bifidobacteria Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Study Reveals How Gut Microbes May Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Breastfeeding

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:00:37 +0000

DTU (Technical University of Denmark) via News-Medical – It is widely acknowledged that breastfeeding benefits the health of infants. However, there is still a lack of solid evidence to document what happens in the gut of breastfed babies and how gut microbes may contribute to these beneficial effects. It has long been known that certain gut bacteria—bifidobacteria—are prevalent in the gut of breastfed infants. Although these bifidobacteria are considered beneficial, the reason why has so far been unclear. A new study has shown that the types of bifidobacteria, which utilize components of breastmilk to grow in the gut of infants, contain a particular enzyme. This enzyme enables the bacteria to produce small molecules that are believed to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. Researchers from the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, and the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen led the study, which has been published in Nature Microbiology. Unintended Discovery The idea for the project arose five years ago, when the driving forces behind the project, Martin Frederik Laursen and Henrik Munch Roager, made a discovery by coincidence while they were colleagues in the Research Group for Gut, Microbes and Health at the National Food Institute. The discovery piqued their curiosity to such an extent that they launched the project, which has been completed with a very small budget, a strong drive and persistence, and—importantly—support from within the research group. “It all started on a winter morning five years ago when we stumbled upon the fact that infant stool samples contained remarkably high levels of a certain molecule. And now we know that this particular molecule could be key in our understanding of how bifidobacteria help strengthening breastfed children’s immune system,” says Henrik Munch Roager, who was the principal investigator on the study and is now Associate Professor at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen. The researchers’ focus has been to understand the reason why such high concentrations of these substances—the so-called aromatic lactic acids—are present in breastfed infants’ faeces, and how they potentially could affect the health of infants. “Experiments in the lab have shown us that the aromatic lactic acids, which the bifidobacteria produce in the gut, can affect the activity of immune cells in what we would consider to be a beneficial direction in relation to a well-balanced immune response. This could prove relevant when for example the infant’s immune system is fighting an infection,” senior researcher Martin Frederik Laursen from the National Food Institute explains. Raises More Interesting Questions The study design did not allow the researcher to look at the incidence of disease among the infants who participated. Therefore, a natural follow-up study would look at the connections between the aromatic lactic acids, the development of the immune system early in life and their role in preventing disease. “More studies are needed to be able to prove whether the immune effects observed in the laboratory, also apply to infants and to what extent these effects provide protection against infections and immune-related diseases later in life,” says Martin Frederik Laursen and adds: “Furthermore, we do not know if there is a window where this effect of breastfeeding is particularly important in order to achieve the optimal effect on the immune system. Naturally, it is interesting and relevant to investigate this further.” Knowledge Might Be Useful for Improving Infant Formulas The researchers hope that down the line, the results of the study can pave the way for new, targeted ways of strengthening children’s immune systems in early life. “The results of the study are useful for supporting measures aimed at helping children develop a balanced gut microbiota, which supports a well-functioning immune system. Such measures include supporting breastfeeding and developing new types of infant formula and probiotics that promote the presence of these bifidobacteria in life early,” says Henrik Munch Roager. Caption: The studied bifidobacteria utilize certain carbohydrates (human milk oligosaccharides) in breastmilk to grow in the gut where they transform aromatic amino acids (which are also found in breastmilk) into aromatic lactic acids. The production of these aromatic lactic acids in the gut probably has a beneficial effect on the infants’ immune system. Caption: During the course of the study, Henrik Munch Roager (left) and Martin Frederik Laursen both became dads (again). Source: DTU (Technical University of Denmark) Journal reference: Laursen, M.F., et al. (2021) Bifidobacterium species associated with breastfeeding produce aromatic lactic acids in the infant gut. Nature Microbiology. doi.org/10.1038/s41564-021-00970-4. To read the original article click here.

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Weight Loss NEWS: Reduce Your Risk of COVID Complications, Improve Digestion and Avoid Premature Death

AHA Publisher — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:55 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Excessive weight gain among children and adults is a growing concern worldwide, especially in light of a reported correlation between severe COVID-19 cases and obesity. Now, the results of a brand new study from the European Society of Endocrinology suggest that probiotics could be a valuable part of the puzzle when figuring out how to effectively lose weight. What are probiotics? According to Cleveland Clinic, probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, that help your body (and especially your digestive tract) stay healthy – and it turns out they could also help people lose weight. NEW Study: How Probiotic Supplementation Can Yield BETTER Weight Loss Results In early September 2020, a team of Italian researchers released the results of their investigation into the effects of probiotic supplementation on treating childhood obesity. The researchers specifically wanted to find out whether supplementing a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet with a class of probiotics called Bifidobacteria would yield better improvements in health compared to diet alone. Bifidobacteria are known for preventing infection from other “bad” bacteria, helping to break down carbohydrates in the gut, supporting healthy digestion, and influencing food intake and energy expenditure. After separating 100 obese and insulin-resistant children into an experimental group or control group for 8 weeks, the researchers found that both groups saw improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and waist circumference (as well as fewer harmful E. coli bacteria in the gut). But the children who followed the diet AND took probiotics had greater weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and reductions in E. coli compared to the children who followed the diet but were given a placebo. The beneficial effects of these probiotics lasted for weeks after the children stopped taking them, as well. More long-term studies are needed to clarify probiotic supplementation safety and effectiveness, but the results certainly offer some important insights for parents. Of course, one can easily imagine what the results would be for adults, as well. Hopefully, this kind of research will expand to include how taking probiotics can help adults to lose weight. Probiotics Can Help, But Don’t Skimp on the Basics … These 4 Things Can Help You Lose Weight and Keep it Off Depending on your or your loved one’s health goals, taking high-quality probiotic supplements can be an excellent way to enhance their healthy lifestyle. Emphasis on enhance – not replace. In other words, if you choose to take advantage of the health-promoting effects of probiotics, just don’t forget to skip out on the other things you can be doing every day that will help you lose weight and improve your well-being overall. A few simple reminders, that should not be overlooked include: Stay physically active, especially through regular aerobic and strength training exercises. Commit to getting an adequate amount of sleep consistently. People who don’t get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep may be more likely to overeat and struggle to lose weight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Make a balanced (organic) diet and sound food choices the rule, not the exception. The body needs the right amount of calories, micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) and macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) to support ideal weight and physical activity. Look for colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates while minimizing or eliminating processed foods and alcohol. Monitor your weight. You don’t have to step on the scale every day. But checking your weight periodically can give you the feedback you need. After all, the numbers don’t lie. As for probiotic foods, try adding these items to your next shopping list: Fermented foods like, kimchi and sauerkraut Kombucha Miso soup Water, coconut and dairy-based kefir Natto Kvass Tempeh Lastly, foods like onion, banana, garlic, and leek naturally feed Bifidobacteria already in your gut, so stock up on those healthy foods, too. Sources for this article: ScienceDaily.com, CNNphillippines.com, NIH.gov, Clevelandclinic.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Why Improving Gut Health Should Be a Number One Priority

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 07:00:06 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – We sometimes use the words “gut instinct” to refer to a deeply held belief or powerful impulse – without fully realizing just how appropriate that phrase is. Researchers are beginning to recognize the immense power of the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract) to protect against disease, regulate metabolism and even influence mood and outlook. But, how do we keep a healthy balance between life-sustaining “friendly” bacteria and harmful, disease-causing microbes? A newly published scientific review showcases the profound effect of diet and nutrition on the microbiome -and provides hints as to which type of foods can help optimize gut health. Why the Gut microbiome Is So Important to Your Health The gut microbiome is composed of literally trillions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. “Friendly” bacteria help extract energy from food and stimulate the immune system by activating disease-fighting T and B lymphocytes. In fact, a surprising 70 percent of the immune system is located in the lymphatic tissue of the gut. These helpful microbes also regulate neurotransmitters that affect your mood and cognition. By the way, the relationship between the gut microbiome and cognitive health is so strong that many scientists maintain that intestinal bacterial health is one of the primary factors in determining the severity of cognitive decline as we age. And, some natural health experts believe that dietary changes over the last century – along with the use of pesticides on food – are the primary factor behind growing rates of depression! From the growing body of research on the microbiome, one important fact is emerging. Imbalances in the ratio of friendly and unfriendly bacteria – a condition known as dysbiosis – is strongly associated with a grim parade of serious diseases. WARNING: Cutting-Edge Research Links Dysbiosis with Heart Failure In a recent article published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the authors reported that changes in the composition of the microbiome (such as the diversity and ratio of various bacteria) are associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). In one study, participants with CAD were found to have an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, a microbe associated with inflammation and chronic diseases. In addition, they had relatively low levels of bacteria that produce butyrate, an anti-inflammatory fat needed for proper immune function. Meanwhile, congestive heart failure patients were found to have overgrowths of pathogenic fungi, such as candida – along with the Campylobacter bacteria. And, patients with type 2 diabetes also had lower concentrations of butyrate-producing microbes. Not only did patients with heart disease have overgrowths of certain pathogenic bacteria – but they exhibited a “consistent decrease” in microbial diversity. The authors concluded that dietary nutrients serve as “key environmental influences” on intestinal microbes, and stated that modulating the microbiome could help prevent – and possibly even help treat – heart disease. More Evidence: Diet Profoundly Affects the Health of Intestinal Bacteria In a 2020 overview of literature published just this month in Nutrition Reviews, the authors examined 86 scientific articles and studies involving the gut microbiome. The review, which was conducted by scientists at George Washington University and the National Institute for Standards and Technology, revealed just how profoundly nutrition affects the microbial composition of the gut – and highlighted the contributions of plant fiber to microbial health. By contrast, the authors noted, protein metabolism appeared to result in harmful byproducts that could linger in the gut, with possible health consequences. More study is needed, the authors declared, to investigate ways in which the microbiome responds to dietary interventions. Read Carefully: The Key Nutrients for a Healthy Gut Microbiome Most of the research on nutrients for a healthy microbiome has centered on plant fiber, which serves as fuel for gut microbiota and causes the production of short-chain fatty acids. These beneficial fats function as signaling molecules that help to modulate blood pressure and inflammatory responses. Short-chain fatty acids also improve absorption of nutrients and reduce intestinal transit time – thereby shortening the time that toxic byproducts can accumulate in the intestines. In addition to dietary fiber – which is found in good supply in legumes, fruits and vegetables – probiotic foods like miso, sauerkraut and kimchi can help support a healthy gut microbiome while reducing the inflammation that lies at the root of virtually all serious chronic diseases. Here’s a tip for you: unsweetened yogurt with active cultures helps encourage beneficial microbes known as lactobacilli, while apples, artichokes, blueberries and almonds increase numbers of anti-inflammatory Bifidobacteria. And, don’t forget about prebiotics, those non-digestible carbohydrates that provide fuel for gut bacteria. Asparagus, bananas, garlic and onions are all good sources. You can also protect microbiome balance by avoiding pro-inflammatory refined oils, refined sugars and GMO foods. Important to note: artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, don’t get a thumbs-up either. These have been shown to increase the number of bacterial strains linked with metabolic and heart disease. Natural health experts advise opting for the natural sweetener stevia instead. You can also preserve intestinal health by avoiding harsh chemical cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and unnecessary courses of antibiotics. On the whole, plant-based and vegetarian diets seem to offer more health benefits to the gut microbiome than meat-based eating plans. Before switching, however, check with your integrative doctor or nutritionist for help in creating a dietary plan that is right for you. Sources for this article include: JACC.org, MedicalNewsToday.com, Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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