gut lining Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Gut Inflammation? You Might Not Need That Colonoscopy

AHA Publisher — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:00:25 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – Undergoing a colonoscopy is no picnic. It is invasive, frightening and likely the butt of all your friends’ jokes. But thanks to a new method developed in Israel, it may also become a thing of the past, at least for detecting inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science and Sheba Medical Center in Israel have come up with a way to replace colonoscopy data with analysis of fecal samples. Their findings were published in the journal Gut. The study took off when researchers realized that cells shed from the gut lining of mice and expelled in the feces stay alive for several hours. This led to a method that could provide testing for inflammation that is less invasive, much cheaper than colonoscopy and at least as reliable. The researchers analyzed cells collected from the gut lining of 30 patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the course of colonoscopy and compared them with those taken from fecal samples or biopsies of 30 healthy people who had undergone colonoscopies as part of routine cancer screening. Using RNA sequencing and other advanced methods, they determined which cell types were present in each of the samples and found that the fecal samples contained four immune-related cell types associated with inflammation. They then ran algorithms to identify distinct expression patterns, or RNA signatures, of the cells in each sample. These signatures helped reveal the exact proportion of each immune-related cell type in the gut lining and enabled the scientists to determine whether a person had an active case of intestinal inflammation. The fecal samples proved to be more reliable than the biopsies. “A biopsy can miss inflammation because it provides a snapshot of the narrow spot from which it was removed, whereas a fecal sample contains cells shed from the entire lining of the gut,” explains Weizmann Prof. Shalev Itzkovitz. “Moreover, a fecal sample can sometimes be more revealing than the examination of the lining during colonoscopy, which is done by eye, because certain forms of inflammation produce no visible signs.” To read the original article click here.

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Microbiome to Blame for Weight Gain After You Quit Smoking

AHA Publisher — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:00:47 +0000

Jon Schiller via Israel21c – It’s estimated that more than a billion people smoke cigarettes despite its role in causing disease. Recent studies have shown that 70 percent of smokers are interested in quitting but are concerned that they will gain weight. For years, the cause of weight gain as the result of quitting smoking has been unclear. In a recent study published in Nature, Weizmann Institute of Science researchers say the culprit may be weight-modulating compounds released by gut microbes. The researchers found that mice regularly exposed to cigarette smoke failed to gain weight, despite consuming a diet high in fat and sugar. When the smoke exposure stopped, the mice rapidly gained weight. But when the mice were given broad-spectrum antibiotics that depleted their microbiome, they gained much less weight after undergoing smoking cessation, staying slim for months regardless of their diet. The scientists believe that smoking-related compounds such as nicotine penetrated the gut of the smoke-exposed mice, altering the gut’s bacterial composition and, consequently, the body’s metabolism. They also assessed the microbiomes of 96 smoking and nonsmoking people. They found marked alterations in the microbiome of smokers, as well as microbial metabolite changes similar to those found in the smoke-exposed mice. “Our findings exemplify how the host and microbiome act as partners in regulating weight and metabolism,” said immunologist Prof. Eran Elinav, who headed the research team. “The compounds we have identified may lead to new treatments that will help people avoid weight gain when quitting smoking. Moreover, these compounds may be further developed into therapies to fight obesity even among nonsmokers.” To read the original article click here.

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Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 08:00:25 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Dark chocolate lovers, I have a special treat for you. These delicious dark chocolate almond butter cookies are not only healthier than your average chocolate chip cookie, but they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and Paleo-friendly. Key Ingredients Using only almond butter and almond flour for a base, this all-natural dark chocolate chip cookie is nutty and chewy without the guilt of refined flour and sugar. The reason I encourage my family, friends and patients to avoid wheat is partly because of its carbohydrate structure that can raise blood sugar levels more quickly than a candy bar. Wheat also increases insulin levels, which contribute to fat storage in the body — not to mention gluten in wheat that triggers inflammation and damages gut lining. I love baking with almond butter and almond flour, not only for the heart health benefits the almond brings, but for the nutty flavor and chewy texture they add to this dark chocolate almond butter cookie recipe. Dark chocolate chips are a no-brainer for these double chocolate chip cookies, as they are not only great for boosting focus and memory, but they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Stick with bars or chocolate chips that contain 70 percent or higher in cocoa or cacao. Speaking of cacao, I added cacao nibs to these dark chocolate almond butter cookies for an extra crunch and double chocolate flavor. Cacao nibs are a great source of sulfur and magnesium, and much like their counterpart dark chocolate, they also contain high amount of flavonols with antioxidant properties. For the remaining ingredients, I used the wonderful natural sweetener maple syrup, a pastured egg, vanilla extract and sea salt. How to Make Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor, add in almond butter, almond flour, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, sea salt, baking soda and baking powder. Process the almond cookie mixture until it is smooth and well-combined. Add in cacao nibs and dark chocolate chips, and mix well. Chill the dough for 20 minutes. Shape cookies into circles, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes. Good luck keeping these keto almond butter cookies around very long! Similar Recipes If you’re looking for an alternative to this dark chocolate almond butter cookies recipe, here are a few options: Almond Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe The Best Lactation Cookies Recipe to Support Milk Supply Chewy, No-Bake Homemade Granola Bars Paleo Zucchini Brownies with Dark Chocolate Chips Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cookies Recipe DESCRIPTION These dark chocolate almond butter cookies are healthier than your average chocolate chip cookie, a crowd-pleaser and Paleo-friendly. INGREDIENTS 1 cup sprouted almond butter ½ cup almond flour ⅓ cup maple syrup 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon baking powder ½ cup cacao nibs ½ cup dark chocolate chips, minimum 70% cacao INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor, add in almond butter, almond flour, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, sea salt, baking soda and baking powder. Stir in cacao nibs and dark chocolate chips. Chill dough for 20 minutes. Scoop a tablespoon of the dough and shape into cookies and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes. NOTES If you want a little less chocolate, you can opt for just the dark chocolate chips or the cacao nibs. To make this recipe vegan, replace the egg with an egg substitute, such as vinegar and baking soda. NUTRITION Serving Size: 1-2 cookies Calories: 113 Sugar: 8.1g Sodium: 137mg Fat: 5g Saturated Fat: 2.2g Unsaturated Fat: 2.8g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 15.6g Fiber: 3.9g Protein: 2.7g Cholesterol: 14mg To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Glyphosate Toxicity Alert: How America’s #1 Weedkiller Tricks Your Body Into Absorbing It

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:32 +0000

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc via Dr. Axe – When you’re creating a meal or spraying a stray dandelion in your yard, you probably don’t think about glyphosate toxicity. Still, glyphosate is the most commonly used agricultural in the world — and a go-to weedkiller in lawns and gardens across America. And although you would never purposely add it to your food or drinking water … you’re still probably consuming it every day. (It’s used so heavily, it’s now detected in rain samples, too.) The unfortunate truth is, glyphosate is virtually impossible to avoid, so you and your loved ones are probably at risk from its toxic effects right now — unless you take active steps to defend yourself. The Inside Track on Glyphosate Glyphosate’s primary use involves killing weeds, but it was first patented as a metal chelator (remover) because it binds to minerals (like calcium) to clear them out of pipes. That’s great for pipes, but not for people who need essential minerals to stay strong and healthy. The herbicide also causes a devastating impact on our internal ecosystem. It kills off beneficial bacteria (probiotics) while giving dangerous pathogens a competitive edge. Research indicates that glyphosate creates and speeds up antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. In its central role, glyphosate is the most widely used agricultural pesticide in the world, but it’s often combined with other toxic herbicides including: Atrazine 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) Dicamba Neonicotinoid insecticides That’s why the vast majority of our conventional food supply is contaminated with glyphosate, almost always along with other toxins. And as we’re finding, these dangerous combinations spell disaster for our personal and planetary health. Glyphosate Toxicity: The Many Dangers Glyphosate poses an enormous health risk because of our constant exposure. And though each instance of contact with glyphosate may seem small, they all add up — especially since this everyday toxin “tricks” your body into storing it, by mimicking other essential nutrients. That puts you at higher risk for many troubling health issues, including: Deficiencies in essential minerals such as manganese and iron that can lead to diabetes, dementia, and anemia symptoms Overgrowth of pathogens in the gut (dysbiosis or “leaky gut”), which disrupts immune function and increases inflammation, putting you at risk for dozens of chronic diseases Disruption of vital biochemical processes (like detox methylation), which can lead to toxin overload, autoimmune disease and cancer Reduced neurotransmitter production, which can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline Since glyphosate contamination is extremely difficult to avoid, you need to defend yourself against it every day. Pesticides Taint Most Foods Most plant foods sold in the U.S. come bathed in pesticides. According to the USDA, more than 225 different pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and grains commonly consumed in the U.S. (See the Dirty Dozen list for more details.) Even organic foods are not always spared, since pesticides like glyphosate and others can find their way into organic farms via wind drift or other means. Glyphosate itself contaminates hundreds of the most common foods. Even though each food may contain only trace amounts of glyphosate, those traces add up to an oversized daily dose. Here’s just a small taste of foods that contain glyphosate in popular brands: Granola bars Bottled orange juice Rolled oats 100% whole grain pasta Hummus While it may seem impossible to avoid glyphosate and other pesticides, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the harm these toxins can cause. Emphasizing organic foods and products is an important first step. Even though organic produce may still contain some pesticide or toxin residues, levels will be far lower than conventionally-grown items. There’s also a new, independent certification that manufacturers can obtain to verify products as glyphosate-free. While still in the early stages, this new certification may be something to keep an eye out for, as awareness about the dangers of glyphosate continues to climb. Protect Yourself from Glyphosate Toxicity There are several things you can do to minimize — and even eliminate — glyphosate contamination, but the most important is to protect your body with natural defenders. That way, as we are chronically exposed to glyphosate, our bodies can safely deal with it before long-term damage is done. The most effective glyphosate defense team includes: Citrus pectin: A soluble fiber known to detoxify heavy metals and clear cholesterol through its superior binding powers Alginates (purified from kelp): Proven to protect against pesticide toxicity and effectively remove heavy metals and toxins Glycine: An amino acid needed to create glutathione — a powerful detoxifier and antioxidant that also protects the liver against toxicity. Interestingly, the body can mistake glyphosate for glycine during protein synthesis, tricking it into storing toxic glyphosate in tissues and organs. By supplementing with extra glycine, we can prevent glyphosate from being stored, enhance glutathione activity, and help support healthy protein production. The top glycine-rich sources include collagen and bone broth, but it’s also found in legumes, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and fish. Even some fruits and vegetables contain glycine, like spinach, cabbage, kale, bananas and cauliflower. Gingko biloba: An ancient herb found to be a powerful protector against glyphosate toxicity Organic Iceland kelp: A rich source of protective minerals including iodine, which prevents the absorption of radioactive ions and toxic pesticide halogens like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine Probiotics and prebiotics: Needed to restore beneficial gut bacteria killed off by glyphosate In my practice, I recommend a targeted detox formula with these detox binders, to safely remove glyphosate and other agricultural toxins, prevent them from being stored in the body, and support thyroid, GI health, and other areas. Pesticides and environmental toxins represent a daily problem that require daily solutions—especially since our levels of exposure are on the rise. Supporting your body with safe, natural detoxifiers offers the best defense against glyphosate along with other pesticides and toxins, with additional protective benefits for long-term health and wellness. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Repair Your Gut with This Biomolecule

AHA Publisher — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:18 +0000

Monash University via EurekAlert– In a world first, Monash University researchers have identified a key biomolecule that enhances the repair of your gut lining by prompting stem cells to regenerate damaged tissue. A strong cellular lining is essential for a healthy gut as it provides a barrier to the billions of microbes and harmful toxins present in our intestinal tract. This barrier is often damaged by infection and inflammation, which causes many painful symptoms. The study, published in Cell Stem Cell and led by Professor Helen Abud and Dr Thierry Jardé from Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, investigated the environment that surrounds gut stem cells and used “mini gut” organoid methodology where tiny replicas of gut tissue were grown in a dish. The study defined key cells that reside in close proximity to stem cells in the gut that produce the biomolecule Neuregulin-1 that acts directly on stem cells to kick-start the repair process. “Our really important discovery is that supplementation with additional Neuregulin-1 accelerates repair of the gut lining by activation of key growth pathways,” Professor Abud said. “Our findings open new avenues for the development of Neuregulin 1-based therapies for enhancing intestinal repair and supporting rapid restoration of the critical gut function.” Gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a major health issue worldwide and results in severe damage to the epithelial cell layer lining the gut. Under these conditions, the intestine has a limited capacity to repair efficiently to restore its main absorptive function and is associated with symptoms including diarrhoea, dehydration, loss of weight and malnutrition. Developing ways to support intestinal tissue repair will dramatically improve patient recovery. “It was very exciting to observe that Neuregulin 1 can not only drive cells to divide but enhances stem cell properties which supercharges these cells into a repair program,” Dr Jardé said. “This shortens the period of damage. The gut lining is injured during common chemotherapy treatment for cancer and we were also able to show recovery is significantly improved with application of Neuregulin-1 following chemotherapy. To read the original article click here.

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The Parkinson’s Disease Gut Has an Overabundance of Opportunistic Pathogens

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:00:35 +0000

University of Alabama at Birmingham via Newswise – Parkinson’s disease is a common, progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease. It currently cannot be prevented or cured. In 2003, Heiko Braak proposed that non-inherited forms of PD are caused by a pathogen in the gut. He hypothesized that the pathogen could pass through the intestinal mucosal barrier and spread to the brain through the nervous system. Up to now, there has been no evidence of a specific pathogen that may trigger PD. Now Haydeh Payami, Ph.D., professor of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues report for the first time a significant overabundance of a cluster of opportunistic pathogens in the guts of persons with PD, compared to control subjects. “The exciting question is whether these are Braak’s pathogens capable of triggering PD, or are they irrelevant to PD but able to penetrate the gut and grow, because the gut lining is compromised in PD,” Payami said. “We emphasize that no claims can be made on function based solely on association. The identity of these microorganisms will enable experimental studies to determine whether and how they play a role in PD.” Payami and colleagues at UAB, Emory University, Albany Medical College and the University of Washington were able to identify these microorganisms because they performed the largest microbiome-wide association study of persons with PD and controls to date. Many previous studies have found altered gut microbiomes in persons with PD but did not detect an increase in opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens are often harmless, but they can grow and cause infections if the immune system is compromised or if they penetrate into sterile sites of the body. “We suspect the reason we were able to detect these microorganisms is that they are rare and we had a much larger sample size and power than prior studies,” Payami said. Her researchers re-analyzed their 2017 study that had 197 cases and 130 controls, using a more advanced bioinformatics pipeline. They also analyzed a new, independent dataset with 323 cases of PD and 184 controls, in parallel to the first dataset. This allowed internal replication and the power to detect both rare and common signals. Previous PD microbiome studies have ranged from 10 to 197 PD cases and 10 to 130 controls. A microbiome-wide association study uses advances in DNA sequencing and computational tools to look for microbial communities that may be associated with disease. There is emerging understanding that the gut microbiome — which includes 500 to 1,000 bacterial species that have a mainly beneficial influence — plays an important role in human health and disease. Payami and colleagues also used hypothesis-free correlation network analysis to identify communities of co-occurring microorganisms. Network analysis is an important new tool in biology. An easily understood example of networks is a social network like Facebook, where one can map the connections between followers or friends. A few people will have a huge number of connections, some will have many, and a vast majority will have much fewer. A map of these connections is akin to an airline route map. Using network analysis, Payami and colleagues found three polymicrobial clusters, and also found that each cluster shared functional characteristics. The first cluster was that of opportunistic pathogens overabundant in PD cases, a novel finding. The other two clusters were confirmatory of previous studies. In comparison to controls, persons with PD had reduced levels of a cluster of microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids. In the third cluster, the persons with PD had elevated levels of two genera that are carbohydrate-metabolizing probiotic microbes. Payami says the current study had a precise focus and an intentionally strict analytic execution. The rigor of the study included showing that the altered gut microbiomes in the PD cases were independent of sex, age, BMI, constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, geography and diet. The 15 PD-associated genera that achieved microbiome-wide significance in both datasets were identified using two methods, and with or without covariate adjustment. “There is more to be learned,” Payami said, “with larger sample sizes with greater power, longitudinal studies to track change from prodromal to advanced disease, and by next-generation metagenome sequencing to broaden the scope from bacteria and archaea to include viruses and fungi, and improve the resolution to strain and gene level.” Co-authors with Payami for the study, “Characterizing dysbiosis of gut microbiome in PD: evidence for overabundance of opportunistic pathogens,” published in the Nature partner journal Parkinson’s Disease are Zachary D. Wallen, Mary Appah, Marissa N. Dean, Cheryl L. Sesler and David G. Standaert, UAB Department of Neurology; Stewart A. Factor, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Eric Molho, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York; and Cyrus P. Zabetian, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Support came from National Institutes of Health grants NS036960, NS062684, NS108675 and NS095775. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5014, is the awarding and administering acquisition office. This work was also supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research Materiel Command endorsed by the U.S. Army, through the Parkinson’s Research Program, under Award Nos. W81XWH1810508 and W81XWH1810509. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the U.S. Army. In conducting research using animals, the investigator(s) adheres to the laws of the United States and regulations of the Department of Agriculture. In the conduct of research utilizing recombinant DNA, the investigator adhered to NIH Guidelines for research involving recombinant DNA molecules. In the conduct of research involving hazardous organisms or toxins, the investigator adhered to the CDC-NIH Guide for Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. To read the original article click here.

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