microbiota composition, but also how gut microbes change across the day. By showing that gut bacteria influence how the body handles stress throughout the day, we’re helping to understand the mechanisms through which the microbiota shapes our responses to the environment around us. Our work also demonstrates that exploring this relationship between the gut microbiota and circadian rhythms will be key in the development of microbiota based therapies for the stress-related disorders in the future”. “This study is a significant leap forward in our understanding of how the microbiome shapes our mental health,” said Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland. “At APC, we are committed to unravelling the many ways in which our gut microbiome impact human health, and this research provides crucial insight into how targeting specific bacteria may help manage or even prevent stress-related conditions. The potential to improve mental health through microbiome-based interventions is very real, and this study takes us one step closer to that goal.” The study was conducted at APC, a global leader in microbiome research based at University College Cork. Professor Cryan’s team has long been at the forefront of gut-brain axis research, and this new discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that gut bacteria have far-reaching effects on mental and physical health. ‘Gut Microbiota Regulates Stress Responsivity via the Circadian System’ is published online via Cell Metabolism which has an impact factor of 28. Read here https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(24)00399-1. Journal Cell Metabolism DOI 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.10.003 To read the original article click here.

The post Gut Microbes Play a Key Role in Regulating Stress Responsiveness Throughout the Day appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

New Study Uncovers the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Connection

The AHA! Team — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:33:48 +0000

Recent studies have uncovered a fascinating link between Alzheimer’s disease and a lower risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.

The post New Study Uncovers the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Connection appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Oral-Gut Axis: How Mouth Bacteria Impact Your Overall Health

The AHA! Team — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 08:38:47 +0000

Priyanjana Pramanik, MSc. via News-Medical – A new study found that the prevalence of nicotine pouch use was low in U.S. adults despite a 641% increase in sales of the products between 2019 and 2022. A recent review in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology explored the interactions between the oral and gut microbiomes and their collective effect on human health. Authors Jack A. Gilbert of the University of California San Diego and Erica M. Hartmann of Northwestern University found that while oral microorganisms may enter the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to gut dysbiosis, the mechanisms and broader implications of these interactions require further study. The importance of the gut microbiome The human body hosts a vast diversity of microorganisms that play a vital role in health by supporting the immune system and defending against pathogens. However, they may also contribute to chronic diseases. Dysbiosis, or disruptions in these microbial communities, is linked to metabolic and autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal issues. The gut and oral cavity are two key areas with dense microbial populations. The oral microbiome is influenced by food and environment and has been linked to oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, affecting systemic health by influencing microbial populations in the digestive and respiratory systems. The gut microbiome, shaped by genetics, diet, and lifestyle, is crucial for immune responses and infection prevention. Understanding the interactions between the gut and oral microbiomes is necessary for grasping their impact on diseases like colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oral cavity is a gateway The gastrointestinal tract begins at the mouth and extends to the anus, including organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The oral cavity, highly vascularized and home to diverse microbial communities, serves as the primary entry point for microbes into the body. It hosts over 770 bacterial species in different microenvironments, such as the buccal mucosa, tongue, and dental plaques. Key genera include Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Prevotella. The gut microbiome, primarily anaerobic and comprising species like Bacteroides and Ruminococcus, shares some taxa with the oral cavity, but distinct physical and chemical barriers usually prevent oral microbes from colonizing the gut. However, under conditions like low gastric acidity or antibiotic use, oral bacteria can migrate to the gut, potentially contributing to diseases. Understanding this oral-gut microbial transfer is crucial for exploring its role in disease and health. The mouth-gut connection The oral cavity, susceptible to conditions like dental caries, oral cancers, and periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), plays a significant role in overall health. Periodontal diseases involve the destruction of tissues around the teeth due to an inflammatory response to plaque and microbes. Gingivitis, a reversible inflammation of the gums, can progress to periodontitis if untreated, causing deeper tissue damage and bone loss. Research suggests a strong link between oral health and gut diseases. Periodontal pathogens, such as P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, can migrate from the mouth to the gut, contributing to conditions like IBD. These bacteria promote inflammation and disrupt the gut’s microbial balance. Studies have found higher levels of oral bacteria in the guts of individuals with IBD, indicating the mouth-gut axis’s role in these diseases. Additionally, the oral microbiome has been associated with CRC. Oral bacteria like F. nucleatum can influence tumor growth and treatment resistance in CRC. This connection underscores the importance of oral health in preventing and managing systemic diseases. Understanding these links can lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for gut diseases and cancers. Oral health and overall health Poor oral health, especially periodontitis, can significantly impact the entire body. Oral bacteria can travel through the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream, contributing to various diseases. Periodontitis causes low-grade systemic inflammation, which can disrupt the body’s health and promote diseases like IBD and cardiovascular diseases. It increases levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood, indicating an ongoing inflammatory response. One mechanism through which oral health affects the body is through the bone marrow, where inflammation from periodontitis boosts the production of immune cells, leading to heightened inflammatory responses elsewhere. Another mechanism involves periodontal bacteria directly affecting distant organs by releasing toxins that promote inflammation and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Additionally, oral health impacts the gut directly. Bacteria from the mouth can colonize the gut, exacerbating conditions like IBD. Treating periodontal disease can reduce systemic inflammation and improve chronic disease symptoms, demonstrating the bidirectional relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. Addressing oral health is thus crucial for overall health and managing systemic conditions. Conclusions Changes in oral bacteria can affect gut health, leading to systemic inflammation and various diseases. The relationship between the oral cavity and gut is bidirectional, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. More research is needed to understand how oral bacteria influence chronic diseases and to develop better models for studying these interactions. Future studies should resolve the oral-gut microbiome axis at the strain level to confirm the role of oral bacteria in chronic diseases and examine the role of translocated strains in gut microbiome-linked diseases through in vivo and in vitro models. To read the original article click here.

The post Oral-Gut Axis: How Mouth Bacteria Impact Your Overall Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Gut Flora Disruption in Infancy Linked to Autism & ADHD

The AHA! Team — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:05:19 +0000

Linköping University via News-Medical – Disturbed gut flora during the first years of life is associated with diagnoses such as autism and ADHD later in life. This is according to a study led by researchers at the University of Florida and Linköping University and published in the journal Cell. The study is the first forward-looking, or prospective, study to examine gut flora composition and a large variety of other factors in infants, in relation to the development of the children’s nervous system. The researchers have found many biological markers that seem to be associated with future neurological development disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder and intellectual disability. “The remarkable aspect of the work is that these biomarkers are found at birth in cord blood or in the child’s stool at one year of age over a decade prior to the diagnosis,” says Eric W Triplett, professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida, USA, one of the researchers who led the study. 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties The study is part of the ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) study led by Johnny Ludvigsson at Linköping University. More than 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties. Of these, 1,197 children, corresponding to 7.3 percent, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder or intellectual disability. A large number of lifestyle and environmental factors have been identified through surveys conducted on several occasions during the children’s upbringing. For some of the children, the researchers have analysed substances in umbilical cord blood and bacteria in their stool at the age of one. “We can see in the study that there are clear differences in the intestinal flora already during the first year of life between those who develop autism or ADHD and those who don’t. We’ve found associations with some factors that affect gut bacteria, such as antibiotic treatment during the child’s first year, which is linked to an increased risk of these diseases,” says Johnny Ludvigsson, senior professor at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Linköping University, who led the study together with Eric W. Triplett. Children who had repeated ear infections during their first year of life had an increased risk of being diagnosed with a developmental neurological disorder later in life. It is probably not the infection itself that is the culprit, but the researchers suspect a link to antibiotic treatment. They found that the presence of Citrobacter bacteria or the absence of Coprococcus bacteria increased the risk of future diagnosis. One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora in a way that contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. The risk of antibiotic treatment damaging the gut flora and increasing the risk of diseases linked to the immune system, such as type 1 diabetes and childhood rheumatism, has been shown in previous studies. “Coprococcus and Akkermansia muciniphila have potential protective effects. These bacteria were correlated with important substances in the stool, such as vitamin B and precursors to neurotransmitters which play vital roles orchestrating signaling in the brain. Overall, we saw deficits in these bacteria in children who later received a developmental neurological diagnosis.” -Angelica Ahrens, Assistant Scientist in Eric Triplett’s research group at the University of Florida and first author of the study The present study also confirms that the risk of developmental neurological diagnosis in the child increases if the parents smoke. Conversely, breastfeeding has a protective effect, according to the study. In cord blood taken at the birth of children, the researchers analysed the amounts of various substances from the body’s metabolism, such as fatty acids and amino acids. They also measured some harmful substances that come from outside, such as nicotine and environmental toxins. They compared substances in the umbilical cord blood of 27 children diagnosed with autism with the same number of children without a diagnosis. Children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood It turned out that children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood. One of these was linolenic acid, which is needed for the formation of omega 3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and have several other effects in the brain. The same group also had higher levels than the control group of a PFAS substance, a group of substances used as flame retardants and shown to negatively affect the immune system in several different ways. PFAS substances can enter the body via drinking water, food and the air we breathe. It is not certain that the relationships that the research team found in the Swedish children can be generalised to other populations, but these issues need to be studied in other groups as well. Another question is whether gut flora imbalance is a triggering factor or whether it has occurred as a result of underlying factors, such as diet or antibiotics. However, even when the researchers accounted for risk factors that might affect the gut flora, they found that the link between future diagnosis remained for many of the bacteria. This indicates that some of the differences in gut flora between children with and without future diagnosis are not explained by such risk factors. The research is at an early stage and more studies are needed, but the discovery that many biomarkers for future developmental neurological disorders can be observed at an early age opens up the possibility of developing screening protocols and preventive measures in the long term. The study has been funded with support from, among others, JDRF, Horizon Europe, Barndiabetesfonden (the Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation), Forte and the Swedish Research Council. Source: Linköping University Journal reference: Ahrens, A. P., et al. (2024). Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035. To read the original article click here.

The post Gut Flora Disruption in Infancy Linked to Autism & ADHD appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Fascinating NEW Research Reveals Improving Gut Bacteria May Help You Lose Weight

AHA Publisher — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 08:00:23 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Have you ever seen “those people,” the type who seem to lose weight with virtually no real effort on their part? They cut back a few calories, and the weight just seems to melt away. They make it look so easy, right? Well, while some have that annoyingly almost magic metabolism, for the rest of us, there are other things at play that can work for just about anyone – and it focuses on the type of bacteria residing in the gut. Research published by the American Society for Microbiology shows that the type of gut microbiome a person has in their body significantly impacts their ability to lose weight. Certain compositions of microbiome can help weight loss, or it can cause resistance to losing weight. This opens up new possibilities for achieving more effective weight loss by altering the gut microbiome. Differences in Microbiome Composition May Explain Why Some Lose Weight Faster Than Others, Study Finds The study spanned a year and followed individuals who participated in a wellness program that incorporated both advice from a nurse or dietitian and lifestyle coaching. The participants provided the results from various medical testing such as blood collection, stool collection, data from dietary food frequency questionnaires, and anthropometric data. This was done through self-reporting by online assessment, anonymous data collected from authorized sources, or the Fitbit Aria scale. Researchers then analyzed the collected information with a focus on the 15 participants who experienced the most significant reduction in weight and the 10 participants who lost the least amount of weight. The finding showed that the participants who lost the most weight experienced an increase in certain gut microbiomegenes that are integral in aiding the growth of bacteria and its ability to multiply and assemble cell walls. The team specifically focused on the higher growth rates of Bacteroidetes and how they affect weight. Participants who lost the most weight had higher Bacteroidetes growth rates and more of the genes, while the participants who did not lose as much weight had lower Bacteroidetes growth rates and fewer of those specific genes. New Research Shines a Light on Gut Bacteria-Weight Loss Connection The researchers theorize that gut bacteria growing slower may give the body more time to absorb sugar from foods consumed. By contrast, gut bacteria that grows faster may limit the time the body is exposed to or has access to the sugar from foods consumed, so it has less time to absorb it. Doctors and researchers have long been aware that obese people have a different composition of gut bacteria than people who are not obese. Still, this study provides insight into the specific set of genes encoded in the gut bacteria that responds to interventions designed to bring about weight loss. The gut microbiome is a significant factor in the modulation of the success of weight-loss interventions. This study is just the beginning of ongoing research that fosters a deeper understanding of weight loss, obesity, and gut health. With this new research shedding light on how gut bacteria might influence a person’s attempts to lose weight, there’s more to come. The next steps are to explore further how lifestyle interacts with the gut microbiota to help people lose weight. This could include developing probiotics that help prevent weight gain while promoting gut health. One thing is for sure, scientists are paving the way for a better understanding of managing the obesity epidemic as well as improving overall health and wellness. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com Journals.ASM.org To read the original article click here.

The post Fascinating NEW Research Reveals Improving Gut Bacteria May Help You Lose Weight appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Boost Gut Microbiome Health to Boost Mental Health + Tips to Improve Digestion

The AHA! Team — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – …if the good bacteria in our gut cannot help break down our food, our brain’s neurochemistry can be affected, while bad bacteria produce other chemicals that further impact our neurochemistry, which will, in turn, affect our overall ability to think well and our mood. We all know what we eat affects our mood, and vice versa. Just think of popular phrases like “sick to my stomach” and “I have butterflies in my stomach”: intuitively, we know that our gut and brain are closely connected, as I have mentioned multiple times in my blogs, on my podcast and in my book Think and Eat Yourself Smart. The gut microbiome, that is the world of bacteria living in our digestive system, doesn’t just exist to help us break down food. There is a constant conversation going on between the brain and gut, which also has its own amazing neurons, just like the spinal cord! This relationship is incredibly important when it comes to our mental health, which is both directly and indirectly affected by what we eat. I recently interviewed Wade Lightheart from BiOptimizers about how important our gut microbiome is for our mental health, and how we can use probiotics and better thinking and eating habits to improve our digestion and our lives.Wade’s sister was diagnosed with cancer when he was a teenager, and, unfortunately, after a long struggle with the disease, she passed away at the age of 22. Having gone through that traumatic experience, Wade realized that life is not just a “given”. There is so much that is uncertainty when it comes to our health (as Wade tragically learned at a young age), and it is imperative that we take every opportunity to improve our mental and physical health in order to make full use of every day we have on earth. A body building magazine Wade’s sister has given him a body building magazine during this time, which had a great impact on his life. He became passionate about building up his external appearance, and later chose to pursue a career in body-building and exercise physiology. However, after participating in the Mr. Universe contest, he battled with maintaining his physique, and gained 42 pounds of fat and water (and become, as he calls it, Mr. Marshmallow). Wade realized that although he had learnt how to build muscles and exercise, he has not been focusing on his internal health, which came at a cost after he stopped competing in bodybuilding competitions: his failing health affected his mood and his identity as an exercise champion. He had to learn, over time and with much effort, that it is important to focus on both our internal and external fitness if he wanted to live a truly fulfilling and happy life. And, after meeting a doctor who taught him how to build the body from the inside out, rather than just focusing on his external physique and looks, Wade decided to found his company, BiOptimizers, to help others also improve both their mental and physical wellbeing through improving gut microbiome and digestive system. His company works on three main principles: assimilation, nutrification and bioptimization. We often make an assumption that if we eat something it is automatically converted to energy for energizing and building the brain and body, but this not always the case. There is a distinct digestive process that has to take place for our body to make use of what we eat, which has been dramatically affected by our modern, industrial diet (which I discuss in detail in my book Think and Eat Yourself Smart). Wade’s company focuses on combating these digestive issues through not only focusing on what we eat, but how what we eat is assimilated, digested and used by our brains an body to help us realize the full potential of our mental and physical wellbeing. The team at BiOptimizers focus on helping people not only recover, but optimize the quality of their life by improving their overall health. More and more research is highlighting the importance of the gut microbiome, and how it impacts our brain and body health. It is therefore incredibly important that we focus on improving our digestive system through a healthy diet, probiotics, digestive enzymes and so on, especially in today’s world, where so much of what we eat provides processed, empty calories, and where more and more people are suffering from preventable lifestyle diseases. For instance, if the good bacteria in our gut cannot help break down our food, our brain’s neurochemistry can be affected, while bad bacteria produce other chemicals that further impact our neurochemistry, which will, in turn, affect our overall ability to think well and our mood. In fact, most of our neurotransmitters are made in our gut, so if that is not healthy, our brain will really struggle! This is why it is so important we take a holistic approach to our mental and physical health, because everything is connected, as I discuss in depth in Think and Eat Yourself Smart. As Wade notes, there are three main areas where we can improve our digestion to improve our mental and physical health: 1. Enzymes: as humans, we need enzymes to help us break down our food. They really are the difference between life and death! Proteolytic enzymes in particular are important, as they break down the proteins in our foods into absorbable amino acids, which are the building blocks of the brain and body, and are responsible for so many bodily functions. These should be a part of your everyday regimen, especially since so many of our modern foods have been compromised through production and overcooking. Thankfully, BiOptimizers has high-quality proteolytic enzymes available for purchase, which increase the bioavailability of your proteins and can help heal the brain and body. They also have other enzymes available, so check out their store. My readers can get a free bottle from BiOptimizers sent to their home by visiting p3om.com/leaffree with the code leaffreep3om. 2. Hydrochloric acid: either through aging or chronic dehydration we often do not have enough hydrochloric acid in our diet, which is critical for the removal of pathogens and our immune system, as well as the proper functioning of our digestive system and our mental health. BiOptimizers also has a great HCL supplement that can naturally help increase your hydrochloric acid levels and improve your digestive and immune systems. 3. Everyone is different: everybody’s gut microbiome is slightly different, and it will change over time and with different ways of eating. This is one reason why different diets work for different peopleâ€”there is no one “perfect” diet. However, it is crucial that we try maintain our gut microbiome health by avoiding highly processed or chemical-saturated food (such as conventional agriculture), as these can impact the health of our gut (I discuss this in detail in my book Think and Eat Yourself Smart) and eat as many natural, sustainable, wild, fresh and seasonal foods. It is also important to recognize that certain medications can impact the gut (such as antibiotics), which is why it is so important to take good-quality probiotics on a daily basis. You can also get 20% off your order of BiOptimizers at www.bioptimizers.com/drleaf with the coupon code: DRLEAF20. Their products have really made a difference in our lives, and can make a big difference for you as well! For my full interview with Wade and more on the gut microbiome and mental health, listen to this week’s podcast. We as a family also incorporate bone broth in our daily diet to help build up and strengthen our gut microbiome and improve our mental health. One of my favorite brands Kettle & Fire, which makes delicious, organic, grass-fed and pasture-raised nutritious broths and soups that my family just loves! Bone broth helps build up and strengthen the gut, as it is has collagen, amino acids and proteinâ€”the building blocks of the brain and body! And my readers can get up to 15% off their order and free shipping with the link provided here. I am also a big fan of healthy, low sugar protein bars when I am travelling or on the go, which keep me satisfied, while helping me avoid eating foods that can damage my gut microbiome and impact my mental health. I especially love the keto protein bars from Keto Krisp, which are incredibly delicious, very filling and have just 4g of carbs! You can get up to 30% off your order on Amazon or their website with the code DRLEAFKETO at checkout. If you would like to learn more about how to think and eat yourself smart, try my 63-day online course, which follows my book, Think and Eat Yourself Smart. To read the original article click here. To read more articles by Dr. Leaf click here.

The post Boost Gut Microbiome Health to Boost Mental Health + Tips to Improve Digestion appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.