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A Fermented-Food Diet Increases Microbiome Diversity and Lowers Inflammation, Study Finds

AHA Publisher — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 07:00:26 +0000

Stanford Medicine via EurekAlert – A diet rich in fermented foods enhances the diversity of gut microbes and decreases molecular signs of inflammation, according to researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine. In a clinical trial, 36 healthy adults were randomly assigned to a 10-week diet that included either fermented or high-fiber foods. The two diets resulted in different effects on the gut microbiome and the immune system. Eating foods such as yogurt, kefir, fermented cottage cheese, kimchi and other fermented vegetables, vegetable brine drinks, and kombucha tea led to an increase in overall microbial diversity, with stronger effects from larger servings. “This is a stunning finding,” said Justin Sonnenburg, PhD, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology. “It provides one of the first examples of how a simple change in diet can reproducibly remodel the microbiota across a cohort of healthy adults.” In addition, four types of immune cells showed less activation in the fermented-food group. The levels of 19 inflammatory proteins measured in blood samples also decreased. One of these proteins, interleukin 6, has been linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and chronic stress. “Microbiota-targeted diets can change immune status, providing a promising avenue for decreasing inflammation in healthy adults,” said Christopher Gardner, PhD, the Rehnborg Farquhar Professor and director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. “This finding was consistent across all participants in the study who were assigned to the higher fermented food group.” Microbe diversity stable in fiber-rich diet By contrast, none of these 19 inflammatory proteins decreased in participants assigned to a high-fiber diet rich in legumes, seeds, whole grains, nuts, vegetables and fruits. On average, the diversity of their gut microbes also remained stable. “We expected high fiber to have a more universally beneficial effect and increase microbiota diversity,” said Erica Sonnenburg, PhD, a senior research scientist in basic life sciences, microbiology and immunology. “The data suggest that increased fiber intake alone over a short time period is insufficient to increase microbiota diversity.” The study will be published online July 12 in Cell. Justin and Erica Sonnenburg and Christopher Gardner are co-senior authors. The lead authors are Hannah Wastyk, a PhD student in bioengineering, and former postdoctoral scholar Gabriela Fragiadakis, PhD, who is now an assistant professor of medicine at UC-San Francisco. A wide body of evidence has demonstrated that diet shapes the gut microbiome, which can affect the immune system and overall health. According to Gardner, low microbiome diversity has been linked to obesity and diabetes. “We wanted to conduct a proof-of-concept study that could test whether microbiota-targeted food could be an avenue for combatting the overwhelming rise in chronic inflammatory diseases,” Gardner said. The researchers focused on fiber and fermented foods due to previous reports of their potential health benefits. While high-fiber diets have been associated with lower rates of mortality, the consumption of fermented foods can help with weight maintenance and may decrease the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed blood and stool samples collected during a three-week pre-trial period, the 10 weeks of the diet, and a four-week period after the diet when the participants ate as they chose. The findings paint a nuanced picture of the influence of diet on gut microbes and immune status. On one hand, those who increased their consumption of fermented foods showed similar effects on their microbiome diversity and inflammatory markers, consistent with prior research showing that short-term changes in diet can rapidly alter the gut microbiome. On the other hand, the limited change in the microbiome within the high-fiber group dovetails with the researchers’ previous reports of a general resilience of the human microbiome over short time periods. Designing a Suite of Dietary and Microbial Strategies The results also showed that greater fiber intake led to more carbohydrates in stool samples, pointing to incomplete fiber degradation by gut microbes. These findings are consistent with other research suggesting that the microbiome of people living in the industrialized world is depleted of fiber-degrading microbes. “It is possible that a longer intervention would have allowed for the microbiota to adequately adapt to the increase in fiber consumption,” Erica Sonnenburg said. “Alternatively, the deliberate introduction of fiber-consuming microbes may be required to increase the microbiota’s capacity to break down the carbohydrates.” In addition to exploring these possibilities, the researchers plan to conduct studies in mice to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which diets alter the microbiome and reduce inflammatory proteins. They also aim to test whether high-fiber and fermented foods synergize to influence the microbiome and immune system of humans. Another goal is to examine whether the consumption of fermented food decreases inflammation or improves other health markers in patients with immunological and metabolic diseases, and in pregnant women and older individuals. “There are many more ways to target the microbiome with food and supplements, and we hope to continue to investigate how different diets, probiotics and prebiotics impact the microbiome and health in different groups,” Justin Sonnenburg said. To read the original article click here.

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Engineered Yeast Probiotic Developed to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AHA Publisher — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Brigham and Women’s Hospital via EurekAlert – The world of microbes living in the human gut can have far-reaching effects on human health. Multiple diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are tied to the balance of these microbes, suggesting that restoring the right balance could help treat disease. Many probiotics — living yeasts or bacteria — that are currently on the market have been optimized through evolution in the context of a healthy gut. However, in order to treat complex diseases such as IBD, a probiotic would need to serve many functions, including an ability to turn off inflammation, reverse damage and restore the gut microbiome. Given all of these needs, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a “designer” probiotic — a thoughtfully engineered yeast that can induce multiple effects for treating IBD. Preclinical results from their work are published in Nature Medicine. “We’ve taken yeast — the very yeast that’s used to make beer — and we’ve given it the ability to sense inflammation and secrete an anti-inflammatory molecule,” said corresponding author Francisco Quintana, PhD, an investigator in the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at the Brigham. “We call this new platform ‘Y-bots’ (yeast robots) and see the potential here for developing therapeutics that can treat diseases of the gut tissue and more.” Previous research from the Quintana lab has helped illuminate the connection between the gut and diseases that affect the brain, suggesting potential applications for engineering probiotics beyond IBD. Quintana and colleagues developed their probiotic using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a species of yeast used in winemaking, baking and brewing. Using the gene editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers introduced genetic elements that could sense inflammation and respond to it by secreting an enzyme that can degrade a key molecule involved in inflammation. The engineered yeast can secrete different levels of enzyme, depending upon how much of the inflammatory signal is present at a location in the gut. This means that the probiotic can have a highly localized response to inflammation. In mice, the engineered yeast successfully suppressed intestinal inflammation, reduced fibrosis and restored a balanced gut microbiome. To bring this new therapeutic platform to bear on IBD and other diseases in humans, Quintana and colleagues will need to conduct safety studies. They also plan to further refine and test the engineered yeast to see if they can speed up tissue repair. Beyond IBD, the team plans to investigate the use of engineered probiotics for treating a common side effect of cancer immunotherapy, colitis. “We want to use the tools of synthetic biology to engineer what can be found in nature,” said Quintana. “By engineering probiotics, our goal is to create more personalized, localized and highly controlled medications for treating diseases of the gut and beyond.” To read the original article click here.

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Newly-Developed Probiotic Coffee and Tea Expected to Yield REMARKABLE Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 07:00:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – If you’re one of those individuals who craves a cup of coffee or tea before starting your day, great news: your morning brew just got a lot healthier. At least, that’s what scientists at the National University of Singapore are hoping to accomplish – with the help of some friendly microbes. According to a March 21 statement from the university, two doctoral students have succeeded in adding live probiotics – beneficial microorganisms – to the popular beverages without sacrificing flavor, drinkability, or shelf life. Probiotics help maintain the health and balance of the gut microbiome, the community of “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract, in turn strengthening the immune system, fighting pathogens, and even supporting a stable mood. Clearly, probiotic coffee and tea sound like a win/win! Here Is How Probiotic Coffee and Tea Improve the Digestibility and Absorption of Nutrients Study supervisor Liu Shao Quan, an Associate Professor from the Department of Food Science and Technology at NUS, noted that probiotics are traditionally found in dairy-based foods, such as yogurt and soft cheeses. For vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals, plant-based probiotic beverages such as coffee and tea can provide a viable alternative. “The fermentation process creates compounds that improve nutrient digestibility while still retaining the health benefits associated with coffee and tea,” Prof. Liu declared. Each serving of probiotic coffee or tea contains at least one billion live probiotics, the daily amount recommended by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics. The products can be stored, either chilled or at room temperature, for up to 14 weeks. Antioxidant-Rich Coffee Fights MULTIPLE Life-Threatening Illnesses Such as Cancer and Heart Disease, According to Science Doctoral student Alcine Chan crafted the new probiotic coffee by adding specific nutrients and live probiotics to brewed coffee, then fermenting the mixture for a day. Although the process sounds simple, Ms. Chan noted that the formulation was “tricky.” Not all types of probiotics can grow in coffee, she reported, and not all nutrients meshed well with the taste of coffee. Ultimately, she was satisfied with the results, saying that each prototype retains its distinctive coffee taste. The coffees also retain their original polyphenols, along with their caffeine. According to researchers at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, regular coffee drinking is associated with significantly lower odds of developing an array of serious diseases – including type 2 diabetes,heart disease, depression, obesity, liver cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, suicide, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Studies also support the ability of coffee to preserve memory and protect against falls in older people. Researchers say that it is not just the caffeine in coffee that drives its health benefits. Its chlorogenic acid, bioactive tannins, and potent antioxidants get some of the credit as well. Both Black and Green Tea Are Strongly Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory – Now, They Can Be Probiotic as Well Ms. Wang Rui, the student who created the probiotic tea, added nutrients and probiotics to a tea infusion and allowed it to ferment for two days. The final product, she reported, has a fruity, floral taste, with a similar “mouthfeel” to conventional tea. “Drinkers can add sweeteners, and milk, or cream, based on their preferences,” she noted. Ms. Rui added that any type of brewed tea could be used for the product. As with the coffee, the patented fermentation process allows for the polyphenols in tea to be retained. Tea, which contains beneficial compounds known as catechins, is credited with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Black tea is linked with improved immune function, while green tea can lower unwanted LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Both black and green tea have been linked in observational studies with longer lives. Support the Hard-Working Gut Microbiome With Probiotics Bacteria in the gut microbiome perform a range of indispensable functions, including absorbing nutrients, synthesizing vitamins, breaking down dietary fiber, destroying pathogens, and strengthening the immune system – 80 percent of which exists in the gut. “Friendly” bacteria also bind to toxins and carcinogens, promoting their excretion from the body. In fact, so important is the microbiome to health that bacterial imbalances can trigger autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Microbiome balance can be disturbed by unnecessary use of antibiotics, poor nutrition (a diet high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates), pharmaceutical medications, and normal aging. Fortunately, supplementary probiotics and probiotic foods can help encourage healthy microbial balance. Two types of bacteria, in particular, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, are probiotic “superstars” with an impressive array of benefits – which include increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol, regulating immune response, reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and reducing potentially cancer-causing DNA mutations. In a clinical study involving patients with type 2 diabetes and published in Nutrition, researchers found that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in yogurt improved fasting glucose and A1c, a measure of blood sugar control over time. Some people experience anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, and insomnia from caffeine, which is found in both coffee and tea. Naturally, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you shouldn’t drink these beverages. Or, you could try switching to decaffeinated varieties, which still provide some health benefits. Presumably, the field of probiotic enrichment will take the healthy contributions of coffee and tea to a whole new level – and do it without any noticeable loss of aroma and flavor of your morning “cuppa.” Naturally, if you don’t want to drink coffee (and still want to consume more probiotics, you can try adding miso soup, tempeh or sauerkraut to your diet. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com LifeExtension.com NIH.gov Harvard.edu PennMedicine.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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UV Radiation Kills Virus That Causes COVID-19 in Lab, Study Finds

AHA Publisher — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:00:07 +0000

Ohio State University via Newswise – COLUMBUS, Ohio – A specific wavelength of ultraviolet radiation killed more than 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in laboratory tests, a new study has found. The results could offer an encouraging option for inactivating the virus that causes COVID-19 from surfaces or, potentially, from the air. It is the first study to demonstrate that specific doses of UV222, a relatively short wavelength of ultraviolet radiation, may be a feasible and safe approach to disinfecting COVID-19. The study appears on a preprint server and has not yet undergone a formal peer review by other scientists. “The special thing is that this wavelength is effectively absorbed by the SARS-CoV-2 genome and the proteins of the virus,” said Natalie Hull, lead author of the study and assistant professor of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering at The Ohio State University. “And because of that, it was likely able to damage the proteins that perpetuate the virus infection cycle. And we think that’s why this is so effective.” The findings mean that UV222 could be a safe way to disinfect spaces contaminated by COVID-19, the researchers said. “This is the first time anyone has done something with the real virus, and as best we can tell, this is a wavelength that’s safe for humans,” said Richard Robinson, co-author of the study and associate professor of microbial infection and immunity at Ohio State. “And so theoretically, this could be a way of decontaminating that would be safer for people, and would also kill the virus.” There are caveats to the study. The findings, while encouraging, are “a starting point,” Hull said. The researchers tested the effectiveness of UV to destroy SARS-CoV-2 in a liquid solution, which is usually a more difficult medium to disinfect than air. But the study did not test UV222’s ability to kill the virus in the air or on non-liquid surfaces, and any real-world solution to fighting the virus in spaces where people live, work or play must be effective in those spaces. An open room would include other factors not tested in this study, including varying temperatures, humidity and air flow, Hull said. She said the UV light destroys the proteins and nucleic acids that make up the virus, essentially disabling it. Destroying the proteins and nucleic acids makes it impossible for the virus to replicate and complete the cycles necessary to infect people. “It’s basically like scrambling a protein with heat,” Hull said. “You’re applying energy and it breaks the bonds to change the structure. And these cell processes responsible for replicating the genome and making more virus components or binding to the host cell don’t happen in the same way, so it halts the infection cycle.” The researchers knew that ultraviolet radiation could inactivate coronaviruses, a broad category of viruses that includes SARS-CoV-2. (The common cold, for example, is also a coronavirus; UV radiation has been shown to destroy it as well.) But most commercially available UV lamps emit rays that are long enough to penetrate skin, making them a potential cancer risk. And little information is known about how much UV radiation is necessary to kill SARS-CoV-2. UV222 is a shorter wavelength of ultraviolet radiation than the rays that reach people from the sun, and previous studies have shown that UV222 is not likely to cause skin cancer and other health problems associated with UV radiation. (The “222” refers to the size of the wavelength — 222 nanometers. These wavelengths from the sun are mostly consumed by Earth’s atmosphere before they reach us.) The study was performed on samples of the COVID-19-causing virus that were cultivated and reproduced in a special laboratory on Ohio State’s campus designed to manage biologically dangerous pathogens and viruses. The research team obtained the samples from the Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository, an arm of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Researchers directed UV222 at samples of the virus held in a liquid suspension, then tested to see how much of the virus was destroyed and how long the UV radiation took to destroy it. They tested times ranging from 15 seconds to 15 minutes. Robinson, who has studied tuberculosis and other lung pathogens and who is associate director of Ohio State’s Biosafety Level 3 lab where the tests were conducted, said he was overwhelmed by what they saw: A near-total destruction of the virus, after only a few minutes. “When we started these experiments last summer, it was at the time when nothing was working to stop COVID,” Robinson said. “And this was so rewarding, because immunologists were still unsure what to do and here was this thing where we could just zap the virus and see this immediate effect.” Hull and Robinson intend to continue testing UV222 in real-world conditions, and Hull said she is optimistic. “We found the virus is really wimpy when confronted with UV222,” she said. “And our findings are a conservative estimate – liquid is this nice place where the virus is much happier than in a room full of air. We don’t know for sure, but I think it’s reasonable to think it might work in the air, too. We need to do the experiments to find out for sure.” This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health.

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8 Tips to Improve Gut Bacteria for Better Health

AHA Publisher — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:00:37 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you. How can you help them help you? It’s not hard. If you are intentional about eating real, whole, Keto Zone foods, avoiding substances that deplete them, and resupplying them with probiotics and fermented foods as needed, you can keep these 40 trillion going strong. Here are 8 tips to improve gut bacteria for better health on Keto Zone. 8 Tips to Improve Gut Bacteria for Better Health on Keto Zone 1. CONSUME A VARIETY OF FERMENTED FOODS Fermented foods are foods that contain, or are altered by microbes. Some foods contain live fermenting bacteria when you eat it. Others, like those foods that have been cooked or baked, no longer have the viable bacteria, but have been made healthier by the fermentation process. When food is fermenting, the bacteria or yeast in the food “eat” the sugars, converting them to organic acids or alcohol. Fermented foods that can improve your gut bacteria include: Plain yogurt Kimchi Sauerkraut Kefir Kombucha Tempeh Fermented vegetable powders, like Greens Supremefoods Living foods, like Living Chia with Probiotics Do they really help? Studies show that people who eat yogurt regularly have more lactobacilli (healthy bacteria) and less Enterobacteriaceae (inflammatory bacteria) in their intestines (1). Got milk problems? Other studies have shown that consuming probiotics like those in yogurt can reduce lactose intolerance symptoms and condition, especially when combined with B6 supplementation (2). 2. EAT YOUR VEGETABLES & OTHER PREBIOTIC FOODS We all know to “eat our vegetables,” but what about prebiotics? Probiotics are the healthy bacteria. Prebiotics are healthy bacteria’s food. The keep your gut bacteria healthy, you’ve got to feed them. Many foods like vegetables and seeds, which are high in fiber, are great prebiotic food. While these fibers cannot be digested and metabolized by the human body and used for energy, they can be used by your bacteria. Some high-fiber vegetables, nuts, seeds, and Keto Zone friendly fruits that feed your gut bacteria include: Raspberries Artichokes Asparagus Broccoli Chicory root and inulin (such as used in MCT Oil Powder) Greens Onions and garlic Leeks Raw Cacao Flax seeds and hemp heart seeds Almonds and pistachios Study after study has shown that a diet full of vegetables, nuts, seeds, and soluble fiber prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, increase healthy bacteria, reduce intestinal inflammation, and more (3, 4, 5). What’s more, prebiotics can fight disease and unhealthy conditions such as high insulin levels, high triglycerides, and cholesterol (6). 3. AVOID ASPARTAME, SACCHARIN, AND SUCRALOSE Man-made artificial sweeteners have been widely used in “diet foods.” Unfortunately, they can have negative effects on gut bacteria. Animal and humans studies have shown that aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners can impair gut bacteria (7). In fact, there is documentation of (8): Saccharin reducing healthy bacteria growth by 40% Sucralose decreasing bacteria by more than 2-fold Aspartame increasing the number of harmful bacteria by 10% If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: erythritol, xylitol, and others is safe, and do not seem to affect gut bacteria (8). 4. NEW BABY? BREASTFEED IF YOU’RE ABLE At the beginning of human life, an infant’s gut is continually developing microbiota. This bacteria flora is especially high in Bifidobacteria, which is important in the digestion of breast milk (9). Studies show that infants who are breastfed have more Bifidobacteria than those who are fed formula (10, 11). This difference may be linked to the lower rates of allergies and other digestion issues associated with breastfed infants (12). 5. EAT YOUR POLYPHENOLS Polyphenols are highly-beneficial nutrients found mostly in plant foods. They are often associated with disease prevention, reduced oxidation stress, and reduced inflammation (13). Somewhat like fibers, many polyphenols cannot be fully digested by humans, and make a great, nourishing meal for gut bacteria (13, 14). They can increase the colonies of good bacteria to help the body fight detrimental strains. Good sources of Keto Zone polyphenols include: Raw cacao Green tea Almonds Onions Blueberries Broccoli Leafy greens 6. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE DIGESTION ISSUES, TAKE A PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT Probiotic supplements contain live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill or powder form. These supplements are especially beneficial to humans who have digestion issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, frequent loose stools, constipation, and more. Typically, probiotics supplements don’t provide a permanent cure to digestion issues, nor do they colonize in the gut permanently. However, both anecdotal reports and studies show they help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (15). Probiotic supplementation has been under scrutiny after a review found that they had little effect on the gut colonies of healthy people. However, this did not account for the digestion and health improvements we see in those with poor digestion and discomfort (16). There have also been studies that produce mixed results in improving microbiota as well as studies that show benefits (17, 18). 7. MINIMIZE USE AND CONSUMPTION OF ANTIBIOTICS In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Doctors have been urged to only prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades. Why? The overuse of antibiotics is 1) hurting the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the prescriptions of antibiotics are decreasing, the number of unnecessary ones is still too high (19). What’s more, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (20). Then, the animal should be taken out of the milking schedule, for example, until the antibiotics have cleared its system. By reducing antibiotics in animals consumed by humans, fewer antibiotics can be transferred to the human body, less affect human digestion, and fewer bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. 8. DON’T ABUSE ALCOHOL Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort. When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them. Bottom Line Want to improve gut bacteria for better health? It’s simple! Do: Eat a variety of fermented foods, eat prebiotics, eat foods high in polyphenols, breastfeed if you’re able, and use probiotic supplements as needed. Don’t: Consume aspartame or saccharin, over-consume antibiotics, or abuse alcohol. Your gut bacteria is extremely important for many aspects of health. Luckily, can improve gut bacteria for better health on Keto Zone. More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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10 Warning Signs of a Food Allergy in Children and Adults

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:00:03 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Food allergy is on the rise – in a big way. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), the prevalence of food allergy in children increased by a whopping 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. As it stands now, 1 in 13 American kids and 1 in 10 American adults have at least one food allergy. Now, new research published in Cell adds to the mounting pile of evidence that shows environmental toxins, processed food, and other modern-day factors are partly to blame for this growing public health concern. Too Much of the ‘Bad” and Not Enough of the “Good” Cause the Food Allergy Epidemic Among Children A food allergy is an inappropriate immune system response to proteins in food that are normally harmless. Common foods known to trigger allergic reactions include wheat, soy, sesame, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. Why are so many more people suffering allergic reactions to food these days? A team of Yale researchers recently investigated this very question. Based on immunobiological data, they’ve proposed several concepts. First, modern Americans are exposed to a significant amount of environmental chemicals, like pesticides, additives in processed foods, and even dishwashing detergent. These toxins, the researchers say, naturally trigger protective reactions from the immune system. Unfortunately, since compounds are frequently in or on the food we eat, the immune system may also begin mistakenly attacking proteins in food as if the proteins themselves were toxic – a phenomenon that the study’s co-author Ruslan Medzhitov has referred to as “guilt by association.” Second, many Americans aren’t being exposed to various parasites, and bacteria normally present in the environment, thanks to the overuse of antibacterial soaps, antibiotics, and other excessive hygiene practices. But natural microbial exposure is actually an important way for the human immune system to learn how to protect itself and neutralize real threats. Plus, natural exposure to environmental microorganisms supports a healthy, diverse, and robust gut microbiome, which is closely tied to immune health. So, in our overly-sterilized environment, many people’s immune systems are becoming hypersensitive, and their gut bacteria are being thrown out of balance – making their immune systems more likely to respond inappropriately to otherwise harmless food proteins. In other words: Foods are becoming intolerable to a growing number of people because we are constantly being exposed to more of what isn’t helpful (toxins, chemicals) and less of what is helpful (microorganisms naturally found in the environment). This suggests, of course, that minimizing our exposure to toxins, avoiding processed foods, and resisting the urge to excessively sterilize our surroundings are all useful strategies for reducing the risk of food allergy. Know These 10 Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Food Allergy Most people who have a food allergy will experience symptoms within a few minutes after consuming the food, although some symptoms take several days to develop. Look out for these symptoms: Hives (raised, itchy, and/or red skin rash) Tingling or itching in the mouth Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea and/or vomiting Hay fever-like symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy eyes) Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath or wheezing Swelling around the mouth and face Dizziness or lightheadedness Some of these symptoms – including dizziness, swelling of the mouth or tongue, dizziness, and difficulty breathing – could indicate anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction that affects about 1 in 50 Americans. Bottom line: Do not take these symptoms lightly. Call your healthcare provider or, if you must, 911 immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms. Remember, fast action can be lifesaving. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Cell.com NHS.uk Foodallergy.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Medical Expert Says Exposure to Some Germs Is Healthy for Kids, Even During a Pandemic: ‘Dirt Is Good’

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 08:00:34 +0000

News Staff via CBN News – The coronavirus pandemic has created a desire among many of us to kill all germs everywhere. However, leading scientists say that’s going too far and that over-sanitizing our environment can lead to a number of health problems. CBN Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson interviewed Dr. Jack Gilbert, author of the book “Dirt is Good.” Dr. Gilbert said the world around us is filled with all kinds of helpful microbes that actually strengthen our immune system. “The wonderful thing about microbes is they’ve been here for a long period of time and they’ve adapted to every environment on earth,” he explained. “In the last 100 years since we’ve moved in moved indoors and live in our sealed homes, the microbes that have inhabited our bodies have taken up residence in our homes. The bacteria that live on our skin, in our mouth, and in your gut find their way into the homes we live in. They play an active role in our health.” And there can be serious, harmful health consequences if we mismanage microbes, particularly for children. “The environment in which a child grows up shapes their immune system especially in the first six weeks to six months of life. When a child is putting things in their mouth, those exposures and experiences shapes how their immune system develops and that can shape how our brains develop. For children with autism or allergic diseases, those early life exposures can be fundamental in helping them live a healthy life.” Dr. Gilbert pointed out that growing up around animals and in an environment that isn’t totally sterile can help a child’s immune system. “When we look at asthma which is a major disease, it affects approximately nine to 10 percent of the U.S. population,” Gilbert said. “It’s huge, right? Children that grow up living with a dog, physically interacting with a dog can have a 13 percent reduction in the likelihood of developing asthma overall. Children that grow up on a farm and interact with farm animals have a 50 percent reduction in the likelihood of developing asthma.” “We can use our information about the exposures those children get to try and understand how to train children’s immune systems that grow up in inner cities and urban environments where their immune systems are not being trained appropriately as you might expect.” Additionally, he explained that too much disinfecting with antibacterial products can be harmful to a child’s body. “Early life-straining of the immune system, sensing the bacteria in dirt or the microbes in the hair of a dog play an active role in helping the child’s immune system to learn how to cope with the environment in which it finds itself,” he said. “That will stop allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergy, maybe even help the development of the brain and endocrine system to allow the body to live a healthy and productive life without chronic diseases.” Dr. Gilbert even gave advice on how to get enough good germs while still protecting against the coronavirus. “There’s a simple solution to allow our children to survive the pandemic without chronic consequences. Allow them to physically interact with a dog or a pet on a regular basis. Allow the child to play with dirt and plants. Allow the child outside. Those simple solutions will expose your child to the right kind of microbial environments.” Finally, Dr. Gilbert encouraged everyone to continue washing their hands with warm water and soap, because viruses are still something to be avoided. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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The Gut-Brain Connection: How It Works + How to Support It

AHA Publisher — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 08:00:54 +0000

Kissairis Munoz via Dr. Axe – You’ve probably used the phrases: “I have butterflies in my stomach,” “I have a gut feeling about this,” or “there’s a pit in my stomach.” Have you ever wondered why so many of these sayings involve our brains and tummies? The answer is the gut-brain connection. As it turns out, your nervous stomach isn’t such a coincidence. In fact, the more we learn about the human gut, or our gut microbiome, the more it’s clear that it really is our “second brain.” You’re probably already aware that leaky gut syndrome is linked to serious conditions and diseases. Turns out, science is discovering that the connection between our guts and our emotions is just as strong. What Is the Gut-Brain Connection? The microbes in the gut play a significant role in human body function. The gut microbiome is responsible for everyday functions, including digestion and the nutrient absorption. The gut and brain work in a “bi-directional manner,” which means that gut health can impact stress, anxiety, depression and cognition. Scientific studies show that the gut is home to the enteric nervous system (ENS). Separate from the central nervous system, the ENS is made up of two thin layers with more than 100 million nerve cells in them — more than the spinal cord. These cells line the gastrointestinal tract, controlling blood flow and secretions to help the gastrointestinal tract digest food. They also help us “feel” what’s happening inside the gut, since this second brain is behind the mechanics of food digestion. While the second brain doesn’t get involved in thought processes like political debates or theological reflection, studies suggest that it does control behavior on its own. Researchers believe this came about to make digestion more efficient in the body. Instead of having to “direct” digestion through the spinal cord and into the brain and back, we developed an on-site brain that could handle things closer to the source. Because this second brain is so complex, scientists aren’t convinced that it was designed as just a way to aid in digestion. So while it isn’t capable of thoughts, it does “talk” to the brain in major ways. Impact on Depression The gut microbiome appears to play a role in depression. The microflora has proved to benefit mental health by enhancing the microbiome content in our GI systems. Researchers have learned that healthy gut microflora transmits brain signals through pathways that are involved in brain neuron formation and behavioral control. They also proved that inflammation affects the brain and how someone thinks, which explains why more than 20 percent of inflammatory bowel disease patients exhibit depressed behaviors. One study illustrated how the gut and brain are connected through studying the effects of probiotics on patients with irritable bowel syndrome and depression. Researchers found that twice as many patients saw improvements from depression when they took a probiotic as compared to the other patients who took a placebo. Again, with an improvement of the gut came an improvement of mental well-being. Patients in this study took the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 daily. Studies show that patients with inflammatory diseases are prone to depression. The theory is that a dysregulation of the pathways involved in the gut-brain axis is responsible for this phenomenon. Research indicatesthat inflammation leads to depression, and depression worsens cytokine responses, so it’s really just a vicious cycle. Impact on Anxiety Research shows that stress is intimately tied to our guts — thereby proving the gut-brain connection. We know that gut health influences anxiety and the body’s response to stress as part of the brain-gut connection. Our bodies respond to stress with a “fight or flight system,” related to our cortisol levels and which we know is ruled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. When something scary or worrying happens, like someone unexpectedly jumps in front of you, you have a physical reaction: Your palms might get sweaty, and you might feel your heartbeat quicken. Typically, if you’re in a stressful situation that is then diffused, your body goes back to normal. However, if you’re constantly stressed, your body is stuck in that fight or flight phase over an extended period of time. The critical part is that our bodies are unable to distinguish between physical and mental stress. Thus your body responds the same way if a bear shows up in your home as it does when you realize you hate your job — it tries to combat the stress. This constant state of stress causes chronic inflammation. The body reacts to the stress as a type of infection and tries to overcome it. Because inflammation is at the root of many diseases, this exposure to prolonged stress can have serious consequences for your health, ranging from high blood pressure to autoimmune disorders. The types of bacteria found in the gut — “good bacteria” — play a role in how our immune responses are regulated. Related: Mythbusters: Mood Plays Little Role in Your Health Natural Ways to Improve Your Gut-Brain Connection While there’s still much to uncover about the mystery of the gut and all it affects, we are sure of a few things you should do to improve your gut-brain connection. 1. Avoid Processed Foods For starters, a whole foods-based diet leads to a gut with a much different makeup than one that’s been fed mainly refined and processed foods. Even worse, ultra-processed foods — like white bread, chips and snack cakes — make up nearly 60 percent of the average American’s diet. The added sugar found in these foods, often disguised as different types of artificial sweeteners, are responsible for a variety of health conditions, from obesity to type 2 diabetes to migraines. 2. Eat Probiotics Eating probiotic-rich foods, like kefir and sauerkraut, can also cause your gut and mood to thrive. Probiotics are good bacteria that primarily line your gut and are responsible for nutrient absorption and supporting your immune system. 3. Swear Off Gluten For many people, limiting gluten will also have positive effect on their gut microbiomes. The traditional methods of soaking, sprouting and souring grains in order to make them digestible and nutritious have been abandoned for a fast and convenient method of mass producing food. 4. Eat Healthy Fats Healthy fats are essential for brain development. Olive oil, for instance, includes a high amount of antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. It also helps improve memory and cognitive function, and works as an anti-inflammatory. Avocado benefits range from protecting your heart to helping with digestion, but it’s also a great pick for improving your mood. 5. Consume Mushrooms The shiitake mushroom contains plenty of vitamin B6. Because vitamin B6 impacts the production of serotonin and neurotransmitters, healthy B6 levels are associated with a positive mood and reducing stress naturally. It’s also been shown to effectively treat mood disorders like depression in animal research. 6. Eat Nuts Have a small handful of nuts, like almonds, cashews, walnuts and Brazil nuts. Why? Research shows they’re full of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that’s in short supply when you’re depressed. 7. Have Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds benefits stem from tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts the brain’s dopamine levels. It kicks the feel-good hormone into high gear while balancing out the others. We don’t have all the answers on the gut-mood link just yet, but one thing is certain: Our bodies and minds are much more connected than you believe. Taking care of one part will reap benefits for the rest of you. Final Thoughts The microbes in the gut play a significant role in human body function. They are responsible for everyday functions, including digestion and the nutrient absorption, and gut health has a significant impact on mental health. This is known as the gut-brain connection. Research shows that there’s a connection between gut microbiota and mental health disorders like depression and chronic anxiety or stress. The key is to improve gut health, which will reduce systemic inflammation and improve mental health thanks to the gut-brain connection. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post The Gut-Brain Connection: How It Works + How to Support It appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Want a BETTER Immune System? Find Out What Integrative Physicians Tout as the “Key to Success”

AHA Publisher — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:32:33 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – There is nothing particularly attractive or healthful-sounding about the phrase “gut bacteria.” In fact, one could say it sounds fairly unappealing! (Unless you understood what we’ll tell you today.) In truth, gut bacteria – the thriving community composed of trillions of microbes in the digestive tract – just might be the best friend your body never knew it had. Also known as the gut microbiome and the gut flora, this collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi plays an essential role in regulating digestion, brain function, and mood – and even helps to sustain life itself. Now, a new study shows the amazing extent to which gut bacteria influence the immune system – and even gives rise to hopes that the microbiome could facilitate the success of bone marrow transplants in patients with lethal cancers of the blood. Beneficial Gut Bacteria Can Do Wonders for Your Immune System, New Study Says With 70 percent of the immune system located in the gut, it’s not surprising that the microbiome plays a significant role in immune defense. Studies have shown that gut bacteria actually stimulate the immune system by activating disease-fighting immune cells. But, there’s even more to this story than you can imagine… Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were curious to see if they could manipulate the composition of the gut flora to improve outcomes for patients. Specifically, they wondered if adding beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract could promote recovery after bone marrow transplant performed as a treatment for leukemia and lymphoma. Because chemotherapy and radiation destroy healthy immune cells as well as cancerous cells, patients are injected with stem cells from a donor’s blood or bone marrow, which eventually allow the patients to produce their own blood cells again. Patients are given antibiotics to protect against infections, but these can destroy “friendly” bacteria along with “bad actors,” causing an overgrowth of dangerous strains. After introducing three strains of “friendly” gut bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia), the researchers evaluated daily changes in the gut bacteria and the number of immune cells in the blood to see if recovery of the immune system was enhanced. Good news: Can you guess what they discovered? The beneficial bacteria were associated with higher blood concentrations of immune cells called neutrophils, which are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. The team also noted that lower concentrations of all-important neutrophils occurred in conjunction with the presence of a pair of undesirable bacteria – Rothia and Clostridium. The scientists speculated that controlling the gut bacteria could lead to ways to make bone marrow transplants safer – and improve treatments for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. Look at What the Microbiome Can Do to Regulate Essential Bodily Functions The more researchers study the gut microbiome, the more they reveal its life-sustaining capacities. In fact, scientists are beginning to regard the gut microbiome as an additional body organ, like the brain or the heart. This amazing system can contain 1,000 different bacterial species (although most people have only about 160). In addition to regulating the immune system, the trillions of microbes in the digestive tract promote digestion and produce important hormones, amino acids, and vitamins, including B-complex vitamins and vitamin K. They also regulate metabolism – sometimes in surprising ways. For example, the gut microbiome can help reduce or prevent obesity. In a Cornell University study, scientists found that a certain genetically-determined “fat-burning” bacteria is more common in people with low body weight. Interestingly, introducing the bacteria to the guts of mice caused them to gain less weight. In addition, gut bacteria produce 80 percent of the brain’s neurotransmitters, the “chemical messengers” that help regulate memory, learning, and even emotions. It is also responsible for producing a whopping 95 percent of serotonin – a hormone needed for stable mood and restful sleep. However, for the gut microbiome to function properly, there must be a healthy balance between beneficial bacteria and pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria. And, there must be a diversity of bacteria. Ideally, the gut microbiome features a “big tent.” In other words, the more species involved – the merrier. Researchers have noted that loss of diversity is often accompanied by the domination of a single type of bacteria – and this is usually “bad news.” Lack of diversity and imbalance – also known as dysbiosis – are linked with a wide range of disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, depression, diabetes, and heart disease. Certain undesirable combinations have predictable consequences, with scientists reporting that low amounts of “friendly” Bifidobacterium and higher levels of Candida albicans are linked to eczema, asthma, and allergies. And, in research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, investigators found that having greater diversity in gut bacteria is linked with a better chance of survival after a stem cell transplant. While 35 of 92 patients in the “low bacterial diversity” group died, only 18 of 87 patients in the high-diversity group succumbed. The researchers noted that low bacterial diversity increases susceptibility to transplantation-related death and graft-versus-host disease, in which the donated immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues and cells. Discover TWO Key Aspects of Microbial Balance So how do you keep the microbiome healthy and balanced? Experts advise eating probiotic foods, which promote the survival of beneficial bacteria. Good choices include fermented foods such as kimchi, miso, fresh unpasteurized sauerkraut, yogurt with active cultures, pickles, kombucha, and tempeh. Prebiotics – non-digestible carbohydrates that provide fuel for beneficial bacteria – are another way to encourage microbial balance. Prebiotic foods include asparagus, banana, chicory, garlic, onions, and whole grains. Just remember, when it comes to food choices, pick “organic” – as much as possible. In addition, a 2014 study published in Psychopharmacology, researchers found that prebiotics can help reduce stress and anxiety. Naturally, health experts advise staying away from refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, as both can cause dysbiosis. Aspartame, in particular, increases the number of bacterial strains that are associated with metabolic syndrome – a cluster of unhealthy conditions that includes high blood sugar, insulin resistance, obesity, and high blood pressure. In other words, metabolic syndrome acts as a “launchpad” for diabetes and heart disease. Needless to say, the natural sweetener stevia is a better choice. Managing stress, sleeping well, and a good amount of exercise can help support the microbiome as well. Finally, it’s worth mentioning to avoid unnecessary or excessive use of antibiotics. These drugs can effectively “knock out” strains of beneficial gut bacteria – and the problem may continue for months, long after the course of antibiotics is over. As you know, integrative healthcare providers have long emphasized the importance of the gut microbiome for general health. As this new study suggests, it may also help combat some of the most challenging and formidable diseases of our time. Sources for this article include: MedicalNewsToday.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, NaturalHealth365, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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