healthy bacteria Archives - Amazing Health Advances

6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:54 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Probiotics are foods that help build the population of healthy bacteria in the gut. Why is this so important to human health? Because poor digestive health leads to a wide range of health issues from allergies to many forms of cancer. Unfortunately, too many people have consumed synthetic antibiotics – which kill healthy bacteria. As healthy adults, we are supposed to carry around 3 to 4 pounds of “good” bacteria and yeast in our gut. But, every time we take antibiotics, we kill beneficial bacteria inside the digestive tract. Dysbiosis Has Been Linked to a Multitude of Chronic Health Conditions, Scientific Evidence Suggests Eventually, a condition called dysbiosis can occur – which can cause arthritis, autoimmune illness, vitamin B deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, food allergies, and food sensitivities, irritable bowel disorders plus skin problems like, eczema and psoriasis. THESE Are Some of the Best Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestive Health Try eating fresh sauerkraut and pickles. Finely shredded cabbage, which gets fermented, is a super-rich source of probiotics. A 2007 study published in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that more than 13 different species of gut-friendly bacteria are present in sauerkraut. Naturally speaking, pickles and sauerkraut are some of the best probiotic foods to eat – especially after a heavy dose of antibiotics. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to make your own sauerkraut at home by combining finely shredded cabbage with Himalayan sea salt. Just store it in a mason jar at room temperature. In the presence of sea salt, the cabbage releases water, and the surface bacteria on the cabbage helps in the process of fermentation. If you want to buy sauerkraut, be sure to avoid the ‘commercial’ varieties that are heat-treated and pasteurized for obvious reasons. My personal favorite store brand is Real Pickles. Miso soup is one of the mainstays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator. Made from fermented rye, beans, rice, or barley – you can easily add a tablespoon of miso paste to hot water to make an excellent (quick), probiotic-rich soup. One of my favorite companies for quality miso paste is South River Miso Company. Kefir, which is similar to yogurt, is a fermented dairy product. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store to improve digestive health and help restore your microbiome. Kombucha is a form of fermented tea that contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost energy levels, improve digestion and achieve weight loss goals. Just keep in mind that kombucha, with its natural sugars, may not be for everyone – especially if you suffer from candida. Tempeh – as long as it’s non-GMO – is a probiotic-rich, fermented soybean product. It’s also a delicious meat substitute for vegetarians or vegans and a nice source of vitamin B12. Kimchi is the Asian form of pickled sauerkraut. It’s actually an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage – typically served in Korea. Kimchi is rich in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, B1, and B2, plus a great source of probiotics. However, proceed with a bit of caution, as this food has an intense spicy flavor. But Wait, That’s Not All! THESE Foods Also Offer Probiotic Benefits Remember, to restore your gut bacteria, it is also important to consume a variety of raw fruits and vegetables – as often as possible. We say ‘raw’ because, although most produce gets washed before consumption, some bacteria clings to the surface, providing natural probiotic benefits. Improving gut health is relatively inexpensive and loaded with health benefits like a stronger immune system and greater clarity of mind. If you suffer from serious health problems, work with an experienced healthcare provider to restore healthy bacteria today. Sources used for this article: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

The post 6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Protect Yourself From Antibiotic Resistance by Using Natural Antibiotics

AHA Publisher — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:00:57 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Most of us are aware that antibiotics are powerful drugs that fight bacteria-related infections with harmful side effects. Unfortunately, in today’s society of pill taking, we use too many antibiotics with the increasing danger of antibiotic resistance. The problem is further compounded with antibiotics found in factory foods like dairy and meat products. According to the CDDEP (The Center of Disease Dynamics, Economics, & Policy), the United States is one of the highest users of antibiotics – ranking fifth in the world. How the Wrong Diet Makes Antibiotics Useless Heavy prescription abuse and unintentional ingestion of antibiotic-based foods are the primary cause of resistance to antibiotics. Unfortunately, this is emerging as one of the most serious public health problems of our time. Although antibiotics can eliminate infectious conditions, their continuous use builds resistance to the antibiotic drug. The harmful bacteria in the body get accustomed to the therapeutic levels of antibiotic drugs and stop responding to the drug. In other words, an antibiotic drug, even at its highest potency, cannot stop bacterial growth and becomes incapable of treating an underlying infection. In fact, researchers suggest that almost every kind of bacterium has adapted itself to show resistance to antibiotic drug treatment. What Are the Potential Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance? Destroys healthy bacteria: The population of healthy bacteria in the gut is decreased to a smaller number creating an imbalance in the gut ecosystem resulting in frequent illness, indigestion, and poor nutrient absorption. Makes infections spread faster: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread like wildfire to others in the family or neighborhood, threatening an entire community with a new strain of infection. Complicates treatment: Because the strain is more virulent, the patient does not respond to heavy doses of drugs. As a result, the treatment becomes more difficult and expensive. Death due to infection: The underlying infection remains untreated, posing a severe threat to other organs and, in some cases, leads to death. What Actions Can We Take to Avoid Antibiotic Resistance? 1. Avoid the spread of infection in the first place by washing your hands thoroughly. 2. Consume organically grown produce, avoid consuming animal and animal-based products that are fed antibiotics. 3. Choose natural antibiotics like garlic, herbs, and vitamin C that have bactericidal properties. What Are Natural Antibiotics? Nature has an effective yet safe answer to bacterial infections through various phytochemicals from different plant parts. These have been used for many centuries in traditional medicine systems to treat a variety of conditions. Natural antibiotics act in a unique mechanism – in addition to their bactericidal action. They stimulate the immune system, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, and scavenge them. What Are Some of My Options? Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin is a potent antioxidant and anti-infective agent. Abundant in all fresh fruits, especially the citrus variety, vitamin C can be consumed liberally in the diet in its natural state. If considering a vitamin C supplement, the recommended amount is 1-3 grams per day for healthy individuals. But, if you’re suffering from a troubling health issue – much more vitamin C may be required for a short period of time. Oregano oil: The oil of oregano leaves is a powerful anti-infective agent and natural antibiotic. It has been shown to be effective against harmful bacteria, yeast, and viruses. Most of the oregano oils in the market are usually a blend of other oils. The common recommendation is 2 – 3 drops 3 – 4 times daily. If consuming capsules, an amount of 100 – 150 mg per capsule per day is recommended. Olive leaves: Olive leaves are known for their anti-microbial properties and analgesic effects. The active ingredient oleuropein is responsible for its therapeutic effects. Olive leaves are low in toxicity, and the recommended safe amount for an adult is 25 mg per day twice daily for maintaining health. Ginger: The active components in ginger gingerols, zingerone, and shogaol are linked to its anti-bacterial effects. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a pain reliever. Thus, ginger is a fantastic therapeutic food that can be included in the daily diet as part of a menu. As little as 2 – 3” of ginger added to a shredded, crushed, or cooked dish will take care of daily needs. Turmeric: This is a culinary staple in Indian cuisine and can be consumed safely at 1 to 2 teaspoons per day added to a recipe. Turmeric is known for its remarkable bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and anti-carcinogenic effects. If considering a supplement, 500 grams consumed in a fat-soluble base facilitates its absorption. Garlic: There are plenty of studies that demonstrate the powerful antibacterial effect of garlic. One study showed that natural spices of garlic exhibited a potent antibacterial effect. According to the researchers of this study, garlic showed an effect on multi-drug pathogens and can be used for treating drug-resistant microbial diseases. Garlic needs to be crushed, exposed to air for a few minutes, and consumed raw for effective antibiotic effects. If using a supplement, consume garlic extract with at least 1.3% alliin at 600 – 1,200 mg per day. What’s the bottom line? With antibiotic resistance on the rise at an alarming rate, it seems wise to turn to natural and healthier alternatives to fight bacterial infections. It is also important to remember that we need to consume organic, natural, and antibiotic-free products for improving overall health and make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary ingestion of antibiotics – which can damage our digestive system and immune function. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH. gov To read the original article click here.

The post Protect Yourself From Antibiotic Resistance by Using Natural Antibiotics appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Beneficial Bacteria Can Be Restored to C-Section Babies at Birth

AHA Publisher — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:47 +0000

Rutgers University-New Brunswick via Newswise – New Brunswick, N.J. (June 17, 2021) – Babies born by cesarean section don’t have the same healthy bacteria as those born vaginally, but a Rutgers-led study for the first time finds that these natural bacteria can be restored. The study appears in the journal Med. The human microbiota consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms – some beneficial, some harmful — that live in and on our bodies. Women naturally provide these pioneer colonizers to their babies’ sterile bodies during labor and birth, helping their immune system to develop. But antibiotics and C-sections disturb this passing of microbes and are related to increased risks of obesity, asthma and metabolic diseases. The researchers followed 177 babies from four countries over the first year of their lives — 98 were born vaginally and 79 were born by C-section, 30 of which were swabbed with a maternal vaginal gauze right after birth. Lab analysis showed that the microbiota of the C-section babies swabbed with their mother’s vaginal fluids was close to that of vaginally born babies. Also, the mother’s vaginal microbiomes on the day of birth were similar to other areas of their bodies (gut, mouth and skin), showing that maternal vaginal fluids help to colonize bacteria across their babies’ bodies. This was the first large observational study to show that restoring a C-section baby’s natural exposure to maternal vaginal microbes at birth normalizes the microbiome development during their first year of life. The researchers said the next step is conducting randomized clinical trials to determine if the microbiota normalization translates into disease protection. “Further research is needed to determine which bacteria protect against obesity, asthma and allergies, diseases with underlying inflammation,” said senior author Maria Gloria Dominguez Bello, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “Our results support the hypothesis that acquiring maternal vaginal microbes normalizes microbiome development in the babies.” According to the World Health Organization, C-section is needed in about 15 percent of births to avoid risking the life of the mother or child, but in many countries such as in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Iran and China, C-section is performed in more than 70% of urban births. To read the original article click here.

The post Beneficial Bacteria Can Be Restored to C-Section Babies at Birth appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Gut Bacteria Can Penetrate Tumors and Aid Cancer Therapy, Study Suggests

AHA Publisher — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:00:08 +0000

The Rockefeller University Press via Newswise – Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and University of Chicago have discovered that bacteria that usually live in the gut can accumulate in tumors and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in mice. Newswise — The study, which will be published March 6 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), suggests that treating cancer patients with Bifidobacteria might boost their response to CD47 immunotherapy, a wide-ranging anti-cancer treatment that is currently being evaluated in several clinical trials. CD47 is a protein expressed on the surface of many cancer cells, and inhibiting this protein can allow the patient’s immune system to attack and destroy the tumor. Antibodies targeting CD47 are currently being tested as treatments for a wide variety of cancers in multiple clinical trials. But studies with laboratory mice have so far yielded mixed results: some mice seem to respond to anti-CD47 treatment, while others do not. A team of researchers led by Yang-Xin Fu at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Ralph R. Weichselbaum, co-director of The Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at the University of Chicago, found that the response to treatment depends on the type of bacteria living in the animals’ guts. Tumor-bearing mice that normally respond to anti-CD47 treatment failed to respond if their gut bacteria were killed off by a cocktail of antibiotics. In contrast, anti-CD47 treatment became effective in mice that are usually non-responsive when these animals were supplemented with Bifidobacteria, a type of bacteria that is often found in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy mice and humans. Bifidobacteria have previously been shown to benefit patients with ulcerative colitis. Surprisingly, however, the researchers found that Bifidobacteria do not just accumulate in the gut; they also migrate into tumors, where they appear to activate an immune signaling pathway called the stimulation of interferon genes (STING) pathway. This results in the production of further immune signaling molecules and the activation of immune cells. When combined with anti-CD47 treatment, these activated immune cells can attack and destroy the surrounding tumor. “Our study demonstrates that a specific member of the gut microbial population enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of anti-CD47 by colonizing the tumor,” Fu says. “Administration of specific bacterial species or their engineered progenies may be a novel and effective strategy to modulate various anti-tumor immunotherapies.” “Our results open a new avenue for clinical investigations into the effects of bacteria within tumors and may help explain why some cancer patients fail to respond to immunotherapy,” says Weichselbaum. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

The post Gut Bacteria Can Penetrate Tumors and Aid Cancer Therapy, Study Suggests appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.