healing the gut Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Incredible Bacterium Prevents Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:00:19 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Researchers made a startling discovery… A never-before-recorded new gut bacterium with impressive disease-preventing properties. Researchers in Belgium spent two years examining 12,000 microbiome samples collected from all over the world. During their research, they came across something no one had ever seen before… A new “gut bug.” They named their new discovery Dysosmobacter welbionis. Dysosmobacter exists in about 70% of the population. But it’s almost nonexistent in patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.1,2 What makes this discovery so exciting is that Dysosmobacter welbionis produces a critical metabolite called butyrate. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is generated by beneficial bacteria that thrive in your digestive tract. Its ability to keep you healthy is stunning. In fact, butyrate has been shown to: Lower insulin resistance and improve blood sugar3 Boost mitochondrial energy in cells4 Tamp down inflammation by shielding you from leaky gut syndrome5 Stimulate your brain to grow more neurons6 Relieve Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease 7 Alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety8 Modulate your immune response to keep it from overreacting9 And the latest research shows that butyrate exhibits “extraordinary anti-cancer activities.”10 Unfortunately, today’s high-glycemic, processed foods destroy the beneficial bacteria that create butyrate in the gut. And that sets the stage for what I call Syndrome Zero. But there is good news: Once you rebalance your gut biome, butyrate flourishes and your risk of chronic disease plummets. Here’s what I recommend… Start Your Own Gut-Flora Revival I always advise my patients to start with natural nutrients. Most doctors will never tell you this, but butter or clarified ghee made from the milk of grass-fed cows are two of the best sources of butyrate. In fact, the word butyrate comes from the Latin word butyrum, meaning butter. Upping your intake of prebiotic fiber is another smart move. Butyrate-friendly bacteria love almonds, garlic, apples, kiwi fruits, chickpeas, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, and avocados. Beyond nutritional changes, here are three butyrate-boosting steps for you to follow… Three Simple Steps To Protect Your Health Ban these butyrate-killers. Obviously, you want to avoid consuming an excess of processed carbs and sweets. Buy grass-fed beef to avoid ingesting the antibiotics routinely fed to most livestock and poultry. Try to buy organic veggies… And be sure to avoid artificial sweeteners since fake sugars harm beneficial flora. Add inulin and XOS. Inulin is a non-digestible fiber. Once it reaches the large intestine, it turns into a prebiotic that feeds a host of butyrate-producing microbes. Fresh chicory root is your best source of inulin. Many butyrate-producing microbes also love to dine on another plant fiber called XOS (xylooligosaccharides). This little-known prebiotic is found in bamboo shoots, corn husks, and eucalyptus wood. But who wants to eat that. I recommend supplements. When it comes to XOS, be sure to check the label. Make sure the label specifies xylooligosaccharides, and keep an eye on portion size, too. My advice is only buy supplements that offer at least a 2.8 gram portion of XOS. That’s the level at which XOS really becomes effective. But go easy at first, start with a gram a day. Then gradually increase up to five grams. Supplement with butyrate. Studies show that low dosages (below 3.5 grams daily) of butyrate supplements are the most beneficial to your digestive tract. But excessive rates (above 7 grams daily) can disrupt the intestinal barrier. Start with 500 mg a day and build up to 2 or 3 grams over a period of four or five weeks. You should always take butyrate with healthy fatty acids like omega-3 to replenish your cell membranes. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1 “A New Bacteria, Made in Belgium (and UCLouvain).” EurekAlert!, 9 June 2021, accessed September 2021. 2 Le Roy T, et al. “Dysosmobacter Welbionis Is a Newly Isolated Human Commensal Bacterium Preventing Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Mice.” Gut. 2021 Jun 8;gutjnl-2020-323778. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323778. Online ahead of print. 3 Gao Z, et al. “Butyrate Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Increases Energy Expenditure in Mice.” Diabetes. 2009. 58(7);1509–17. 4 Rose S, et al. “Butyrate Enhances Mitochondrial Function during Oxidative Stress in Cell Lines from Boys with Autism.” Translational Psychiatry. 2018. 8(1)10:1038/s41398-017-0089-z. 5 Canani R. “Potential Beneficial Effects of Butyrate in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases.” World J Gastroenterol 2011. 17(12):1519. 6 “Modulating Gut Microbe Populations to Generate More Butyrate, Thus Raising BDNF Levels and Improving Cognitive Function.” Fight Aging! 2019. 7 Gevers D, et al. “The treatment-naïve microbiome in new-onset Crohn’s disease.” Cell Host Microbe. 2014 Mar 12; 15(3): 3828392. 8 Varela RB, Valvassori SS. “Sodium butyrate and mood stabilizers block ouabaininduced hyperlocomotion and increase BDNF, NGF and GDNF levels in brain of Wistar rats.” J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Feb;61:114-21 9 Chang PV, Hao L, et al. “The microbial metabolite butyrate regulates intestinal macrophage function via histone deacetylase inhibition.” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2014 Feb 11;111(6):2247-52. 10 Williams E,et al. “Anti-Cancer Effects of Butyrate: Use of Micro-Array Technology to Investigate Mechanisms.” Proc Nutr Soc. 62(1):107-115. To read the original article click here.

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Taking Probiotics? Read This First

AHA Publisher — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 07:00:16 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – By now, you’ve surely heard that many human health ailments begin in the digestive tract. They can stem from digestive issues, and they can become more inflamed due to digestive inflammation. But, there is good news. The digestive tract, which holds the majority of the body’s immune components, can also fight these ailments if it’s healthy. In fact, you can fortify your digestive tract to fight better each day by taking probiotics. The Issue With Taking Probiotics Ready to start taking probiotics? Not so fast. There are also major issues with many probiotics supplements. In fact, some probiotics do not live through digestion, do not remain viable in the small intestine, do not adhere to the mucosa, and do not become an established working part of the native microbiota. They often contain little proven bacterial strains for human health. What a waste of time and money! It’s vital to know which probiotic strains actually help human health, and which formulations work best to deliver the probiotics into the gut while they are still viable. Amazing Probiotic Strains for Human Health Again, not all strains of probiotic bacteria are equal. Some bacteria strains can cause damage, some are neutral, and some are amazing allies to digestive health and whole body health. A few great probiotic strains you’ve maybe never heard of include: BACILLUS COAGULANS Bacillus Coagulans are naturally-occurring fermented bacteria found in sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. Amazingly, studies have found that bacillus coagulans significantly improve symptoms of digestive ailments, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal distention, and constipation in those who suffer from them (1, 2). They also affect joints. One study analyzed B. coagulans‘ effect on inflammation in the joints of participants with arthritic symptoms. The researchers found that participants who took B. coagulans reported less disability, an improved ability to participate in daily activities like long walks, and reduced C-reactive protein (CRP, a marker of inflammation) (3). Lastly, B. coagulans may also support immune function. One small study found increased T cell production (immune cells) in participants responding to influenza A and adenovirus when taking B. coagulans. This displays an upregulation in immune system effectiveness (4). BACILLUS SUBTILIS Like B. coagulans, Bacillus subtilis strains may significantly decrease inflammation in the body. In fact, under inflammatory conditions, B. subtilis has significantly reduced the inflammatory protein production in the intestines in research. Data supports Bacillus-based probiotics, like B. Subtilis strains, can improve digestive health by strengthening intestinal barrier and limiting inflammatory responses (5). LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM (N13) Another amazing and effective probiotic strain is Lactobacillus plantarum. It is a widespread species of lactic acid bacteria, and it is commonly found in fermented plant products such as sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives, and Korean kimchi. Specifically, L. plantarum is an antioxidant probiotic that fights cell overgrowth, inflammatory responses, fat gain, and unhealthy glucose levels (6). What’s more, L. plantarum is able to produce B-group vitamins including riboflavin and folate in the human body (7). It also supports digestion by increasing absorption of minerals including iron and calcium (8, 9, 10). Lastly, L. plantarum has been found to improve diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (11, 12). But L. plantarum doesn’t stop there. It can actually affect skin health and aging skin. In clinical trials, L. plantarum significantly increased the skin water content in the face and hands, and participants experienced a significant reduction in wrinkle depth and appearance in 12 weeks. What’s more, skin elasticity in the probiotic participants improved by 13.17% after 4 weeks and by 21.73% after 12 weeks (13). How? When taken as a probiotic, L. plantarum improves skin hydration, has anti-photoaging (sun) effects, and inhibits the degradation of collagen in human skin (14, 15, 16). Lastly, it improves skin appearance by alleviating symptoms of skin inflammation in humans (17). As if that wasn’t enough, many studies show that L. plantarum supports healthy cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and blood sugars. In one study, supplementation with it reduced total cholesterol by 13.6% after 12 weeks (18)! BIFIDOBACTERIUM BREVE (BBR60) Bifidobacterium breve is a beneficial bacteria found in human breast milk and the gastrointestinal tracts of infant and adult humans. As an individual ages, however, the total population of B. breve in their gut decreases (19). When taken as a supplement, B. breve can affect skin health by increasing skin hydration (20, 21) and reducing the appearance of skin damage from UV exposure (22, 23, 24). Next, B. breve may reduce eczema symptoms, skin inflammation (25), and allergic rhinitis by reducing the inflammatory response to allergens (26). Then, B. breve supports digestive health by promoting the viability of Bifidobacteria and the formation of normal intestinal flora, reducing severity of diarrhea, and alleviating abdominal pain and constipation, as shown in human and animal studies (27, 28, 29). BIFIDOBACTERIUM LACTIS Bifidobacterium Lactis is another probiotic found in the large intestine of humans and other mammals. This one’s likely on your radar; in fact, Bifidobacterium Lactis is one of the world’s most documented probiotics. B. lactis is extremely versatile and beneficial. In fact, it supports: Gut mucosa health Reduced pathogens Intestinal barrier function Immune function Researchers have found that B. Lactis can decrease gastrointestinal discomfort (30), improve oral health(31), support healthy weights (32), decrease antibiotic-related diarrhea (33), and improve immune response (34). More to Consider When Taking Probiotics Now you know. There’s more to it than just picking up a generic probiotic supplement at your grocer. Some strains really promote human health. What’s more, some probiotics formulations go beyond the strains of bacteria. They: Have been extensively studied to remain viable, incorporate into the microbiota, proliferate, and impact health in humans. Functionally improve the structure, communication, and health of gut cells. Support brain health by reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy brain-gut axis communication and interaction. Thrive in the intestines partly because they also contain prebiotic fiber such as Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Glactoogosaccharides (GOS). Fight pathogens from spoiled foods, viruses and bacteria to promote year-round health. Ready to Start Taking Probiotics? As with all Divine Health supplements, Dr. Colbert has gone through the painstaking process of developing a probiotic supplement he believes will help people the most. It contains each of these bacteria strains, remains viable through digestion, and impacts human health throughout the body. Now, you can try it for yourself and buy Divine Health Biotics! If you are looking to support your gut health, skin health, brain health, and heart health, this is a great option for you. Bottom Line Don’t waste your time and money. If you are already taking probiotics, make sure they are up to par. If you are looking for one, check out the new Divine Health Biotics. It can make a huge difference in your health, from your gut to your brain to everywhere else, starting today! To read the original article click here.

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Can Healthy Gut Bacteria Reduce the Risk of Dementia?

The AHA! Team — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – This microbiome plays a huge role in human health. Recent research has correlated certain changes in gut bacteria with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, hormone balance, bone density and mineral uptake, and more. Is it possible that your gut bacteria affect your brain health? Even reduce the risk of dementia? We know that gut health and bacteria is imperative to immune health, hormone balance, healthy digestion, metabolic health and more. But, the brain? That can seem like a stretch. A recent study tried to answer this question. Here’s what was found and what it means to you. The Study: Gut Bacteria to Reduce the Risk of Dementia In January 2019, Scientific Reports published a new study investigating the link between gut bacteria and dementia (1). The study aimed to determine if having healthy gut bacteria (and lack of harmful bacteria) affected the risk of developing dementia. The study involved 128 people who visit an outpatient memory clinic. The partcipants were 59% female and had a mean age of 74.2 years. To study gut bacteria vs. dementia risk, researchers assessed cognitive function using neuropsychological tests and brain MRI scans. The scientists divided the participants into demented and non-demented groups based on multivariable logistic regression models, silent lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds, and more. Then, they collected fecal samples to study gut microbiotic. What is the Gut Microbiome? The gut microbiome is made up of all the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. There are about a trillion cells composed of about a thousand different species of bacteria! This microbiome plays a huge role in human health. Recent research has correlated certain changes in gut bacteria with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, hormone balance, bone density and mineral uptake, and more. In addition, some studies show that various lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and stress can alter gut bacteria. Many experts believe that most modern chronic diseases have correlations within the body. Healthy gut microbiome is one believed to impact many diseases. Gut Bacteria, Dementia and Study Results In this study, the researchers found that the dementia group and non-dementia group had differences in types and amounts of gut microbiota. For example, levels of Bacteroides (one type of beneficial bacteria that normally live in the intestines) were decreased in the dementia group. Another bacteria, called enterotype III, were consistently increased in the group with dementia. These bacteria variations between groups were significant and independent of other variables that were studied, suggesting a link. What’s more, ammonia, indole, skatole, and phenol were all higher in the feces of the dementia group vs. the non-dementia group. In conclusion, the results suggested that these gut microbiome irregularities are independently and strongly associated with dementia. Specifically, beneficial bacteria may reduce the risk of dementia. Limitations of the Study Of course, no one study is perfect and this one had limitations. First of all, it was able to link the gut bacteria with the risk of dementia, but it did not show that it caused it. It also only had 128 participants, which is considered a small number. Since all the participants were regular patients at the out-patient center, it is possible that they experienced commonalities in the environment unaccounted for. Still, it is a strong study that indicates the need for further investigation. Are Probiotic Supplements the Answer? At the end of the study, the lead researcher suggested that probiotic supplements could play a role in improving the health of gut bacteria and reduce the risk of dementia. He pointed to a recent small study of 27 subjects that suggested that supplementation of a bacteria called Bifidobacterium breve A1 improved brain function in adults with mild cognitive impairment (2). The study found that 2 significant cognitive test scores improved during the probiotic supplementation intervention. Still, most researchers do not believe supplementation alone is the answer. Eating for Gut Health? Can diet alone boost beneficial gut bacteria enough to affect cognition? It’s possible. It’s important to eat a diet that includes many real foods with prebiotic fibers (in many vegetables) and fermented ingredients. However, many researchers believe that healthy gut bacteria is a result of multiple lifestyle factors including diet, medication use, supplements, and more. Bottom Line This new study indicates that there is a link between healthy gut bacteria, cognitive function, and reducing the risk of dementia. Taking care of healthy gut bacteria through supplements, diet, and a healthy lifestyle may be one key to brain health. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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