leaky gut Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Liver Detoxification a Smart Way to Help Resolve Chronic Health Problems

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:22:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver – is nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. Yet, the silence about this major health condition is deafening. For example, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that up to 40 percent of American adults have some degree of NAFLD – a shocking statistic. But the bad news doesn’t stop there. Recent research has shed light on the growing prevalence of NAFLD, even among children. So, obviously, a substantial portion of the population could benefit from liver detoxification. Poor liver function can also contribute to other chronic health issues, such as “leaky gut” syndrome and various autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, a holistic medicine approach can help to identify and address the root causes of disease with proper testing, lifestyle coaching, nutritional interventions and supplements designed to promote liver detoxification. Urgent need for liver detoxification: The alarming rise of environmental toxins damaging our health It is probably safe to say that we are being flooded, like never before, by an onslaught of toxins. Heavily processed foods, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), trans fats, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, dyes, prescription medications, and environmental toxins (such as synthetic pesticides, hormones, and heavy metals) all place a tremendous burden on the body in general – especially the liver. Along with breaking down hormones, drugs, and environmental toxins, the liver also helps clear the body of naturally occurring waste products – such as ammonia and bilirubin – and destroys old and worn-out red blood cells. In addition to its detoxifying duties, the liver produces the bile that is necessary to break down fats, produces essential proteins and cholesterol, and stores essential vitamins. However, a liver overwhelmed by toxins can’t adequately carry out these essential functions. To make matters worse, many people tend to drink too much alcohol – which suppresses natural bodily functions. Impaired liver function can be indicated by a wide range of signs and symptoms, including dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, fatigue, and excessive sweating. Digestive problems – such as heartburn, nausea, constipation, and bloating – can also be a tip-off to liver problems, along with anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and a tendency to bruise easily. If you think you may have liver disease, promptly consult a trusted holistic healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Warning: Impaired detoxification pathways can promote inflammation and autoimmune disorders To rid the body of toxins, the liver must transform fat-soluble compounds into water-soluble compounds, a process that allows them to be eliminated via urine, feces, or perspiration. This involves two primary detoxification pathways: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I changes the structure of the compound to allow molecules to attach to it. In Phase II, the liver metabolizes the compound through processes such as methylation and sulfation. As compounds pass through Phase I, they become (temporarily) more immune-reactive and pro-inflammatory. This normal process can become a problem, however, if the liver has poor detoxification function. If the Phase II pathway is disrupted or impaired, compounds that have been made more inflammatory in Phase I may end up back in circulation – causing systemic inflammation and immune system reactions and setting the stage for autoimmune disease. In this manner, poor liver function can contribute to a host of problems, including leaky gut, food and chemical sensitivities, and autoimmune disorders. 4 ways to support your detoxification pathways – naturally Fortunately, a wide variety of natural and herbal supplements have tried-and-true abilities to promote liver health and spark up sluggish detoxification pathways. Betaine – an amino acid found in wheat bran, beets, spinach, and “ancient” grains such as quinoa and bulgar – assists in the breakdown and removal of fats from the liver. It has also been shown to protect against toxins and chemicals found in pesticides (including ethanol and carbon tetrachloride) and is particularly effective for Phase II methylation support. Milk thistle is also effective at detoxifying heavy metals and medications. Studies have shown that its active ingredient, silymarin, strengthens the walls of liver cells. Dandelion greens have a natural diuretic effect on the liver, allowing it to flush out toxins more quickly and efficiently. They also support healthy bile production. Finally, N-acetyl-cysteine – a derivative of the amino acid cysteine – replenishes levels of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier. (N-acetyl-cysteine is so effective at protecting the liver that it is administered in cases of acetaminophen overdose in order to help ward off liver failure). Of course, always check with a trusted holistic healthcare provider before supplementing. Cleanse the liver by eating the right foods Potassium is closely tied to liver health. Eating healthy amounts of organic sweet potatoes, bananas, beet greens, and spinach can help you reach the recommended daily amount of 4,700 mg. Leafy greens such as organic kale contain chlorophyll, which binds to toxins and heavy metals and helps remove them from the bloodstream. (Another plus: dark leafy greens like kale and dandelion greens enhance the flow of bile). Organic carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This fat-soluble nutrient can effectively flush toxins from the liver. Cruciferous vegetables, such as organic Brussels sprouts and cabbage, are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support enzyme production in the liver. Organic citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries provide healthy amounts of vitamin C, which helps convert toxic materials to water-soluble forms. Finally, organic walnuts are high in arginine – which is particularly helpful in detoxifying ammonia – and rich in glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. Of course, don’t forget about the detoxifying power of ‘liver cleanses,’ which can help rid the liver of deposits and toxins – while increasing energy and well-being, improving digestion and lipid profiles, and boosting memory and cognition. Natural health experts recommend at least two liver (and gallbladder) cleanses a year. Editor’s note: Find out how to eliminate the threat of fatty liver disease with highly effective natural protocols, own the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. NIH.gov DrKNews.com GlobalHealingCenter.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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The Strong Link Between Glutathione Deficiency & Unwanted Health Issues

The AHA! Team — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:16:31 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Research has shown that people suffering from an autoimmune condition virtually always have low levels of GSH. More than 100 different health problems – including joint and skin pain, blood sugar imbalances, and gut disorders – have an autoimmune component that turns into the immune system attacking the body’s organs, tissues, and cells. A major cause of all this pain and suffering is the ever-increasing barrage of environmental toxins and stressors depleting our bodies’ stores of glutathione. (often referred to as GSH) Important point: Research has shown that people suffering from an autoimmune condition virtually always have low levels of GSH. Conversely, having optimal levels of this “master antioxidant” can help modulate immune system reactions and reduce the risk of problems. Step one: What is the purpose of glutathione (GSH)? Glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant, is a powerful detoxifier that binds to toxins and helps eliminate them. GSH is critical for immune function and for controlling inflammation and oxidative damage. Proper GSH activity modulates cell proliferation and protects mitochondria, the cells’ “powerhouses.” It also helps to promote peak physical functioning while increasing muscle tone and stamina. Don’t forget: the body’s ability to prevent – and recover from – chronic health issues depends on its ability to produce and maintain high levels of this life-sustaining molecule. GSH is synthesized in the body from the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. While the body produces lavish amounts in youthful years, glutathione levels tend to decline as a normal part of the aging process. Keep in mind that many factors drain GSH from the body, including pharmaceutical drugs, environmental pollutants, hormonal imbalances, lack of sleep, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and alcohol use. Reduce the risk of immune system “flare-ups” Glutathione exists in the body in two forms: reduced GSH and oxidized GSH. Reduced glutathione is the form that actively combats free radicals. However, in the process, it gains an extra unpaired electron and becomes unstable, turning into oxidized glutathione. An enzyme known as glutathione reductase triggers the conversion back to its usable form. Many natural health experts maintain that oxidized glutathione must be recycled back into reduced glutathione to manage autoimmune disorders. In fact, studies have shown that promoting glutathione recycling helps regulate the immune system, reduce the autoimmune response, promote tissue recovery, and even heal “leaky gut.” In order to boost healthy glutathione recycling, the first order of business is to reduce the stressors that threaten glutathione levels. Some steps you may need to take include balancing blood sugar levels, addressing food intolerances, reducing your exposure to environmental toxins and pesticides, managing adrenal function, re-balancing the gut microbiome, and adopting an organic diet. Of course, it’s wise to consult with a holistic physician or health coach to help you decide. Selected supplements and natural compounds can enhance the body’s ability to recycle glutathione You can support glutathione recycling with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a biologically available form of cysteine that is rapidly turned into intracellular glutathione. Cell studies have shown that pretreatment with NAC raises glutathione levels in older cells while helping to reduce cell death. Alpha-lipoic acid helps to reverse depletion of glutathione that can occur as a result of stress, while the amino acid glutamine – a precursor to glutathione – can boost levels as well. Cordyceps, a medicinal fungus commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to protect cells by engaging the GSH enzyme cycle. In addition, studies have shown that an herb known as gotu kola (or Centella asiatica) can increase levels of GSH peroxidase. Finally, milk thistle extract can increase GSH recycling and help improve the ratios of reduced to oxidized GSH. Promote glutathione recycling with natural nutrients Eating moderate amounts of organic Brazil nuts, sardines, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, and spinach can raise levels of selenium, an antioxidant trace mineral essential for GSH recycling. Natural health experts also recommend organic, undenatured bio-active whey protein – a great source of cysteine – to enhance GSH production and recycling. Eating plentiful amounts of sulfur-containing foods, such as organic broccoli, garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, can decrease oxidative stress and boost glutathione levels. Foods rich in B-complex vitamins, such as 100% grass-fed beef liver, organic pinto beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans, can aid the methylation process, which is essential to the production and recycling of GSH. Naturally, foods rich in vitamin C – like organic oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries – help convert oxidized GSH to its active form. And vitamin E – found in organic sunflower seeds and spinach – preserves enzymes that protect glutathione. In addition to helping to alleviate autoimmune conditions, GSH can be instrumental in helping to prevent blood sugar issues and neurodegenerative problems. It is difficult to think of a substance that is more vital to human health. Glutathione is simply too important to take for granted, and preserving and protecting it can pay off in major health ways. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Drknews.com To read the original article click here.

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Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It

The AHA! Team — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:19:53 +0000

Kathleen McCoy, BS via Dr. Axe – As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut is potentially reaching epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition even exists, which is especially shocking considering that “intestinal permeability” (another name for leaky gut) has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years! Why should leaky gut syndrome concern you? In recent years, studies consider leaky gut a “danger signal for autoimmune disease.” Below is a brief description of common leaky gut syndrome symptoms seen in people struggling with this condition. A four-step process is recommended to help promote healing — including trigger foods to remove from your diet and beneficial supplements to add in. What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome? The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” More than two millennia after his death, scientific research has now proved he was on to something all those years ago. For over three decades, study after study has been published (several thousand articles exist to date) discussing our growing understanding of immunity, gut function, and how modern diets and lifestyles negatively contribute to overall health by damaging the digestive system. This particular phenomenon is called leaky gut syndrome. In the medical literature, leaky gut is also referred to as “increased intestinal hyperpermeability.” What happens when you have leaky gut? The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction (or TJ) proteins. As one 2020 review explains, leaky gut symptoms are a consequence of intestinal TJ malfunction. These TJ proteins are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. They control what is allowed to pass into the bloodstream from your digestive system. More than 40 different TJ proteins have now been recognized to play a role in gut health. TJ proteins have a very precise job. They have to maintain the delicate balance between allowing vital nutrients to enter your bloodstream, while remaining small enough to prevent xenobiotics (disease-causing substances like toxins and bacteria) from passing out of your digestive system into the rest of your body. Here’s how a report published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology describes the pathology of intestinal permeability: “The intestinal epithelial lining, together with factors secreted from it, forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen to enter the bloodstream creating a ‘leaky gut.’” Symptoms (Plus Related Conditions) According to one review focusing on medically reviewed research about intestinal permeability (among other sources), the chronic condition of hyperpermeability may be linked to numerous symptoms and health conditions, including some autoimmune diseases. What are the symptoms of leaky gut? Some of the most prominent signs you may have this condition include: Gastric ulcers Joint pain Infectious diarrhea Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Small intestine bacterial overgrowth Celiac disease Esophageal and colorectal cancer Allergies Respiratory infections Acute inflammation conditions (sepsis, SIRS, multiple organ failure) Chronic inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis) Thyroid disorders Obesity-related metabolic diseases (fatty liver, type II diabetes, heart disease) Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s and more) Parkinson’s disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Propensity toward weight gain or obesity Leaky gut may not directly cause any of these conditions — it’s more that people who have gut issues are more likely to have a number of other health problems. So while the scientific evidence has not yet proved that increased intestinal hyperpermeability is actually responsible for these conditions, it strongly suggests that leaky gut and other dysfunctions tend to occur simultaneously. Common Leaky Gut Problems Here’s more about some of these problems can develop due to gut dysfunction: 1. Food sensitivities Some research suggests that intestinal hyperpermeability can cause the immune system to overproduce various antibodies, which may make some more susceptible to antigens in certain foods (especially gluten and dairy). In studies involving rats and human children, leaky gut and food allergies have been linked. Allergies are believed to be one of the most common symptoms. 2. Inflammatory bowel disease Researchers from Hungary uncovered in 2012 that elevated gut permeability is oftentimes localized to the colon in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. As far back as 1988, scientists suggested that Crohn’s disease may be more of a risk for people with leaky gut. A small study (observing 12 patients) discovered that zinc supplementation may help resolve the TJ dysfunction in these cases, although more medically reviewed research is required on a larger scale to confirm these results. 3. Autoimmune disease The key to understanding how leaky gut can cause autoimmune diseases is through research done on a protein known as “zonulin.” According to a one article published in the journal Physiologic Reviews: “Zonulin is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When the finely tuned zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, both intestinal and extraintestinal autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can occur.” Eating certain food allergens, such as gluten, may trigger this dangerous cascade. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers uncovered that gluten “activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.” The good news is that it seems possible to reverse these autoimmune reactions’ problematic immune responses. 4. Thyroid problems One of the autoimmune diseases that leaky gut syndrome may directly affect is Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as “chronic thyroiditis,” this disorder is displayed with hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), impaired metabolism, fatigue, depression, weight gain and a host of other concerns. 5. Nutrient malabsorption Various nutritional deficiencies can also result from leaky gut, including vitamin B12, magnesium and digestive enzymes. Those common nutrient deficiencies are one reason why many functional medicine practitioners prescribe a whole-food multivitamin in addition to probiotics for people suffering from this condition. 6. Inflammatory skin conditions First described over 70 years ago, the “gut-skin connection theory” describes how increased intestinal hyperpermeability can cause a slew of skin conditions, particularly acne and psoriasis. Creams and drugs with endless lists of (sometimes dangerous) side effects are often prescribed for these skin disorders, yet there has been evidence for several decades that part of the root cause might exist in the gut. 7. Mood issues and autism According to a study published in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters, intestinal permeability has been shown to contribute to various neurocognitive disorders. For example, the inflammatory response characteristic of intestinal hyperpermeability triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that are thought to induce depression. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience described the “vicious circle between immune system impairment and increasing dysbiosis that leads to leaky gut and neurochemical compounds and/or neurotoxic xenobiotics production and absorption.” The authors described findings from a number of studies that point to their theory that autism may be connected to problems in the microbiome, particularly within the first year of life. It is actually now a common hypothesis in modern science. Causes What is the main cause of leaky gut? As explained above, it occurs when certain tiny particles that should never be able to enter your bloodstream start to make their way through due to dysfunction of the mucosal barrier in the gut. There also commonly are abnormalities in the gut stemming from antimicrobial molecules, immunoglobulins and cytokine activities. This presents a major problem, as the vast majority of your immune system is found inside the gut (sometimes called the microbiome). The result is a disruption of acute inflammation and sometimes autoimmune reactions. A normal part of your immune response that serves to fight infections and diseases winds up over-performing, leading to chronic inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. Some of the underlying causes of leaky gut include: Genetic predisposition — Certain people may be more predisposed to developing this condition because they are sensitive to environmental factors that “trigger” their bodies into initiating autoimmune responses. Poor diet — Especially a diet that includes allergens and inflammatory foods, such as unsprouted grains, added sugar, GMOs, refined oils, synthetic food additives, conventional dairy products and alcohol. Chronic stress Toxin overload — This includes “chronic stressors,” such as high drug and alcohol consumption. We come into contact with more than 80,000 chemicals and toxins every single year, but the worst offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin and NSAIDs. It’s recommended to buy a high-quality water filter to eliminate chlorine and fluoride and look to natural plant-based herbs to reduce inflammation in your body. Bacterial imbalance — Also called dysbiosis, which means an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut. A large body of evidence now shows that gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and preventing autoimmune reactions. At least 10 percent of all gene transcriptions found in intestinal epithelial cells that are related to immunity, cell proliferation and metabolism are regulated by gut microbiota. Controversies Do most conventional doctors support the idea that leaky gut is real? Not exactly, as it the topic remains controversial. WebMD refers to leaky gut as “something of a medical mystery.” This isn’t surprising, since it’s not a diagnosis that most doctors have been taught in medical school. “From an MD’s standpoint, it’s a very gray area,” says gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, M.D., director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic. In his opinion, “Physicians don’t know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ.” However, a roundtable review quotes the researchers at seven different European universities in 2014 agreeing upon the following: “Alteration of the gut barrier seems to have multiple consequences facilitating the onset of a variety of diseases depending on other hits and on genetic or epigenetic constellations, respectively. The growing significance of the gut barrier and bacterial translocation raises the questions of how we can improve gut barrier functions and gut microbiota.” While it’s encouraging that science is coming around to leaky gut syndrome being a real problem, we are by no means at a point where there are standard diagnostic tools for testing and treating this problem. This means that doctors are often left with no other choice than to follow what they believe to be the “safe path” and prescribe drugs that only treat symptoms. For example, medications (like proton pump inhibitors or antacids) can be used to manage symptoms like acid reflux medications, but these drugs don’t solve the root problem. Because there is so much unknown about leaky gut syndrome, it’s critical that you understand what leaky gut is and what to look out for in case you or a loved one is affected by it. The good news is that many functional and integrative medicine practitioners have a greater understanding of this condition than they did even a decade ago. Treatment Several leaky gut syndrome tests are available that can help confirm a diagnosis and point you in the right treatment direction. Tests are helpful for identifying specific sensitivities and uncovering which types of toxins or deficiencies are contributing to your symptoms. Available tests include: Zonulin or Lactulose Tests IgG Food Intolerance Test Stools Tests Organic Acid Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Tests Lactulose Mannitol Test What leaky gut treatments are available? A four-step process can help treat leaky gut. We cover this process in a leaky gut diet and treatment plan. The basic steps to healing leaky gut are as follows: Remove foods and factors that damage the gut. Replace these with healing foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Repair the gut with specific leaky gut supplements like butyric acid. Rebalance your microbiome with probiotics (beneficial bacteria). This is key because bacteria in your...

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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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This Chemical in Our Food ‘Will Actually Perforate the Wall of the Gut’: Doc Reveals Secrets to Living Longer, Healthier

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – A disturbing new study reveals that a dangerous chemical has been found in the urine of a vast majority of Americans. Glyphosate is the pesticide found in Roundup, and it’s so prevalent in the U.S. food supply that it’s now in the urine samples of more than 80 percent of Americans tested in the study, including 87 percent of children. Experts say the chemical has been linked to cancer and other health concerns, and while it has now infiltrated much of the processed foods we buy at grocery stores, many people don’t even know about the dangers it poses. It’s just one of many concerns affecting our health and longevity, but there are ways to limit the risk and live longer. People Are Still Living Longer Living past the age of 100 used to be a rarity. These days, however, people over 100 comprise a fast-growing segment of the population. Just a few years ago, there were about 500,000 centenarians worldwide. The United States has the most: 72,000. Studies from the United Nations predict the world will have more than three million centenarians by 2050. That’s good news unless that population suffers from declining health. In fact, many people say they don’t want to live that long if it means their last decade is spent in a nursing home not being able to do anything or remember anyone. Rethink What It Means to be Old However, needing a home without stairs and taking lots of medications don’t need to go hand-in-hand with aging. One of the world’s leading experts on aging says far too many people equate getting old with poor health and plan accordingly. “We base a lot of our behaviors thinking that this is what’s going to happen to us, but in fact, that doesn’t have to happen,” Dr. Steven Gundry told CBN News. In his book, The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age, Dr. Gundry lists the habits of healthy centenarians. “What we know about super old people who are thriving is that they don’t become infirm, they don’t get cancer, they don’t get Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Gundry said. “These people actually have the physiology, have the workings, of a 50-year-old individual.” Build a Better Gut A number of things separate healthy centenarians apart from their sicker counterparts. However, topping the list of what it takes to live a vibrant, disease-free life well into old age is a healthy gut. That means an intestinal tract brimming with good bacteria. “It’s amazing,” he said, “When we look at 105-year-old people around the world, they carry the diverse gut microbiome of 30-year-old people.” Having enough of the right bacteria can prevent just about every type of disease, including inherited ones. “Whether we turn genes on or off with information, and that’s called epigenetics or epigenomics, and it’s that interplay with actually a lot of material that comes from our microbiome telling our genes what to do,” he said. Glyphosate: Avoid Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut Dr. Gundry said the key to a healthy gut microbiome is avoiding processed foods, because of chemical ingredients, especially the pesticide glyphosate. “It’s probably the biggest health problem that people are unaware of,” he warned, “It’s in all of our products, all of our cereals. all of our breads, all of our crackers. A recent study of 35 oat products in the United States found glyphosate, including some very dangerous levels, in every one of the oat products including many of our kids’ cereals including our granola.” Dr. Gundry says in addition to cancer and other health concerns, glyphosate can wipe out good bacteria and even cause a ‘leaky gut.’ “You will actually make perforations in the wall of the gut, and bacterial particles and plant compounds and toxins will get right through the wall of your gut,” he said. A leaky gut can cause migraines, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune diseases like Celiac, according to Gundry. Intermittent Fasting In addition to eating right, robust old-timers go without food altogether for long periods of time. Regularly fasting a minimum of twelve hours within a 24-hour period can trigger the body to eliminate whatever hinders survival. “Fasting, or intermittent fasting, gives us an opportunity to really get all the best cells all the time and that’s what we all want,” said Dr. Gundry. Studies show intermittent fasting helps prevent atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and possibly cancer, all while boosting the immune system. The Problem with Pills Another common characteristic of healthy centenarians is they take few drugs or none at all. While many people, such as diabetics, take specific medication, Dr. Gundry maintains healthier choices can even reverse that need. “I have yet to meet a type two who I can’t get off all medications by teaching them how to eat,” he said. “I haven’t met a person who takes a statin drug to lower cholesterol that I can’t get off a statin once I teach them how to eat.” Dr. Gundry says antibiotics and common painkillers can harm the gut microbiome, with even something like an antacid leading to other problems. “And so I see so many people with dementia and congestive heart failure who’ve been taking these drugs chronically,” he said. “In fact, the FDA has a warning on these products that you should never take them longer than two weeks because they’re that dangerous.” Dust Off Those Sneakers Dr. Gundry says exercise keeps the body working well no matter what the calendar says. It improves blood flow, particularly to the brain. Women who exercise routinely during their lifespan have a 90-percent reduction in Alzheimer’s compared to women who don’t. Muscles strengthen bones, thus preventing injury. It turns out that walking against gravity, whether going up or down, is an especially good exercise because it works the area of the body between the knees and the hips, which contains most of our muscle mass. In fact, the five cities worldwide with the highest concentration of centenarians are all very hilly. Those cities are in what’s known as Blue Zones. The only one in the US is Loma Linda, which means ‘beautiful hill’ in Spanish. This California city is not only home to the largest concentration of centenarians in America, but also the largest concentration of Seventh-Day Adventists. That denomination avoids processed foods and drugs while embracing fasting and exercise. Years ago, Dr. Gundry practiced heart surgery in Loma Linda and was inspired by the people and their healthy lifestyle. Not long after that, he shifted the focus of his medical practice to teaching the world how to live strong to a ripe old age. To read the original article click here.

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Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:00:32 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – As more Americans are affected by poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload and bacterial imbalance, it appears that the prevalence of leaky gut is potentially reaching epidemic proportions. The medical profession is just now agreeing this condition even exists, which is especially shocking considering that “intestinal permeability” (another name for leaky gut) has been discussed in the medical literature for over 100 years! Why should leaky gut syndrome concern you? In recent years, leaky gut has been called a “danger signal for autoimmune disease.” In this article, I outline a brief description of common leaky gut syndrome symptoms seen in people struggling with this condition. I also recommend a four-step process to help promote healing — including trigger foods to remove from your diet and beneficial supplements to add in. What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome? The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” More than two millennia after his death, scientific research has now proven he was on to something all those years ago. For over three decades, study after study has been published (several thousand articles exist to date) discussing our growing understanding of immunity, gut function, and how modern diets and lifestyles negatively contribute to overall health by damaging the digestive system. I (and many others in the medical field) refer to this particular phenomenon as leaky gut syndrome. In the medical literature, leaky gut is also referred to as “increased intestinal hyperpermeability.” What Happens When You Have Leaky Gut? The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction (or TJ) proteins. As one 2020 review explains, leaky gut symptoms are a consequence of intestinal TJ malfunction. These TJ proteins are the gateway between your intestines and your bloodstream. They control what is allowed to pass into the bloodstream from your digestive system. More than 40 different TJ proteins have now been recognized to play a role in gut health. TJ proteins have a very precise job. They have to maintain the delicate balance between allowing vital nutrients to enter your bloodstream, while remaining small enough to prevent xenobiotics (disease-causing substances like toxins and bacteria) from passing out of your digestive system into the rest of your body. Here’s how a report published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology describes the pathology of intestinal permeability: The intestinal epithelial lining, together with factors secreted from it, forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the lumen to enter the bloodstream creating a “leaky gut.” Symptoms (Plus Related Conditions) According to one review focusing on medically reviewed research about intestinal permeability (among other sources), the chronic condition of hyperpermeability may be linked to numerous symptoms and health conditions, including some autoimmune diseases. What are the symptoms of leaky gut? Some of the most prominent signs you may have this condition include: Gastric ulcers Joint pain Infectious diarrhea Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis) Small intestine bacterial overgrowth Celiac disease Esophageal and colorectal cancer Allergies Respiratory infections Acute inflammation conditions (sepsis, SIRS, multiple organ failure) Chronic inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis) Thyroid disorders Obesity-related metabolic diseases (fatty liver, type II diabetes, heart disease) Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s and more) Parkinson’s disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Propensity toward weight gain or obesity Leaky gut may not directly cause any of these conditions — it’s more that people who have gut issues are more likely to have a number of other health problems. So while the scientific evidence has not yet proven that increased intestinal hyperpermeability is actually responsible for these conditions, it strongly suggests that leaky gut and other dysfunctions tend to occur simultaneously. Here’s more about some of these problems can develop due to gut dysfunction: 1. Food Sensitivities Some research suggests that intestinal hyperpermeability can cause the immune system to overproduce various antibodies, which may make some more susceptible to antigens in certain foods (especially gluten and dairy). In studies involving rats and human children, leaky gut and food allergies have been linked. Allergies are believed to be one of the most common symptoms. 2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Researchers from Hungary uncovered in 2012 that elevated gut permeability is oftentimes localized to the colon in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. As far back as 1988, scientists suggested that Crohn’s disease may be more of a risk for people with leaky gut. A small study (observing 12 patients) discovered that zinc supplementation may help resolvethe TJ dysfunction in these cases, although more medically reviewed research is required on a larger scale to confirm these results. 3. Autoimmune Disease The key to understanding how leaky gut can cause autoimmune diseases is through research done on a protein known as “zonulin.” According to a one article published in the journal Physiologic Reviews: Zonulin is the only physiological modulator of intercellular tight junctions described so far that is involved in trafficking of macromolecules and, therefore, in tolerance/immune response balance. When the finely tuned zonulin pathway is deregulated in genetically susceptible individuals, both intestinal and extraintestinal autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can occur. Eating certain food allergens, such as gluten, may trigger this dangerous cascade. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers uncovered that gluten “activates zonulin signaling irrespective of the genetic expression of autoimmunity, leading to increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules.” The good news is that it seems possible to reverse these autoimmune reactions’ problematic immune responses. 4. Thyroid Problems One of the autoimmune diseases that leaky gut syndrome may directly affect is Hashimoto’s disease. Also known as “chronic thyroiditis,” this disorder is displayed with hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), impaired metabolism, fatigue, depression, weight gain and a host of other concerns. 5. Nutrient Malabsorption In my patients I saw at my Nashville chiropractic clinic from 2007 to 2014, I observed various nutritional deficiencies resulting from leaky gut, including vitamin B12, magnesium and digestive enzymes. Those common nutrient deficiencies are one reason why many functional medicine practitioners prescribe a whole-food multivitamin in addition to probiotics for people suffering from this condition. 6. Inflammatory Skin Conditions First described over 70 years ago, the “gut-skin connection theory” describes how increased intestinal hyperpermeability can cause a slew of skin conditions, particularly acne and psoriasis. Creams and drugs with endless lists of (sometimes dangerous) side effects are often prescribed for these skin disorders, yet there has been evidence for several decades that part of the root cause might exist in the gut. 7. Mood Issues and Autism According to a study published in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters, intestinal permeability has been shown to contribute to various neurocognitive disorders. For example, the inflammatory response characteristic of intestinal hyperpermeability triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other chemicals that are thought to induce depression. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience described the “vicious circle between immune system impairment and increasing dysbiosis that leads to leaky gut and neurochemical compounds and/or neurotoxic xenobiotics production and absorption.” The authors go on to describe findings from a number of studies that point to their theory that autism may be connected to problems in the microbiome, particularly within the first year of life. It is actually now a common hypothesis in modern science. Causes What is the main cause of leaky gut? As explained above, it occurs when certain tiny particles that should never be able to enter your bloodstream start to make their way through due to dysfunction of the mucosal barrier in the gut. There also commonly are abnormalities in the gut stemming from antimicrobial molecules, immunoglobulins and cytokine activities. This presents a major problem, as the vast majority of your immune system is found inside the gut (sometimes called the microbiome). The result is a disruption of acute inflammation and sometimes autoimmune reactions. A normal part of your immune response that serves to fight infections and diseases winds up over-performing, leading to chronic inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. Some of the underlying causes of leaky gut include: Genetic predisposition — Certain people may be more predisposed to developing this condition because they are sensitive to environmental factors that “trigger” their bodies into initiating autoimmune responses. Poor diet — Especially a diet that includes allergens and inflammatory foods, such as unsprouted grains, added sugar, GMOs, refined oils, synthetic food additives, conventional dairy products and alcohol. Chronic stress Toxin overload — This includes “chronic stressors,” such as high drug and alcohol consumption. We come into contact with over 80,000 chemicals and toxins every single year, but the worst offenders for causing leaky gut include antibiotics, pesticides, tap water, aspirin and NSAIDs. I recommend buying a high-quality water filter to eliminate chlorine and fluoride and look to natural plant-based herbs to reduce inflammation in your body. Bacterial imbalance — Also called dysbiosis, which means an imbalance between beneficial and harmful species of bacteria in your gut. A large body of evidence now shows that gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and preventing autoimmune reactions. At least 10 percent of all gene transcriptions found in intestinal epithelial cells that are related to immunity, cell proliferation and metabolism are regulated by gut microbiota. Medical Definition/Research Do most conventional doctors support the idea that leaky gut is real? Not exactly, as it the topic remains controversial. WebMD refers to leaky gut as “something of a medical mystery.” This isn’t surprising, since it’s not a diagnosis that most doctors have been taught in medical school. “From an MD’s standpoint, it’s a very gray area,” says gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, MD – director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic. In his opinion, “Physicians don’t know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ.” However, a roundtable review quotes the researchers at seven different European universities in 2014 agreeing upon the following: Alteration of the gut barrier seems to have multiple consequences facilitating the onset of a variety of diseases depending on other hits and on genetic or epigenetic constellations, respectively. The growing significance of the gut barrier and bacterial translocation raises the questions of how we can improve gut barrier functions and gut microbiota. While it’s encouraging that science is coming around to leaky gut syndrome being a real problem, we are by no means at a point where there are standard diagnostic tools for testing and treating this problem. This means that MDs are often left with no other choice than to follow what they believe to be the “safe path” and prescribe drugs that only treat symptoms. For example, medications (like proton pump inhibitors or antacids) can be used to manage symptoms like acid reflux medications, but these drugs don’t solve the root problem. Because there is so much unknown about leaky gut syndrome, it’s critical that you understand what leaky gut is and what to look out for in case you or a loved one is affected by it. The good news is that many functional and integrative medicine practitioners have a greater understanding of this condition than they did even a decade ago. How to Get Rid of Leaky Gut (Treatment) Several leaky gut syndrome tests are available that can help confirm a diagnosis and point you in the right treatment direction. Tests are helpful for identifying specific sensitivities and uncovering which types of toxins or deficiencies are contributing to your symptoms. Available tests include: Zonulin or Lactulose Tests IgG Food Intolerance Test Stools Tests Organic Acid Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Tests Lactulose Mannitol Test What leaky gut treatments are available? After years of research and patient care, I developed a four-step process for helping treat leaky gut. I cover this process in my leaky gut diet and treatment plan. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have this condition, I encourage you to read the detailed instructions, food suggestions and recommended supplements listed in that article. The basic steps to healing leaky gut are as follows: Remove foods and factors that damage the gut. Replace these...

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“STUNNING” Study Reveals: Making THIS Simple Dietary Change Improves Gut Microbiome, Helps Prevent Inflammatory Diseases

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 07:00:25 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Research confirms what natural health experts have insisted for years: that the gut microbiome – the community of bacteria in the intestinal tract – plays a vital role in health. Researchers say imbalances in this microbial community – alternatively known as dysbiosis – can trigger a laundry list of unwanted health conditions, including increased risk of obesity, autism, “leaky gut,” and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Now, a new Stanford School of Medicine study suggests that one simple dietary “tweak” – enriching the diet with fermented foods such as yogurt, fresh sauerkraut, and kimchi – can improve the health and diversity of the microbes (or microbiota) while reducing levels of inflammatory enzymes in the body. So let’s look at how fermented foods contribute to better health and disease prevention. Unexpected Study Results Have Researchers Scratching Their Heads – While Highlighting Dramatic Benefits of Fermented Foods In the controlled clinical trial, which was published in July in Cell, 36 healthy adults were randomly assigned to a ten-week diet that included either fermented foods (including yogurt, kefir, fermented cottage cheese, kimchi, and kombucha tea) or high-fiber foods (such as legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits). The findings seemed to take the researchers by surprise. While scientists and natural health experts have long maintained that a high-fiber diet promotes microbial balance and improves all-around health, the fermented foods-enhanced diet was found to be even more effective in improving the gut microbiome. The team found that participants in the fermented foods group experienced increased microbial diversity, displaying a greater variety of “friendly” gut bacteria. At the same time, they showed sharply reduced levels of 19 different inflammatory proteins (such as interleukin-6) linked to rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and chronic stress. And, the results were dose-dependent, meaning that positive effects increased with a larger serving size. SURPRISING Outcome: Fermented Foods Outperform High-Fiber Foods Because high-fiber diets have been linked in multiple studies with lower rates of inflammatory diseases and lower mortality, researchers expected that this latest study would show that high-fiber foods decrease levels of inflammatory proteins. However, this was not the case – and researchers sounded a bit upset. “We expected high fiber to have a more universally beneficial effect and (to) increase microbiota diversity,” said senior research scientist Erica Sonnenburg, Ph.D. She acknowledged that the data suggested that short-term increases in fiber intake were “insufficient to increase microbial diversity.” However, the story is a little more complicated than meets the eye. The results also showed that increasing fiber intake led to more carbohydrates in stool samples, hinting at an incomplete fiber breakdown by gut microbes. Since earlier research suggested that the microbiomes of people living in industrialized nations are deficient in fiber-degrading microbes, Prof. Sonnenburg hypothesized that a longer-term study might have allowed time for gut bacteria to adapt to the increase in dietary fiber. Of course, experts say it’s still a wise choice to get plenty of dietary fiber. Extensive studies have shown that high-fiber diets deliver important health benefits, including helping to lower LDL cholesterol and cutting the risk of certain types of cancer. Scientists Call the Recent Rise in Inflammatory Diseases “Overwhelming” The study helped to illustrate the three-way link between dietary changes, gut microbiome balance, and overall health. The researchers agreed that diet “shapes” the gut microbiome, with low microbiota diversity associated with the soaring incidence of obesity and diabetes. Noting the “overwhelming” national rise in chronic inflammatory diseases, the team expressed hope that fermented foods could help act against this dangerous phenomenon. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic degenerative diseases, most of which involve inflammation, affect a shocking 60 percent of all American adults. And these diseases exact a grim toll. For example, inflammation-driven heart disease is the Number One killer of adults in the U.S., claiming roughly 655,000 American lives a year. And type 2 diabetes, which has an inflammatory component as well, is currently nearing epidemic levels, with over 34 million Americans currently affected. You Can Help Reconfigure the All-Important Gut Microbiome and Boost Immunity With Fermented Foods Study co-author Justin Sonnenburg, PhD, an associate professor of immunology and microbiology, called the findings “stunning” and said that the research provided one of the first examples of how a simple change in diet could “remodel” the gut microbiome. The team concluded that microbiota-targeted diets, such as diets high in fermented foods, can change immune status, providing a “promising avenue for decreasing inflammation in healthy adults.” The next order of business is for researchers to examine whether fermented foods can also cut inflammation in patients with existing immune disorders and metabolic diseases. With so much riding on the health and diversity of the microbiome, the benefits of fermented foods are too significant to be overlooked. Maybe it’s time to consider adding tasty, nutritious kimchi, yogurt, and kombucha tea to your healthy diet. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com CDC.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Want to Boost Your Gut Microbiome? Discover 10 Foods That Promote Microbial Balance

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 07:00:16 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Believe it or not, the average person has trillions of bacteria living in their intestinal tract, accounting for an astonishing two to four pounds of total body weight. Although this may be an unsettling concept, the truth is: this community of microbes – also known as the gut microbiome – is not only beneficial but essential for health. Recently, there has been a lot of “buzz” in scientific research concerning the far-reaching benefits of a diverse and balanced gut microbiome – and what can be done to promote it. A 2020 review of the literature published in Nutrition Reviews showcases the fact that the foods we eat have a profound impact on the composition and variety of microorganisms living in the digestive tract. So let’s see which choices offer the most “bang for the buck.” Why Is the Gut Microbiome So Important? Research has shown that beneficial gut bacteria help absorb nutrients, bolster immune system health, facilitate hormone function, promote digestion and even help prevent obesity. In addition, they can influence cognition and mood. The trillions of bacteria in the gut microbiome are comprised of up to 400 different species. Problems arise when there is an imbalance between the “friendly” bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and “bad” microorganisms, including E. coli, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, and Candida yeast cells. Disturbed bacterial balance, also known as dysbiosis, sets the stage for ill effects and various diseases, including “leaky gut,” irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, Candida overgrowth, and autoimmune disorders. Incredible! Gut Microbiome Health and Nutrition Are Linked in MULTIPLE Ways The review, conducted jointly by researchers at George Washington University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, evaluated the specific effects of nutrition and diet on the gut’s microbial composition. The researchers examined the role of micronutrients – which include vitamins and minerals – and macronutrients (larger components of food such as carbs, protein, and fiber). Intriguingly, they noted that while dietary fiber nourishes gut bacteria, excessive amounts of protein may create potentially harmful metabolites (byproducts) that can remain in the gut and increase the risk of health problems. Study leader Leigh A. Frame, Ph.D. – director of Integrative Medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Science – stressed the importance of the research. “As we learn more about the gut microbiome and nutrition, we are learning how influential they are to each other …. and to the role, they both play in prevention and treatment of disease,” Dr. Frame noted. THESE 5 Foods Are Most Valuable for Maintaining Good Microbial Balance According to naturopathic physician Eric Bakker, N.D. – a leading expert in gut disorders – the best foods for the gut are those that promote good digestion, strengthen immune function, and are “probiotic” (meaning they encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria). Dr. Bakker agrees with many other natural health experts that Jerusalem artichokes top the list at Number 1 due to their high levels of a beneficial fiber known as inulin (not to be confused with insulin). Inulin is prebiotic, meaning that it not only encourages beneficial bacteria but directly provides fuel for them. Although Jerusalem artichokes (also known as “sunchokes”) are not overwhelmingly popular in the United States, that may change as people begin to discover their health benefits and piquant flavor. These sweet, crunchy tubers can be roasted, added to a stir fry, or nibbled raw. Right behind Jerusalem artichokes, at Number 2, are bananas, which are also rich in inulin. When you pair these foods with coconut milk or coconut oil, you’ll incorporate the Number 3 food on the list. Coconuts are high in caprylic acid, a beneficial medium-chain fatty acid that can help stop harmful bacteria and yeasts right in their tracks. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) earns its place at Number 4 on the list because it mercilessly targets “bad” bacteria while leaving “friendlies” unharmed. And Number 5, garlic – another prebiotic food – is renowned for its ability to deliver a “one-two punch” against dysbiosis, killing off harmful bacteria and yeasts while encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. Tip: if fresh garlic isn’t your “thing,” aged garlic extract is available as a supplement – and supplies the same benefits. You can also improve gut health with garlic’s milder-tasting “cousins,” such as onions, leeks, shallots, and chives. Gut Health Benefits Continue With 5 More Superfoods Butter and clarified butter (known as ghee) are high in butyric acid, healthy fat with anti-inflammatory properties. (Be sure to seek out organic butter from grass-fed cows). And cruciferous vegetables – including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and arugula – possess a secret weapon against dysbiosis called indole-3-carbinol. This beneficial prebiotic fiber excels at promoting the survival of Lactobacillus, an important “friendly” species of bacteria. Beans, rich in fiber and nutrients, are known to strengthen the intestinal walls and work against “leaky gut,” a condition that can cause pathogens and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. Cultured and fermented foods, such as miso and yogurt with live active cultures, also have been awarded “superstar” status by natural health experts for their ability to keep the gut microbiome in balance. Finally, tart green Granny Smith apples encourage beneficial bacteria while also contributing energy-boosting malic acid and a healthy fiber known as pectin. With so much riding on the health of the gut microbiome, it’s good to know that we can support it simply by making wise (organic) dietary choices. Your gut – along with your entire body – will thank you. Sources for this article include: CandidaYeastInfection.org ScienceDaily.com Academic.oup.com To read the original article click here.

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L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism

AHA Publisher — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:00:17 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Have you heard about the incredible health benefits of L-glutamine? First used in powder form by people in the fitness industry (including bodybuilders) who were looking to preserve muscle tissue, L-glutamine (also simply called glutamine) is an amino acid that is a building block of protein and needed by your body in large amounts. The most common original uses of glutamine powder were to meet the following goals: to lose weight fast, burn fat and help build muscle. While that remains the case, science now shows that glutamine benefits are abundant. It also promotes digestive and brain health, boosts athletic performance — plus it’s helpful in treating intestinal issues and leaky gut. In fact, it is one of our top three most recommended supplements overall for treating leaky gut and/or building a lean body. Let’s find out why. What Is Glutamine? With the chemical formula C5H10N2O3, glutamine is one of 20 naturally occurring amino acids found in protein foods. It’s also the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. It makes up 30 percent to 35 percent of the amino acid nitrogen in your blood. It’s known as a conditional essential amino acid. What does “conditional essential amino acid” mean? It means that your body can make some on its own but uses it in large amounts. It also becomes essential when an individual faces disease or specifically muscle wasting. This can happen in the course of certain diseases or even physical trauma. Additionally, it’s a conditionally essential nutrient during certain catabolic states, including after bone marrow transplantation. Amazingly, around 60 percent of your skeletal muscle is made up of glutamine – and supplementing with this amino acid can aid protein synthesis and help naturally balance your pH levels. Food Sources Found in both animal and plant proteins (including in high levels in both casein and whey protein), glutamine is also available in supplement form and widely popular in the fitness community and beyond. Glutamine can be found in animal proteins, such as meats and dairy, along with plant-based protein sources, such as beans, raw spinach, parsley and red cabbage. It’s worth noting, though, that animal proteins tend to provide amino acids that are more digestible than plant proteins. Studies estimate that most people probably consume between three and six grams of glutamine from their daily diets. The foods with the most L-glutamine benefits include: Eggs Tofu Milk Bone broth Grass-fed beef Spirulina Chinese cabbage Cottage cheese Asparagus Broccoli rabe Wild-caught fish (cod and salmon) Venison Turkey Corn Rice To obtain a healthy amount, a general recommendation is to consume at least three servings of these L-glutamine-rich foods daily. L-Glutamine Benefits What are the benefits of taking glutamine? New research now shows that L-glutamine benefits the body in the following ways: 1. Improves Gastrointestinal and Immune Health L-glutamine benefits your overall health by supporting gut function and digestive processes. It can be beneficial if you have a digestive condition, such as: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease ulcerative colitis diverticulosis diverticulitis leaky gut or any of the issues associated with leaky gut (like joint pain, rosacea or any type of autoimmune response) It’s worth noting that the man famous for discovering the Krebs cycle in the body (also known as the “citric acid cycle“) was the first person to recommend taking L-glutamine for gut-related issues. That’s because Sir Hans Adolf Krebs — a German-born British biochemist who received (with Fritz Lipmann) the 1953 Nobel Prize for Physiology — found that it helped improve a healthy gut-related immune response. Additional research supports this finding. For example, a study published in the journal of Clinical Immunology found that L-glutamine normalizes the effects of the TH2 immune response that stimulates inflammatory cytokines. The effects of L-glutamine in these studies show that it reduces intestinal inflammation and can help people recover from food sensitivities. It’s also known to play an important role in maintaining healthy gut microbiota and immunity. It seems helpful for reducing intestinal colonization and bacterial overgrowth of pathogens. This may reduce the risk for widespread issues ranging from constipation to weight gain. A 2018 article published in Nutrients also states that “in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities, and neutrophil bacterial killing.” In fact, glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation recommended for immune-suppressed individuals. 2. Can Help Treat Leaky Gut and Ulcers There are millions of people struggling with a condition called leaky gut syndrome. It is essentially the main cause of autoimmune disease today. Leaky gut can contribute to thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s disease, along with arthritis, skin issues like psoriasis and other serious health concerns. Because glutamine is the major fuel source for cells of the small intestine, it has been shown to support intestinal health and help treat leaky gut in clinical studies. A study published in the medical journal Lancet referenced above examined 20 hospital patients and found that supplementing with L-glutamine decreased intestinal permeability. An animal study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that L-glutamine benefits ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. It also shows promise for treating ulcers by providing protection from further damage. Plus, it offers a healthier, natural alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of stomach ulcers. If you’re unsure if you suffer from leaky gut, this leaky gut test can help. If, indeed, you appear to have leaky gut, L-glutamine is the No. 1 amino acid you need to help heal and repair it. 3. Supports Brain Health A precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate in your brain, glutamine is key to boosting your brain health. Why? A disruption of the glutamine-glutamate cycle can result in all kinds of brain problems, including: Reye’s syndrome epilepsy bipolar disorder schizophrenia anxiety depression alcohol addiction Glutamine can also help stall brain aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes abnormal increases in the neurotransmitter glutamate and, again, puts the brain at risk for developing the above problems. A study conducted at the New York University School of Medicine showed that even mild traumatic brain injury caused brain atrophy, and most of this damage was due to the disrupted glutamine-glutamate cycle and an abnormal increase in glutamate levels. 4. May Improve IBS Symptoms and Diarrhea Glutamine helps improve IBS and diarrhea by balancing mucus production. This results in healthier bowel movements. If you have Hashimoto’s or an underactive thyroid, consider making it a part of your hypothyroidism diet. The same goes for anyone who suffers from IBS symptoms like constant diarrhea or ulcerations. 5. Promotes Muscle Growth and Decreases Muscle Wasting Whether your goal is to increase athletic performance, boost metabolism, improve recovery or even build muscle, research shows that L-glutamine can significantly aid your efforts. During an intense workout, your body becomes stressed, and your muscles and tendons require more glutamine than the amount supplied by a normal diet. After an intense workout, the levels of cellular glutamine can drop by 50 percent and plasma levels by 30 percent. This muscle-wasting state is a gateway for the body to use your muscle for energy rather than carbohydrates, but glutamine can help prevent this from happening. Supplementing with L-glutamine allows your muscles to fight and push a bit further. This boosts your strength and helps repair your skeletal muscles. A study found that glutamine supplementation makes it possible to recover quicker from intense weight training sessions because it improves muscle hydration. This aids the muscle recovery process and reduces recovery timefor wounds and burns. It’s why glutamine supplementation is not only common for bodybuilders in the bodybuilding industry, but in nearly every athletic pursuit these days. 6. May Improve Athletic Performance and Recovery from Endurance Exercise One of L-glutamine’s main roles in the body is to support detoxification by cleansing the body from high levels of ammonia. It acts as a buffer and converts excess ammonia into other amino acids, amino sugars and urea. Doing approximately one hour of exercise can cause a 40 percent reduction of glutamine in the body. It can also cause suppressed immune function. This has a negative impact on your resistance training and may lead to overtraining syndrome. L-glutamine benefits long distance athletes as well by boosting the immune system (T-helper cells). Animal studies have indicated that this increase in T-helper cells may reduce the “stresses” associated with overtraining syndrome. However, not every study has found that it necessarily boosts performance. One 2019 review that included data from 55 studies observed that glutamine improved some fatigue markers, such as increased glycogen synthesis and reduced ammonia accumulation, but this intervention did not always increase physical performance. 7. Supports Metabolic and Heart Health Research has indicated that human growth hormone (HGH) levels go up nearly 400 percent after glutamine supplementation. This hormonal response leads to an increase in resting metabolic rate and improves the afterburn effect or EPOC post-exercise. This afterburn effect is essential for burning fat, weight loss and building lean muscle mass. Is glutamine good for weight loss? There’s evidence suggesting that it helps burn fat and build lean muscle mass by suppressing insulin levels and stabilizing blood glucose. This enables the body to use less muscle mass to maintain blood sugar and insulin sensitivity in the cells. In fact, six weeks of supplementation with 30 grams per day of glutamine powder “markedly improved some cardiovascular risk factors, as well as body composition, in patients with type 2 diabetes” in one study. For this reason, L-glutamine benefits diabetics and those with sugar and carb cravings as well. Emerging evidence also indicates that l-glutamine plays a fundamental role in cardiovascular health by serving as a substrate for the synthesis of DNA, ATP, proteins and lipids. Additionally it seems to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as: hypertension hyperlipidemia glucose intolerance obesity diabetes Related: Do Digestive Enzymes Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies & Boost Gut Health? Deficiency L-glutamine is synthesized by the body from glutamic acid or glutamate. If the body is unable to produce enough it needs to get it directly from your diet. It’s estimated that 70 million Americans now suffer from digestive diseases, so it’s apparent that our diets severely lack certain nutrients that support the digestive tract. While L-glutamine is synthesized by the body from glutamic acid or glutamate, sometimes the body is unable to produce enough — plus the majority of people don’t seem to get enough L-glutamine from their food alone if they eat low-protein diets. Some reasons that you may run low in glutamine include: Eating a low-protein diet Undergoing lots of stress Exercising intensely Battling infections and illnesses Undergoing treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy Having an immune disorder Having a chronic gastrointestinal disorder This is why supplementing your diet with it is an excellent way to boost your immune system and improve your ability to fight infection and diseases. Glutamine has even become a common supplement for critically ill patients. According to a study published in the medical journal Critical Care, glutamine dipeptide-supplemented parenteral nutrition “continues to be associated with a significant reduction in hospital mortality and hospital length of stay.” Supplements and Dosage Types of L-Glutamine There are two forms of L-glutamine. You can get regular L-glutamine in what’s called its free form, and it should be taken with food ideally for proper absorption by the body. The other type is called trans-alanyl-glutamine or alanyl-L-glutamine. It’s an amino acid attached to another amino acid. That basically means you can digest it much better. Unlike free-form glutamine powder, you can take it on an empty stomach. Both forms are best taken right after or right before workouts — with your small meals right before or after workouts for it to support your metabolism and weight loss as well as for muscle building, recovery and preservation. Dosage Recommendations Typically, the best dosage is an ingestion between two to five grams taken twice daily and up to 10 grams twice daily for serious power athletes. When should you take glutamine? Replenishing glutamine levels after an intense session could take up to five days, so it is...

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