Diet & Nutrition

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

When it comes to optimizing overall health, taking care of your cardiovascular system should be one of your most pressing concerns. However, even if you have already adopted a healthier way of living, you may not be aware of some little-known things that affect heart health. For good or for ill, these lifestyle habits can have a bigger impact on your heart health than you may realize.

9 Surprising Things That Affect Heart Health

1. Coffee Consumption

The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant, which is why it helps you feel more alert and productive. Since it stimulates the various body functions, it has been found to boost brain function and cardiovascular function, indicating that moderate amounts of coffee can be beneficial. However, drinking six or more cups of coffee per day can actually harm you by increasing blood pressure. As a result, too much caffeine consumption may raise the risks of cardiovascular disease.

2. Workplace Environment

Recent research has found that high-stress jobs, such as those that are mentally demanding, can contribute to a heartbeat disorder known as atrial fibrillation. This condition increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke, because it interrupts the steady supply of oxygen to the brain. Additionally, stressful work environments have been linked to higher instances of hypertension and high cholesterol in workers. In a recent observational study, researchers found that 24 percent of workers in high-noise environments suffered from hypertension, while 28 percent had developed high cholesterol. This research indicates that people involved in the manufacturing, construction and technical trades may be more likely to suffer from heart disease.

3. Watching Television

We have long been told that watching too much television is harmful to overall health, but how much is too much? According to a recent study, watching 21 hours of TV per week may be enough to damage your heart health, boosting the of developing hypertension by 68 percent. Compared to those who watch less than seven hours of television per week, people who watch 21 hours or more also have a 50 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Eating Breakfast

A high energy-breakfast can have a positive impact on heart health, especially when compared to a low-energy breakfast. In a new study, researchers compared those who typically consumed high-energy breakfast with those who consumed a low-energy breakfast or no breakfast at all. A high-energy breakfast tended to be one that accounted for more than 20 percent of daily calories, and consisted of foods like cheese and dairy products, honey, cereal and breads. Low-energy breakfasts included foods like coffee, fruit, olives and honey, and provided less than 20 percent of daily calorie intake. The research found that those in the high-energy group had healthier arteries than those in the other groups. To gain these benefits, the research team suggests attempting to obtain at least 20 percent of your daily calorie intake from your breakfast.

5. Eating Blueberries

Metabolic syndrome is a growing problem, affecting millions of people annually. It’s an umbrella term that describes people who suffer from obesity, high blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood glucose. Recent research revealed that eating just one cup of blueberries per day can significantly improve your metabolic profile. Since metabolic syndrome often leads to cardiovascular disease, a serving of blueberries may reduce risks to your heart health.

6. Financial Worries

While you don’t need research to tell you that financial concerns can cause you to experience stress, this particular kind of stress may also be contributing to poor heart health. A recent study found that financial concerns made subjects 13 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack. By way of comparison, work-related stress increased that risk by just 5.6 times. The research also found that the depression caused by financial stress also raised the risks of developing heart disease.

7. Listening to Music

While there are many lifestyle-related dangers to heart health, listening to music may be able to counteract some of that harm. In particular, listening to soothing or uplifting music helps lower blood pressure, reduce stress and regulate the heart beat. Music therapy is used commonly these days because it also helps improve blood flow throughout the body. Research has discovered that rock music and classical music are especially effective in keeping arterial walls flexible.

8. Taking a Bath

In a recent study, researchers evaluated the heart health benefits of taking a hot bath, or one consisting of water that is 41°C (105.8°F). The subjects, 873 seniors, were asked to remain in the bath for 12.4 minutes. The researchers found that taking up to five or six hot baths per week had a profoundly positive effect on heart health. The effects on risks of atherosclerosis and cardiac loading were among the chief benefits noted in the study.

9. Having the Flu

Recent findings suggest that people who are already at risk for developing heart disease face greater risks of suffering a heart attack within the first weeks of contracting the flu. The risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction is further complicated when NSAIDs and other cold remedies are taken. Decongestants, for example, constrict the blood vessels, creating even more strain on the cardiovascular system. For this reason, at-risk people are urged to get the seasonal flu shot and to take precautionary steps to prevent contracting influenza.

While benefiting from some of these research results may require making significant lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider them. Heart disease is a major health concern in the United States and it kills more than 610,000 people annually. Doing what you can to alleviate stress on your heart and to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system will help you to live a higher-quality of life for a longer period of time.

Gut Bacteria and Cancer: An Unhealthy Gut Microbiome May Drive the Spread of Breast Cancer

Jun 26 by Ewcopywriting

While your body is comprised of trillions of human cells, it’s also home to trillions of fungi, bacteria and other foreign microbes. A large portion of these reside in the large intestine, and scientists refer to this community as the “gut microbiome.” Until fairly recently, little attention was paid to this realm, but we now recognize that the microbes housed in the large intestine serve a variety of essential functions. In fact, we now consider the gut microbiome to be an extra organ that functions to help us stay healthy. Now, a newly discovered link between gut bacteria and cancer may hold important answers for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in women.

How Does the Gut Microbiome Affect Overall Health?

The most studied microbes in the large intestine are bacteria, because there are so many different kinds of bacteria in the body. There are actually more bacterial cells than there are human cells in the body. There are over 1,000 different types of bacteria that reside in the human body, and researchers have found that each kind of bacteria performs a unique function. Some of these bacteria are harmful, increasing the likelihood of developing specific medical conditions. Other types of bacteria are good for us, helping to maintain health and boost immunity. A diverse and well-balanced gut microbiome has been found to play a significant role in overall health and wellness.

When we are born, some microbes already inhabit the gut microbiome, enabling us to digest certain foods. The population of microbes in the large intestine starts to grow almost as soon as we’re born. Both our mother’s breast milk and the air we breathe contain bacteria that make their way into the gut microbiome. Once there, they begin to provide us with many healthy benefits. As we develop dietary tastes and pursue new experiences, still more types of microbes are ingested, helping to create a more diverse gut microbiome.

Cultivating a fully diverse gut microbiome will ultimately benefit overall health by:

Assisting in the digestion of fiber. Certain types of bacteria can help the body digest fiber more efficiently. This may help you lower your risks of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
Improving immune system functioning. Research has found that the gut microbiome communicates with the body’s immune system. A diverse bacterial population can communicate better with immune cells, strengthening protection against infection and disease.
Maintaining brain health. More recent research has found evidence that healthy brain functioning is supported by the gut microbiome. The microbes in your large intestine communicate with the central nervous system, which sends messages to the brain. In this way, a diverse gut microbiome may help stave off cognitive degeneration.

New Study Links Gut Bacteria and Cancer

Today, the methods for treating breast cancer have improved considerably, offering a better chance for women suffering from the condition. However, metastatic breast cancer is a more complicated concern in that it involves treating cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, metastatic breast cancer is a growing problem that already affects more than 154,794 women annually. In many cases, breast cancer has already metastasized by the time patients are diagnosed.

Most women develop HR (hormone receptor)-positive breast cancer, which is a type of cancer that’s driven by hormone production. Specifically, progesterone and estrogen are responsible for the growth of this type of cancer. HR-positive breast cancer responds well to treatment and is less likely to spread to other parts of the body.

However, HR-negative breast cancer isn’t so easily treated. It often metastasizes in the early stages, making it more difficult to treat. In addition to increased hormone levels, a high population of immune cells, called macrophages, can also increase the likelihood of advanced breast cancer. When there’s also an increase of collagen, which is a structural protein found in human tissue, the chances of breast cancer spreading to other areas of the body is maximized.

Looking for ways to prevent metastatic breast cancer has led some researchers to uncover a link between gut bacteria and cancer. A study conducted at Charlottesville’s University of Virginia sought to understand how gut bacteria influence the development and spread of breast cancer. In the study, mice with HR-positive mammary cancer were administered powerful antibiotics, which targeted the gut microbiomes of the test mice. Additionally, unbalanced gut microbiomes were transferred into the mice via fecal samples to ensure the processes normally conducted by the gut microbiome were inhibited.

Dr. Melanie Rutkowski reported that as a result of disrupting the gut microbiome’s processes, inflammation spread to the mammaries. The increased inflammation made it possible for cancer cells to be carried by the blood to the lungs, which is where breast cancer often first metastasizes. Dr. Rutkowski believes the research suggests that the health of the gut microbiome can indicate the likelihood of developing metastatic breast cancer.

Although the study used antibiotics to achieve these results, Dr. Rutkowski says the research isn’t meant to imply that antibiotics are harmful to women with breast cancer. She points out that a human dose of antibiotics proportionate to that used in the study would be far greater than anything a doctor would prescribe. What she does hope people will take away from this study is that maintaining a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is essential to good health.

To ensure an optimally healthy gut microbiome, eat a healthy diet, consisting of larger portions of plant-based foods, whole grains and lean meat. Taking a high-quality prebiotic/probiotic supplement can offer additional support for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Frequent exercise and quality sleep will also help the gut microbiome thrive and that will help to strengthen general immunity.

Artificial Sweeteners Toxic to Gut Bacteria, Harm Digestive Health

Jun 21 by Ewcopywriting

In recent years, continued discoveries relating to the importance of the gut microbiome have brought to light the extent to which we rely on the bacteria thriving in our body to determine how we fight off disease. The bacteria in the large intestine are responsible for influencing genetic responses to a number of external factors.

We actually have more microbes in our body than natural human cells. In turn, viruses outnumber the bacteria in our body by as much, helping to complete an entire community of viruses, bacterium and cells that nature intends to work in unison. When there is a healthy balance between harmful bacteria and “friendly” bacteria, we enjoy better digestive, immune and even mental health. New research suggests artificial sweeteners toxic to gut bacteria, leaving millions of people open to illness.

Why is the Gut Microbiome So Important?

Each person’s gut microbiome is different, depending upon the bacteria and viruses to which we have been exposed. Some of this exposure occurs in the womb, but our gut microbiome is also influenced by our diets and environmental factors. While the bacteria in each person’s body is different, it is important that every gut microbiome maintain a balance of good and bad microbes. Recent research has found that an imbalance can expose us to disease and can even weaken the immune system.

It has also been found that each strand of bacteria performs a specific function. For instance, some bacterial strands have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, while other strands have been found to affect the likelihood of developing autism. When an imbalance of the gut microbiome does occur, it produces an inflammatory response in the large intestine. From there, messages are sent to the brain, which then relays messages to the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

This interaction between microbes and human cells is why it’s so important to eat a healthy, varied diet. While you do need the vitamins and nutrients that are found in natural, healthy foods, you also need the bacteria that thrive in a diverse sampling of foods. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your gut microbiome will become. A wide variety of bacteria will help your body strengthen its immunity against a variety of illnesses.

Artificial Sweeteners Toxic to Gut Bacteria, Says New Research

A recent study, which was conducted at the Weizmann Institute of Science, looked at the effects of non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) on the gut microbiome. The project involved testing mice by providing them with drinking water that was infused with high doses of artificial sweeteners. For the study, sucralose, saccharin and aspartame were used. After an 11-week trial period, the mice fed a supply of NAS-infused water experienced elevated levels of glucose intolerance. Mice in control groups, which were either fed plain water or water infused with sucrose or glucose, did not experience the same increase in glucose intolerance. The intolerance in the test mice was observed as early as eight weeks into the trial, but ultimately peaked at the 11-week point.

When compared with the gut microbiomes of healthy mice, the gut microbiomes of mice fed artificial sweeteners exhibited significant changes. One observation made during the study was that the pathways observed to be common in cases of obesity and diabetes were stronger in mice who had been subjected to NAS-infused water. Among the artificial sweeteners toxic to gut bacteria, the researchers found that saccharin was especially destructive to the gut microbiome. This NAS in particular increased glucose intolerance, while also affecting the gut bacteria known to promote obesity. With continued consumption, saccharin was found to alter certain strains of Clostridiales bacteria. These bacterial strains have been previously linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

To verify these findings, the research team used mice that were specially bred to be devoid of gut microbes. The test mice in this new group had fecal bacteria transplanted into them from mice who were fed the saccharin-infused water. In addition to developing a heightened intolerance to glucose, the test mice also developed similar bacterial changes as those of the donor mice.

Additionally, healthy gut microbiomes were transplanted from donor mice to mice who had been fed saccharin. Upon testing the mice, the researchers found that the presence of saccharin did alter the healthy gut microbiome. This confirmed that saccharin was responsible for the changes to the gut microbiomes in the other test mice. The test mice were also found to have developed glucose intolerance after receiving the transplanted gut microbiome.

Sports Drinks May Be Hazardous to Your Gut Microbiome

In another study, researchers looked at how non-caloric artificial sweeteners would affect human subjects when consumed via sports drinks. E. coli bacteria was modified to become luminescent upon interacting with toxins. This helped the researchers determine the level of toxicity in the gut microbiome. As a result, the E. coli bacteria were able to make it evident that exposure to a NAS resulted in increased toxicity in the gut microbiome.

The study indicated that artificial sweeteners can alter the bacterial balance in the large intestines, which weakens the immune system. Altered bacteria in the body also increases the chances of developing a number of medical conditions. Heart disease, autism, obesity, diabetes and many other serious medical conditions have been linked to the health of the gut microbiome.

As a whole, this research suggests a healthy diet is even more important than previously believed. To increase the health of the gut microbiome, try adding more colorful plant-based foods to your diet. Switching to whole grains and eliminating processed meats is also important. Eating naturally fermented foods and taking a probiotic supplement can also help you boost the diversity of your gut microbiome. This research also suggests replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners may not be the harmless solution most people have believed for the past two decades.

Vitamins and Aging: Can Taking Vitamins Reduce Disease Risk?

Jun 19 by Ewcopywriting

Recent research has found that increasing vitamin intake may reduce the risk of chronic disease as we age. Whether by consuming a more diverse diet or by taking a high-quality dietary supplement, ingesting sufficient amounts of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the chances of developing myocardial infarction, stroke and other medical disorders. Similarly, getting enough of other important vitamins has been shown to encourage better metabolic health and mobility in seniors.

Vitamins and Aging: Vitamins Help Stave Off Illness as We Age

Numerous studies have presented strong evidence that getting proper levels of certain crucial vitamins can help lower the risk of major chronic disease that comes with age. This research suggests that many health problems could be avoided by simply increasing the amount of vitamins we ingest on a daily basis.

For years, it has been known that sufficient levels of vitamin D, along with calcium, are necessary to maintain strong bones and protect against fractures. At the same time, proper amounts of beta-carotene are necessary to assist zinc and vitamin E in slowing the rate at which macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) progresses. Additionally, vitamin E has been shown to assist lycopene, an antioxidant phyto-nutrient, in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.

These are just a few examples of ways that sufficient vitamin intake can benefit overall health in seniors. Further studies may reveal more important ways that consuming proper amounts of vitamins can benefit health and wellness as we age.

Certain Vitamins Help Post-Menopausal Women Manage Metabolic Health

Previous research has found that estrogen and vitamin D work well together in promoting better bone health, but a new study has found that this duo may benefit women in other ways. In particular, vitamin D and estrogen may help lower the chances of developing metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing concern that affects both genders, but may be especially destructive to post-menopausal women. Metabolic syndrome involves a variety of health concerns, including obesity, hypertension and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. When left untreated, metabolic syndrome can increase the risks of developing other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The study, which took place in southern China, involved studying the effects that vitamins had on 616 post-menopausal women, ranging in ages from 49 to 86. As the study began, none of the participants had been taking estrogen or vitamin D supplements. At the start of the study, each women underwent examinations to determine the levels of vitamin D and estrogen in their blood. They were also assessed for their risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

The researchers found that there was a strong link between estrogen levels and vitamin D. Where there was a deficiency of vitamin D, there were also lower levels of estrogen. Conversely, women with higher estrogen levels also had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood.

The study also found a correlation between higher levels of vitamin D and more positive test results. The women with high vitamin D levels had better lipid counts, better regulated blood pressure and lower blood sugar counts. Alternatively, a lower estrogen count was linked to poorer results in determining the risks for metabolic syndrome. Women with lower levels of estrogen also exhibited higher blood pressure and heightened levels of triglycerides. They also suffered from high cholesterol.

The research team concluded that the risk of metabolic syndrome was raised in women with lower estrogen levels. This was especially true for women who also exhibited lower levels of vitamin D. Since the estrogen levels and vitamin D deficiencies are linked, raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial. Women may be able to reduce their risks of developing metabolic syndrome by ensuring that they get enough vitamin D in their diet or by taking a high-quality multivitamin.

Can Supplements Help Improve Mobility Among Seniors?

As people age, one of the biggest problems they face is decreased mobility, defined as the ability to move around independently. It has been determined that 30 percent of seniors do experience mobility problems. Mobility is often inhibited by long-term health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease and arthritis. At the same time, with age, muscles, bones and tissue deteriorate, inhibiting mobility. Now, recent research into the link between vitamins and aging may have found a solution: A new study suggests an increased intake of vitamin K, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, may help boost mobility in seniors.

Previously, research has found that a vitamin K deficiency can affect the development of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and other conditions that affect mobility. The latest study, which was led by M. Kyla Shea, sought to look for a more direct link between vitamin K and senior mobility. In conducting the study, the research team examined the records for 635 men and 688 women from data assembled as a part of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Approximately 40 percent of the subjects were black and the subjects varied in age from 70 to 79.

It was found that a low level of phylloquinone, which was one of two biomarkers used to measure vitamin K levels, increased the risk of inhibited mobility. The researchers determined that low phylloquinone levels increased the risks of developing limited mobility by 1.5 times. Developing a mobility disability was determined to be twice as likely for seniors with low phylloquinone levels when compared to those with sufficient levels of the compound. The study’s authors noted that there was no noticeable difference in results between men and women.

While the research does identify a link between vitamin K deficiency and mobility issues, more research is needed. If a clearer connection can be made between vitamin K and mobility, these findings may help millions of seniors maintain a better quality of life. Vitamin K can be found in broccoli, spinach, kale, dairy products and certain multivitamin/multi-mineral formulas.

Can Anthocyanins in Blueberries Protect Heart Health and More?

Jun 15 by Ewcopywriting

We already know that blueberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients that provide a vast array of health benefits. According to a new study, certain compounds found in blueberries protect heart health and and may even help prolong life.

New Study Finds Blueberries Protect Heart Health

A joint project, which brought together researchers from the U.K.’s University of East Anglia and Harvard University, looked at how eating blueberries affected the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The research was intended to identify how blueberry consumption affected metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a situation in which an individual suffers from high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar. Heightened triglyceride and cholesterol levels are also common in people suffering from metabolic syndrome. When these conditions are present for an extended period of time, the individual develops increased risks for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

In the past, it was discovered that people who frequently eat blueberries exhibited a lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Professor Aedin Cassidy, who led the most recent study, suspected that this was due to the presence of a compound called anthocyanin in blueberries. Anthocyanins are flavonoids that are water-soluble and can affect the pigmentation of the plants in which they are found. Anthocyanins have also been found to reduce the risks of premature death from all causes.

Can Blueberries Help At-Risk People?

The latest study was conducted to find out if people who were already at risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes could benefit from regular blueberry consumption. The researchers recruited 115 volunteers. All of the study participants were between the ages of 50 and 75, were determined to be obese and had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Since the six-month study was designed to determine if blueberries protect heart health, it was important that the participants consume a sufficient amount of blueberries. For the purposes of the study, a blueberry powder was used to simulate fresh blueberries. The first group was given the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries. A second group was given the equivalent of half a cup of fresh blueberries and a third group was given a placebo freeze-dried powder made to resemble the blueberry powder given to the first two groups.

Prior to starting the study, each participant was tested for vascular function, insulin resistance and lipid status. The participants were tested at the end of the six months, as well. Those participants consuming one cup of blueberries per day were found to have improved vascular function. Additionally, arterial stiffness was improved. Overall, it was determined that this group experienced a twelve- to fifteen-percent drop in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Since the group consuming half a cup of blueberries per day exhibited no changes in cardiovascular health, it was concluded that the higher level of consumption was needed. The lead researchers on the project concluded that those struggling with obesity needed a higher quantity of blueberries to provide the health benefits. Blueberry consumption did not affect other aspects of vascular function, including blood pressure levels or insulin resistance.

What Role Do Anthocyanins Play?

The researchers believe blueberries are particularly beneficial to heart health due to the high amount of anthocyanins in the fruit. When we consume blueberries, the body transforms the anthocyanins into a host of chemical compounds, which are beneficial to the bacteria in the gut microbiome. Once delivered to this part of the large intestine, scientists believe the compounds help promote healthier metabolism. In laboratory experiments, it was found that one compound produced through this process, syringic acid, benefited the body’s vascular endothelial cells.

In a separate experiment, rats were given proportionate doses of anthocyanin. One of the compounds produced was vanillic acid, which was found to lower blood pressure. This may indicate that blueberries can be effective in helping patients treat hypertension, though more research is needed.

While blueberries do possess high levels of anthocyanin, they’re not the only foods that contain these highly beneficial substances. Other foods containing anthocyanin include:

blackcurrant
raspberries (red or black)
blackberries
red cabbage
plums
red radish
black carrot
purple potato

The research into the health benefits of blueberries is especially promising, because the current methods for treating metabolic syndrome are complicated. Primarily, treatment requires making lifestyle changes so the individual can prevent the condition from worsening. This means adopting a largely plant-based diet with an emphasis on monounsaturated fat, while also adding more physical activity on a daily basis.

Treatment becomes more complicated in terms of addressing the individual conditions that define metabolic syndrome. For instance, an individual may need to be treated separately for their hypertension, glucose levels and cholesterol levels. This may require administering several medications and monitoring the effects to determine whether or not the condition of the individual is improving.

If further research shows that anthocyanins are as beneficial as researchers believe, some of these medications may be eliminated. Eating a cup or more of blueberries, or taking a supplement that provides anthocyanidins, may provide a natural option for metabolic syndrome while reducing the risks of developing many other medical conditions. Even though we still don’t know the full benefits that eating blueberries provides, it already seems as though this fruit should be an essential part of any healthy diet.

Gut Bacteria and Autism: Could Supporting a Healthy Gut Microbiome Help?

Jun 12 by Ewcopywriting

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects one’s ability to communicate effectively and/or interact with others. Symptoms of ASD typically appear in childhood and may vary in severity from person to person, thus it is often considered a “spectrum” disorder. A new study has uncovered a link between gut bacteria and autism, suggesting that taking a probiotic supplement could possibly help autistic children.

A Deeper Look at Autism

Autism affects one out of every 59 children born in the United States, and is more common in boys than in girls. A look at past statistics shows that incidences of autism have nearly doubled over the past 14 years. If your child has autism, you already know that the condition affects their ability to interact with others. It can be hard to identify in some children, because it can affect each person differently. Autism may not be curable as of yet, but it can be treated. To obtain the best results from treatment, it’s important to begin as soon as possible. This means being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism, such as:

difficulty with language learning
inability to engage in conversation
inability to maintain eye contact
poor executive functioning (reasoning, planning, etc.)
limited interests
inhibited motor skills

In addition to these symptoms, you may also notice that your child is unable to engage in make-believe play, or that they seem uninterested in developing friendships. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may want to seek a doctor’s evaluation of your child’s condition. Starting treatment sooner will help them cope better as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.

A Healthy Gut Microbiome Plays an Important Role

Your body is host to trillions of microorganisms, which are more commonly called microbes. These are bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in and on your body all of the time. A large number of these microbes make a home in your large intestine, forming a community that scientists call the gut microbiome. This community of microbes is vast and diverse, consisting of more than one thousand different types of bacteria. While certain bacteria is good for you and some is harmful, they all work together when your gut microbiome is in balance.

The gut microbiome has been found to play a role in various aspects of our health, which is why it’s now considered to be a body organ of its own. It’s unclear exactly when we’re first exposed to the microbes that form a healthy gut microbiome. Some say we’re not exposed until we pass through our mother’s birth canal, while other research suggests the fetus is exposed to microbes in the womb. In either case, your gut microbiome becomes more diverse as you grow and eat a broader range of foods. The gut microbiome can affect health in a variety of important ways.

Weight Management

The gut microbiome functions best when there’s a proper balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the system. An imbalance with a higher number of unhealthy bacteria results in a condition known as gut dysbiosis, which promotes weight gain.

Gut Health

Overall gut health can also be affected by gut dysbiosis. Those with an imbalance of gut bacteria are more likely to experience bloating, cramps and abdominal pain. People with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome may have developed gut dysbiosis first.

Heart Health

A higher concentration of unhealthy bacteria have been found to result in the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). In studies, this compound was found to increase the risks of heart attacks or stroke by causing blockages in the arteries. A probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacilli may counteract the effects of TMAO.

Exploring the Link Between Gut Bacteria and Autism

New research has found a link between gut bacteria and autism. The findings were the result of a research project intending to see if the common gastrointestinal problems experienced by most autistic children could be treated. Researchers at Arizona State University hoped to alleviate gastrointestinal problems experienced by children with autism through microbiota transfer therapy (MTT). They outlined a secondary goal, which was to show that the therapy would also affect other markers for autism.

MTT involves administering the frozen fecal matter from healthy adults to those receiving the treatment. Once delivered rectally or orally, the healthy bacteria from the sample should interact with the gut microbiome. As a result, a healthier balance of microbes can be restored in the recipient. In 2017, James Adams and Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown published results from their own study, which found that the restorative effects of MTT did help alleviate the symptoms of autism, including gastrointestinal issues. The new study examined the gut health of the same 18 children used in the initial study.

In the first study, it was found that the children had a more diverse gut microbiome, which helped resolve gastrointestinal and behavioral problems associated with autism. The new study found that the children who received the MTT treatments had an even more diverse gut microbiome two years afterwards. Observing that the children had a better balance of healthy bacteria, the researchers noted that there was a larger amount of Bifidobacteria and Prevotella in the gut microbiome. These two strands of good bacteria are vital to a healthy microbiome, yet autistic children do not possess them in their gut microbiomes. The MTT treatments seemed to restore these important bacteria strands.

All in all, researchers noted a 58 percent decrease in the gastrointestinal problems experienced by the autistic children. Their behavioral symptoms were also affected. Language skills, social interaction and behavior were improved by up to 45 percent when compared to the children’s symptoms at the start of the study.

Even though the research is inspiring, it is only one step in the right direction. Before we can started treating autism by altering the levels of various compounds in the body, more research must be conducted. The study does add support to other findings that supporting a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is essential in reducing the symptoms of autism in children.