Diet & Nutrition

Can Diversity in Gut Bacteria Promote Healthy Aging?

It’s common knowledge that our bodies are comprised of cells, however most people are unaware that we also rely heavily on the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes. In fact, these microbes are just as common as human cells. Each person’s body is comprised of up to 40 trillion human cells and up to 38 trillion microbial cells. The vast majority of those microbial cells thrive in the large intestine, where they form a community called the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome functions in tandem with the immune system, helping to strengthen it against the infections and illnesses people experience. As experiments with mice have shown, an absence of a gut microbiome inhibits the immune system’s ability to function. This is because the microbes in the gut microbiome help the body process vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for good health. In addition to aiding in the digestive process, the gut microbiome, which is considered a hidden organ, helps many other biological functions. According to a new study, gut bacteria promote healthy aging; a discover that makes it even more important to maintain a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.

How Does Your Gut Microbiome Keep You Healthy?

In general terms, the more diverse your gut microbiome, the better your health. Research has found that infants with a limited gut microbiome are more likely to develop allergies to peanuts and dairy products. As we expose ourselves to new microbes through a diverse diet and new environments, our gut microbiomes will grow accordingly. Here are just a few benefits of a diverse gut microbiome:

Weight Gain

Obesity is becoming more and more common, but research conducted at Cornell University in New York and King’s College in London, England has revealed that a specific type of bacteria may affect weight management. Christensenellaceae minuta was commonly found among mice with low body weights. By introducing the bacteria to overweight mice, researchers found that the bacteria may also promote weight loss. Researchers suspect this is just one type of bacteria responsible for helping people maintain ideal body mass.

Cancer

While there are many types of bacteria in the gut microbiome that are helpful, there are also harmful types of bacteria present. For instance, a 2013 study linked Helicobacter pylori to stomach cancer. It may also be responsible for causing duodenal ulcers. It’s suspected that a grouping of different types of bacteria work together to cause colorectal cancer. Some gut bacteria is beneficial in helping the body process cancer treatments, so the news isn’t all bad. Studies of cancer patients revealed chemotherapy and other types of cancer treatments worked more efficiently in people with a more diverse gut microbiome.

Mental Health

The gut microbiome is also responsible for producing neurochemicals, which are sent to the brain for use in regulating cognitive and emotional functioning. In particular, almost all of the serotonin that the brain uses is processed in the gut microbiome. In this way, functions like memory, learning and mood all rely on the gut microbiome.

Autism

Research into gut bacteria and autism found a surprising link. Children diagnosed with autism exhibited lower levels of Coprococcus, Veillonellaceae and Prevotella than those children without autism. This suggests a less diverse gut microbiome may play a part in determining whether or not a child develops autism.

New Studies Suggest Gut Bacteria Promote Healthy Aging

As we get older, our gut microbiomes go through changes just like other aspects of our health. As a result, the gut immune response becomes inhibited, opening the door to a variety of gastrointestinal illnesses. However, a study at the Babraham Institute in the United Kingdom has provided new hope that the gut microbiome could possibly be restored to full functionality.

In this study, the research team found that they could boost the diversity and strength of the gut microbiome in older mice by feeding them the fecal matter of younger mice. The experiment produced findings that suggested revitalizing the gut microbiome in this manner could boost metabolism, cognitive function and gut immune responses. Finding that gut bacteria promote healthy aging has given the researchers hope that the research could lead to a treatment for alleviating age-related conditions.

As people age, their immune system reaches its weakest point since birth. This is the result of a combination of factors. In addition to changes in one’s diet, exposure to medications and antibiotics cause alterations in the gut microbiome. By weakening the microbiome, the gut immune response is also inhibited. These findings raise the question of whether or not the process can be reversed.

A study at Queen Mary University of London looked at how the Caenorhabditis elegans worm reacted to this process. The lifespan, stress, fertility and growth of the worm was examined as it was exposed to 4,000 bacterial genes. They found that they could affect the health of the worm by deleting or removing certain types of bacteria. For exampl, they found a reduced risk of tumor growth, while general immunity was enhanced.

The team also found that the worms were helped by administering a diabetes drug called metformin. Previously, the drug has been found helpful in reducing the risks of cancer, but it is now suspected to alleviate age-related conditions. Results of administering the drug to the worms suggested that the degeneration of the gut microbiome could be reversed. In this way, gut immunity could also be improved.

Probiotics Encourage a Diverse Gut Microbiome

Probiotic supplements may hold the key to benefiting from a fully diverse gut microbiome. Lactobacillus reuteri was administered to mice in a recent study and, as a result, symptoms of autism were greatly alleviated. Additionally, signs of depression and anxiety were similarly helped in the mice that were administered the bacteria. Lactobacillus is the best known series of probiotics and is widely available in high-quality probiotic supplements.

There are many more types of probiotics that can help improve the health of the gut microbiome and strengthen overall immunity. For instance, Prevotella histicola was found to alleviate some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Other probiotics protect against type 2 diabetes, eczema and many other medical conditions. By combining a probiotic supplement with a diverse and healthy diet, it may be possible to maximize the strength and benefits of your own gut microbiome.

New Research Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

May 29 by Ewcopywriting

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in a variety of healthy foods, such as blueberries, peanuts and red grapes, that has been proven to offer a variety of health benefits. Since red grapes contain a high concentration of the compound, it is also found in red wine. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound, meaning it contains polyphenols, plant constituents with strong antioxidant properties. Resveratrol has long been known to provide cardiovascular benefits, including helping to maintain healthy blood pressure, but the means through which it does so has eluded researchers. Now, a new study sheds light on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure.

New Study Reveals How Resveratrol Lowers Blood Pressure

Much previous research has suggested that resveratrol is beneficial to heart health. A new study led by Joseph Burgoyne, Ph.D. and conducted at King’s College London sought to identify its precise effect on blood pressure. In this study, the research team selected a group of mice with high blood pressure and added resveratrol to their diets. Using telemetry probes, which were implanted in the mice, the team was able to monitor the mice for a 15-day period.

The team divided the mice into two groups. One group was fed a diet containing resveratrol, while the second group was fed a resveratrol-free diet. After 15 days, the researchers found that the mice on the resveratrol diet exhibited a drop of approximately 20 milliliters of mercury in their blood pressure. Additionally, it was observed that a protein called PKG1a was oxidized by the resveratrol, causing blood vessels to relax. In short, the study discovered that oxidizing proteins in the blood while the mice were experiencing oxidative stress caused blood pressure levels to drop.

While resveratrol is believed to be an antioxidant, the researchers concluded that, paradoxically, it actually acts as an oxidant in the way that it helps lower blood pressure. Furthermore, the team speculated that all antioxidants may work via a similar process. To confirm that their findings may be applicable to humans, Burgoyne’s team injected smooth human muscle cells with resveratrol. They observed that the resveratrol initiated the same oxidation process in the human cells.

While these findings are promising, the researchers caution against trying to reap these benefits at home. In order to experience a positive effect on blood pressure, an individual would have to consume massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods. In terms of red wine, for example, this would mean consuming more than 1,000 bottles daily.

Dr. Burgoyne is hopeful that the research will lead to new blood pressure medications. If a more efficient delivery method can be devised, resveratrol may one day hold the key to regulating high blood pressure. The research may ultimately lead to more effective drugs that can benefit the over 100 million suffers of high blood pressure.

Resveratrol May Help Fight Aging, Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease and More

A person’s brain and central nervous system communicate via neurons that transmit messages across a bridge known as a synapse. As people age, these connections, commonly called neuromuscular junctions, degrade, which is why we move more slowly as we get older. This degenerative process also causes other age-related symptoms. Suspicions that resveratrol may affect this type of degeneration prompted a new study.

The study, which was conducted at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, sought to understand how resveratrol affected aging. Researchers administered resveratrol-rich diets to two-year-old mice to see how the compound would affect the senior rodents. After one year of administering resveratrol to the mice, they found that the neuromuscular junctions were just as protected as they would have been through a regimen of healthy eating and regular exercise. The research team cautioned that humans would have to ingest massive amounts of resveratrol-rich foods to enjoy a similar benefit.

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol may also be effective in protecting against certain types of cancer, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro study. In particular, the study team examined the compound’s effects on protein p53. Under normal circumstances, p53 is supposed to be a cancer-fighting protein, but the protein can mutate and act in opposition to its original purpose: Instead of protecting healthy cells and fighting off cancerous tumors, p53 may actually cause tumors to develop.

The researchers studied how resveratrol affected the mutated versions of p53 by injecting breast cancer cells into the mice. When resveratrol was administered, the research team discovered that the compound fought the growth of mutated p53 cells in the mice. This observation remained true in relation to combating the injected breast cancers cells as well as in treating tumor cells found naturally in the mice. This research may lead to a treatment for cancer in cases where it is caused by the growth of mutated p53 proteins, as is often the case with certain types of breast cancer.

An earlier study which prompted the latest research on how resveratrol lowers blood pressure found that the compound may reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular disease. This research found that resveratrol may protect blood vessels by lowering the presence of LDL cholesterol in the body. The antioxidant properties of the compound may also help prevent blood clots from forming, while helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Resveratrol: Wonder-Supplement of the Future?

Admittedly, this early research is promising, but more studies are needed to fully understand how resveratrol affects cardiovascular health. If it can be confirmed that resveratrol reduces the inflammation and impeded blood flow that are often responsible for cardiovascular events, this may open the door to new treatments.

While there’s promise that resveratrol may help improve a number of health conditions, researchers are still a long way from developing medications based on the compound. In addition, even though it is found in natural foods, it would be nearly impossible to consume enough each day to experience a lasting effect on health. Until further research commences, the best possible way to enjoy the health benefits that resveratrol provides is through a high-quality, concentrated supplement.

Powerful Broccoli Compounds Slow Arthritis, Protect Cellular Health and More

May 23 by Ewcopywriting

There are 21 million Americans suffering from schizophrenia; most of those people don’t get the treatment they need. Those that do seek treatment are prescribed anti-psychotic drugs that treat the symptoms of the illness, but produce severe side effects, such as cardiovascular problems and “the shakes,” or body tremors. This has caused researchers to look for alternative treatments for schizophrenia that might resolve the underlying condition without producing severe side effects. Now, recent research suggests broccoli compounds may not only effectively reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and arthritis, but also help protect against tumor growth.

How Do Broccoli Compounds Affect the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

We have known for several decades that schizophrenia is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. We also know that glutamate is involved in the development of schizophrenia and that the enzyme is present in glutathione. When studying the levels of these enzymes in the various parts of the brain, researchers have found that schizophrenia patients had lower glutathione levels in the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. There was an average of three percent less glutathione in the anterior cingulate cortex, while there was an eight-percent lower level of the enzyme in the thalamus of the brain.

This is important because glutamate is transformed into glutathione by another enzyme called sulforaphane. Left alone, glutamate sends more messages to the nerve cells that result in the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. However, when sulforaphane transforms glutamate into glutathione, those messages are reduced and brain activity is better regulated.

In the most recent study, a group of five men and four women were administered 100-micromole doses of sulforaphane twice per day. The compound, which is extracted from broccoli sprouts, was administered in capsule form throughout a seven-day trial period. The researchers used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to study the levels of glutathione in various parts of the brain. The imaging tests were conducted before the first dose of sulforaphane was administered and again after the week-long study was completed. They found a 30-percent rise in glutathione levels that confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment.

Although the most common side effect reported from the sulforaphane treatments was an upset stomach, more research is needed. It’s still unclear who high or frequent the dose would need to be to prevent or control symptoms of schizophrenia. For this reason, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking a sulforaphane supplement to treat your symptoms.

How Does Eating Broccoli Protect Against Tumor Growth?

A study conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that a certain compound, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), can inhibit tumor growth in mice. This is especially important in that it seems to enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer growth when the immune system is compromised. The compound works by increasing the production of PTEN, which is a protein that suppresses tumor growth in the body. PTEN is often diminished in human beings, though I3C seems to correct this imbalance.

Another protein, WWP1, is commonly found in cancer patients and has been discovered to suppress the tumor suppressing genes. By switching off the correct gene, I3C causes the WWP1 protein to become inactive. In this way, PTEN production isn’t inhibited and the protein can more actively suppress tumor growth.

Identifying I3C as the compound essential for ensuring PTEN can do its job in fighting tumor growth is only the first step. More studies will have to be conducted to determine how much I3C is required to inhibit the functioning of WWP1. As it stands, Dr. Pandolfi, who led the most recent study, suggests we would have to consume several pounds of broccoli, kale and cruciferous vegetables per day to obtain the necessary levels of the compound.

Another Compound Found in Broccoli May Slow the Progression of Arthritis

A University of East Anglia research team has announced that they’re ready to begin human trials on a possible new treatment for osteoarthritis. The treatment is based on broccoli compounds, in particular sulforaphane, that can be effective in attacking an enzyme in the body that degrades cartilage, helping to protect the joints. While the compound is also found in cabbage and Brussels sprouts, the researchers are asking their 20 test subjects to consume large quantities of broccoli. For this study, the broccoli has been specially crossbred with a stronger wild type of broccoli that’s primarily found in Sicily. This “super-charged” broccoli is particularly rich in nutrients.

In the trial, subjects will be asked to consume the super-charged broccoli every day for a two-week period. At the end of the 14-day trial, each subject will undergo knee surgery to have the damaged tissue extracted. It’s the hope of Dr. Rose Davidson and her team that the broccoli will have had a positive effect on the damaged tissue.

Each patient in the study will be asked to eat 100 g (3.5 oz) of the broccoli. Dr. Davidson compares this to a handful, which is the minimum serving size of vegetables we should be eating on a daily basis. Even so, Davidson acknowledges two weeks is hardly enough time to reverse or prevent tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis. Instead, she says she’ll be happy to find any positive effect at all. She says she’s looking for a sign that will justify continued research into the effects of sulforaphane.

If the upcoming study produces positive effects, it may be further evidence that a healthy diet — particularly one that includes broccoli compounds — can treat and prevent degenerative illnesses. While we know that eating right and engaging in physical exercise is important for continued good health, studies like this can show specific medical conditions can be avoided by eating the right foods.

Cardiovascular Disease on the Rise: Protecting Your Heart More Important Than Ever

May 21 by Ewcopywriting

Heart disease rates are declining throughout the world, while at the same time they are on the rise in the United States. In fact, heart disease is responsible for nearly one out of every four deaths in the U.S. This makes heart disease the leading cause of premature death among Americans, ranking higher than cancer and certain types of chronic respiratory illnesses. Even though living a healthy lifestyle has become a focus for more people than ever before, cardiovascular disease is still a growing problem.

The Dangers and Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

According to recent study published by the American Heart Association, almost half of all adult Americans live with some type of heart disease. The condition can lead to any number of serious medical conditions, including:

atherosclerosis
heart failure
heart attack
stroke
arrhythmia
heart valve malfunctions

Fortunately, many people have started taking heart health more seriously, and have reduced their participation in risky behaviors. For instance, cigarette smoking rates are the lowest they have been with more teenagers choosing not to take up the habit. In the 2015-16 school year, it was reported that as many as 95 percent of teens aged 12 through 19 did not smoke. By comparison, only 75 percent of teens in that same age group reported that they were not smokers in the 1999–2000 school year.

Even physical activity is on the rise, with more teens and young adults engaging in exercise more often. In a recent study, over half of U.S. teens reported engaging in moderate resistance training at least three times per week. Older adults also reported engaging in more exercise. The number of adults living sedentary lifestyles has dropped by a third over the past decade.

The news isn’t all good. Sleep deprivation is on the rise, and has many negative effects on the body. In particular, a lack of sleep inhibits the body’s ability to heal blood vessels and process excess blood sugar. When these processes are interrupted over a long period of time, overall heart health can be compromised, leading to problems throughout the cardiovascular system.

Obesity and being overweight are also contributing factors to the development of cardiovascular illnesses. By losing sleep, your body isn’t able to regulate the use of fat for energy as efficiently. Combined with excessive insulin production, this causes the body to retain more weight. Since being overweight also affects cardiovascular functioning, this is another way that a lack of sleep raises the risks of heart disease and related illnesses.

Tips for Improving Heart Health

You can control your risks of developing cardiovascular disease by changing your lifestyle. For instance, switching to a plant-based diet can give you the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. In addition to eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, it’s also good to switch to whole grains and lean red meats. Eliminate processed foods that contain added sugar, trans fats and artificial preservatives.

Making sure you get the sleep you need will also help reduce risks of developing heart-related diseases. If you are having trouble sleeping, eliminate caffeine from your afternoons and evenings. You should also make it a rule to turn off all electronic devices at least one hour before bed. Instead, consider taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music or practicing yoga. Your ability to relax just before bed will better prepare you for sleep.

A new test may also help you to take precautionary measures by detecting whether or not you’re at risk of developing heart disease. This groundbreaking test involves detecting a certain protein released by the heart when the organ is injured to determine the likelihood an individual will develop heart disease at a later date.

Dr. Christie Ballantyne pursued a study to determine if that same protein, called troponin, would also indicate the risks of heart disease in someone without an injured heart muscle. The hope was that administering the blood test to healthy adults and seniors would produce the same indicators. After studying the test results of 8,121 subjects and comparing troponin levels to their risks of developing a cardiovascular condition, the research team did find a correlation. Dr. Ballantyne says the results of the study suggest that the blood test can be used to predict a future heart attack, stroke or heart failure within a 10-year time span.

Natural Supplements Help Maintain a Healthy Cardiovascular System

In addition to getting sufficient sleep and eating right, taking certain dietary supplements can also help protect your heart and cardiovascular system. For instance, taking a supplement that contains L-arginine may help protect against coronary artery disease, which is one root cause of heart attacks. L-arginine is an amino acid that helps keep the cardiovascular system healthy in other ways as well, so taking this type of supplement can have a positive effect on your overall heart health.

A multi-vitamin may also be a wise addition to your daily routine. Specifically, a supplement that contains calcium, folic acid and B vitamins may help maintain cardiovascular health by providing your body with the nutrients it needs. Even if you are eating healthier foods, it’s unlikely that you’re getting enough of these vitamins to help improve the health of your cardiovascular system. Taking supplements can give your body the boost it needs.

Why You Should Always Take Vitamin B6 in the Morning

May 16 by Ewcopywriting

Most people are aware of the importance of getting sufficient vitamins in our daily diet, whether from foods or from supplements. However, new research suggests that it is also important to get these critical nutrients at the correct time of day. This may be particularly important with vitamin B6, a vitamin that plays a key role in energy production. Could the timing of your vitamin intake have an impact on your health and well-being? Should you be taking vitamin B6 in the morning? Read on to find out.

Vitamin B6’s Role in Energy

Like many B vitamins, vitamin B6 is best known for its role in energy production. Also known as pyridoxine, this vitamin acts as a cofactor in several important metabolic processes. Most notably, it is crucial in creating energy for our cells. Although taking more than the daily recommended amount of vitamin B6 has not been found to increase energy per se, not having enough of this nutrient can cause fatigue as well as other unpleasant symptoms.

Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the creation of certain neurochemicals. Perhaps most significantly, it plays a critical role in the creation of serotonin from its precursor tryptophan. Even a mild deficiency of vitamin B6 can negatively affect serotonin levels, leaving us feeling fatigued and out of sorts. When serotonin levels drop, people may experience a wide variety of unpleasant effects, including changes in their circadian rhythm and mood.

Although serotonin levels are important to our health in a variety of ways, there are very few medications that work to help to keep this hormone stable. SSRIs, antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin, can cause increases in blood serotonin. However, the increase is often very small. For many people, the best way to influence serotonin levels is to take vitamin B6, tryptophan and other substances that play a part in serotonin synthesis. This naturally encourages the body to create more of this key hormone, solving the root problem without side effects or risks.

Serotonin and Sleep

Why do we need so much serotonin in the first place? Serotonin is one of the most effective multi-taskers in the human body, affecting almost every aspect of our health. Produced in the pineal gland along with melatonin and other neurochemicals, this hormone is best known for its role in creating a sense of happiness and well-being. However, it also has other important functions. For example, it has critical roles in heart health, digestion and even metabolism.

Most notably, serotonin appears to be extremely important in sleep regulation. When levels of this hormone are high, we feel energetic and alert. When they are low, we are more likely to feel sleepy. Sometimes this sleepiness is necessary and healthy, such as at night when we are trying to sleep. Serotonin does not just help us to sleep, but also promotes healthy sleep-wake cycles. Our levels are lowest when we are in REM sleep, which is the phase in which we dream.

Although higher levels of serotonin are associated with greater happiness and well-being, timing is an important factor. High levels of serotonin are most beneficial during the day, while they could actually cause insomnia if this hormone is high at night. As with all other aspects of health, timing is an important factor.

Why Take Vitamin B6 in the Morning?

Because vitamin B6 is important to the manufacture of serotonin, it is best taken when we first awake in the morning. We sleep more soundly and dream best when our serotonin levels are low. On the other hand, we benefit from a boost of serotonin during the day. Taking B6 as well as other energy-promoting vitamins in the morning just may give you the extra energy and mood boost that you need to get the day to a pleasant and productive start.

Although it may seem unusual that time of day matters in taking vitamins, new research in the field of chronobiology is discovering an increasing number of ways that timing can make a huge difference in health. In addition, to vitamins, several medications have been found to be more effective or have fewer side effects when taken at specific times of the day. The more we can work with our internal clocks, the better results we can expect.

Getting Your Day Off to a Great Start

Although supplementing with vitamin B6 is a great way to boost morning energy, there are several healthy and natural ways to make sure you have the get-up-and-go that you need to get up and go. Make sure you get around six to eight hours of rest every night. Go to bed and awaken at the same time every day to ensure that your circadian clocks keep ticking on time. Rather than a cup of coffee, reach for a healthy breakfast and a multivitamin with B6 as well as other vitamins that promote energy.

New Research Confirms Probiotics Protect the Liver

May 10 by Ewcopywriting

You may be aware that your body is exposed to bacteria every time you eat something, but what you may not know is that your digestive system relies on some of that bacteria to function. The “good” bacteria that you ingest helps to form the gut microbiome in your gastrointestinal tract. This system relies on a continued supply of bacteria, particularly bacteria that’s similar to the microbes already thriving in your system. Bacteria that resemble the bacteria already present in your body is more commonly known as probiotics. In addition to helping the digestive system function more efficiently, new evidence suggests probiotics protect the liver.

Why It’s Important to Get Probiotics in Your Diet

Unfortunately, most of the bacteria we ingest is harmful to us. Additionally, poor diets, which rely on foods high in sugar and trans-fats, encourage the growth of harmful bacteria into the digestive system. This is why it’s important to be more conscious of what you eat, and to try to eat foods that are naturally high in probiotics. Foods like kimchi, cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut and other fermented foods are excellent sources of probiotics.

What can probiotics do for you? Their primary function is to improve the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. Since probiotics are good bacteria, ingesting foods rich in these microorganisms will help ensure you have enough good bacteria to balance the bad. Maintaining this balance is helpful in preventing or minimizing diarrhea, especially when it has been caused by taking antibiotic medications. In fact, a recent study found that diarrhea linked to antibiotics was reduced by 42 percent, while diarrhea instigated by other infections was decreased by 25 hours when exposed to probiotics.

There’s also evidence that probiotics can improve certain types of mental illness. Depressive episodes, anxiety, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder have all been improved through the regular consumption of probiotics. In some cases, memory has also been improved, suggesting probiotics may help to boost cognitive functioning. Additionally, heart health, skin allergies, immunity and obesity have all benefited with regular exposure to probiotics.

New Study Finds Probiotics Protect the Liver

A newer study has found that probiotics are also beneficial to liver health. The recent study involved administering the common probiotic LGG, or lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, to mice over a two-week period. After the level of LGG had been built up in the rodents, they were given heavy doses of acetaminophen, which has been shown to cause liver damage. The drug can also cause death by boosting levels of free radicals in the body, resulting in high levels of oxidative stress.

However, the researchers found that in the mice, the probiotics helped protect liver functioning. While the mice in the control group, which did not receive doses of probiotics, did suffer liver damage, the mice in the test group were not as seriously affected. The probiotics seemed to help protect their livers so that the acetaminophen affected their livers to a lesser degree. According to the study’s authors, the probiotics provided the liver with the antioxidants necessary to fight off the oxidative stress.

This is an important finding, because the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood, while also turning food into energy for cell functioning. By protecting the liver against the damage caused by certain medications, probiotics ensure that the entire gastrointestinal system stays healthy. Additionally, the probiotic LGG has been found to protect against liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. This particular probiotic can also guard against the development of fatty liver disease which is not caused by alcohol consumption. Findings that confirm probiotics protect the liver suggest that a healthy gut microbiome benefits other parts of the body — not just the gastrointestinal tract.

What Can You Do to Build a Strong Gut Microbiome?

This new research suggests that your overall health can be protected, or improved, by enhancing your gut microbiome. This can be done with just a few dietary changes that may even enhance your eating experience.

Eat a More Diverse Diet

The typical diet in the Western world is very limited, relying on foods derived from just a few sources. However, eating a broader range of foods, which includes more fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, will introduce a broader range of bacteria into your gut microbiome. The more bacteria you introduce into your system, the stronger your gut microbiome will become.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Often, people turn to artificial sweeteners, including Aspartame, as a means of controlling their blood sugar levels. However, recent studies have found that artificial sweeteners may be just as bad for you in this regard as regular sugar. While they may help limit weight gain, artificial sweeteners still cause a spike in blood glucose levels and also inhibits insulin production.

Eat Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic foods are foods that encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut after they have been consumed. These are foods that are harder to digest, including fiber and complex carbohydrates. Resistant starches, fruits and vegetables and whole grains all contain prebiotics. By consuming foods rich in prebiotics, you can reduce the risks of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Considering the vast benefits that probiotics supply, many people are also turning to supplements. In addition to making these dietary changes, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can help you enhance the health of your gut microbiome. As recent research suggests, this will help you experience better digestive health, boost liver health and strengthen protection to systems throughout your body.