Diet & Nutrition

New Research on Tea and Cognitive Decline Finds Green Tea Reduces Risk

Exciting new research findings link tea and cognitive decline, suggesting that the regular consumption of green tea may help protect against illnesses like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. In order to fully understand how green tea has been found to benefit mental functioning, it’s first important to understand cognitive decline.

Cognitive decline describes a process whereby thoughts become more difficult to process, leading to memory loss, difficulty making decisions, inability to concentrate and difficulty learning. Cognitive decline usually occurs naturally as we age, but the term also encompasses neurocognitive disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and other illnesses or acquired injuries that affect the functioning of the brain. While these conditions are more prevalent in seniors, people of any age group can experience cognitive decline.

The Causes and Symptoms of Cognitive Decline

Each condition included in the overall category of neurocognitive disorders is characterized by its own unique set of symptoms. However, there are some symptoms that are common among most of these disorders. In general, any form of cognitive decline may involve the following symptoms:

failing memory
behavioral changes
language comprehension difficulties
problems performing daily activities, such as personal hygiene or meal preparation

A neurocognitive disorder develops when the nervous system and the brain no longer communicate effectively. This can happen as a result of trauma to the brain or substance abuse, or it can be the result of the degrading of the central nervous system over time. When symptoms of cognitive decline are present, today’s tests help healthcare providers determine the exact cause as well as the specific disorder related to the symptoms. This aids in deciding as to the best course of treatment in each case.

The prognosis for someone with cognitive decline often depends on its cause. In some cases where the condition is caused by substance abuse or head trauma, it may only be temporary. However, for seniors who develop cognitive decline gradually over time, there’s often no way to reverse the condition. For these individuals, doctors prescribe drugs and recommend lifestyle changes that can help stall the worsening of the symptoms, though the process as a whole can’t be cured or stopped altogether.

While cognitive decline is common in seniors, it doesn’t affect every mature adult. There are certain traits and environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of developing cognitive decline or a neurocognitive disorder. The known risk factors are:

exposure to heavy metals, such as lead or mercury
cardiovascular disease
diabetes
substance abuse
high-risk physical sports, such as football or hockey

Of course, advanced age also contributes to the likelihood that you will experience cognitive decline. Those over the age of 60 are far more likely to develop cognitive decline than others. While research is ongoing, there is some early evidence that suggests diet plays a role in how likely we are to suffer from cognitive decline. In particular, drinking green tea may play a large part in mitigating risk.

Research Uncovers Link Between Green Tea and Cognitive Decline

In a study conducted in Singapore, researchers examined the tea-drinking habits of 957 subjects, aged 55 and older. In particular, researchers looked at tea consumption from 2003 through 2005 and subjects were examined for neurocognitive disorders from 2006 through 2010 to determine if there was a correlation. The researchers used regression models that accounted for other factors that might interfere with the study’s results.

While the study uncovered 72 cases of neurocognitive disorders, the overall assessment concluded that drinking tea did have a positive effect on cognitive decline. When compared to individuals who did not regularly consume green or black tea, the tea drinkers exhibited a reduced risk of developing cognitive decline. The researchers also found that female tea drinkers exhibited a greater reduction in risk of neurocognitive disorders than male tea drinkers.

In another study, conducted by researchers from the Nakajima Project, the tea consumption of 2,845 seniors, aged 60 and older, was examined. The information gathered was amassed as a part of a free physical exam opportunity offered to residents of Nakajima. The exams were exhaustive, including questionnaires about lifestyle and dietary habits as well as including neurological and physical testing. One part of the survey asked participants to estimate their consumption of green tea, black tea and coffee as either none, one to six times a week or every day.

A follow-up brain function test was offered later in the 2007-2008 season, but only 982 of the original subjects chose to participate. Of the 982 potential subjects, 492 subjects were excluded for various reasons, including the development of dementia, failure to complete the initial survey, relocation to an area outside of the community and death. Of the 490 remaining eligible test subjects, the consumption of green tea, black tea and coffee was compared to the future development of cognitive decline.

The results found that drinking black coffee and black tea had little to no effect on the risks of developing neurocognitive disorders. However, a reduced incidence of cognitive decline in those who regularly consumed green tea confirmed an interrelationship. Those who drank green tea moderately and consistently exhibited a marked reduction in the risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.

All in all, studies confirm that consuming green tea on a regular basis may have a positive effect on cognitive strength over time. As more research looks into the effects of tea drinking on neurocognitive disorders, the emphasis may be on how black tea and green tea affect the various functions of the brain. While this may lead to more effective treatment for senior cognitive decline, the vast health benefits that tea drinking provides in general is a good reason to add a dose of green tea to your daily routine.

New Gut Bacteria Research Finds Link Between Gut Health, Stroke and Cancer

Apr 04 by Ewcopywriting

The gut microbiome is filled with bacteria and other microbes that assist in the digestion of the foods we eat. While there are some bacteria that are harmful to us, many of the bacteria in our digestive tract are beneficial, helping to withdraw nutrients and vitamins from our foods through the digestion process. In addition, these bacteria help to boost immune function and can even influence other aspects of our health.

In a study that was released in 2014, researchers revealed that each person’s DNA actually influences what kinds of bacteria are able thrive within his or her microbiome. Furthermore, for each individual, the population of bacteria in the gut is different, a fact which scientists now believe may play a role in determining which people are likely to become obese or overweight. Other recent studies have found that the health and diversity of the gut microbiome may even influence how the immune system fights cancer or stroke.

The Changing Microbiome

The process of populating the microbiome begins with the development of the fetus. As the fetus develops, the digestive tract is exposed to the microorganisms from the mother’s gut microbiome, as well as bacteria from the immediate environment. This mixture of microorganisms comes together to form a unique microbiome in the infant’s digestive tract. Even after birth, the baby’s microbiome is still developing. This is why there’s more bacteria in the digestive tract of a breast-fed baby than in the digestive tract of a formula-fed infant.

Even throughout adulthood, we believe the gut microbiome continues to change or evolve in accordance with changing diets, environmental influences and lifestyle choices. This is good news, because it suggests that we can consciously alter our gut microbiome through changes in lifestyle habits and diets. Why would we want to alter the bacteria in our guts? The reasoning lies in recognizing that, when it comes to overall health, certain bacteria affect specific risk factors. For instance, we know that the bacteria called Christensenellaceae minuta is more often found in the guts of people with low body weight. Similarly, a deficiency of Prevotella, Veillonellaceae and Coprococcus is common in children with autism. If we can learn more about the bacteria in our microbiome and how they affect overall health, it may be possible to manipulate the gut microbiome to live healthier lives.

Gut Bacteria Research Finds a Link to Stroke

A stroke is a common occurrence in modern times, and the Center for Disease Control estimates that a stroke affects someone in the U.S. every 40 seconds. This is a particularly unsettling statistic, when you stop to consider how severely a stroke affects the human body. While a stroke is considered to be a cardiovascular event, it primarily affects the brain by cutting off the flow of oxygen-rich blood. This means the brain isn’t getting the oxygen it needs to feed cells, causing cell die-off.

In addition to the potential for brain damage, new gut bacteria research indicates that the population of bacteria in the digestive tract may also be affected by stroke. Working with rodents, test subjects were divided into two groups. The first group of mice were subjected to ischemic strokes, while the second group consisted of healthy mice. The researchers evaluated the health of the mice in each group at regular intervals.

The research team found that, unlike the healthy group of mice, the group of mice subjected to strokes had elevated levels of a specific bacteria called Bifidobacteriaceae. The presence of Bifidobacteriaceae was found at 14-day and 28-day intervals, suggesting the increase in these bacteria was a long-lasting result of the stroke. Bifidobacteriaceae is a member of the Bifidobacterium family and is considered a healthy probiotic that enhances gut health. The presence of Bifidobacteriaceae may also precipitate better recovery in those who’ve suffered from a stroke.

The news wasn’t all good. The team also found heightened levels of bacteria belonging to the Helicobacteraceae family; a group of bacteria which have been linked to poorer health outcomes. Additionally, the mice that had suffered from strokes exhibited a significantly higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. This type of imbalance has been linked to a greater risk of inflammation, obesity and diabetes. Finally, researchers noted changes in the intestinal tissue of the stroke subjects which could cause poorer absorption of nutrients, thus also hindering recovery.

The discovery of negative effects in the intestinal tract of subjects who had suffered from a stroke open the door to the possibility of encouraging recovery from stroke by manipulating bacteria in the gut. The research team hopes to continue their studies, focusing on a way to treat the symptoms of a stroke by focusing on the health of the gut microbiome.

Can a Healthy Gut Microbiome Help Fight Cancer?

In another study, which was conducted at the University of Chicago, researchers found that 11 strains of bacteria in the gut help slow the progression of tumors in the body. Using mice as test subjects, the team found that the UPR, or unfolded protein response, served as a link between the gut bacteria and the immune system’s tumor-fighting capabilities. Since UPR is responsible for keeping cells healthy and clean, its presence can indicate which patients are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy treatments.

The study used a test group of mice that lacked the RING finger protein 5 (RNF5), which helps cells identify improperly folded proteins. The mice in this group were more successful in fighting off melanoma, provided their immunity and gut bacteria was also healthy. The researchers also discovered that housing these mice with RNF5-rich mice inhibited their ability to fight off the tumors.

In another phase of the experiment, the 11 strains of bacteria were transplanted into mice that had been previously free of the bacteria. Once transplanted, the new strains turned on the tumor-fighting capabilities of the immune systems in these mice. This suggests that the 11 strains of bacteria identified in the study may boost the immune system’s cancer fighting capabilities.

The team concluded the study by suggesting that UPR may be useful as a biomarker in determining which individuals are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Additionally, there’s hope that further research will help uncover the anti-tumor molecules produced by those 11 strains of bacteria. In the future, the research may lead to more effective customized cancer treatments.

Muscle Strength Influences Diabetes Risk

Mar 25 by Ewcopywriting

Even though type 2 diabetes affects millions of people and is a growing problem worldwide, few people have more than a vague understanding of this illness. You probably know that this is a chronic disease that alters the body’s ability to process sugar — but there’s more to it than that. Type 2 diabetes affects the body in one of two ways: It may cause less insulin to be produced, or it may inhibit the body’s ability to process the insulin that is in the body.

Insulin plays an important role in this process, because it controls the body’s ability to move sugar through the bloodstream. However type 2 diabetes affects insulin, the end result is the same: The insulin just isn’t powerful enough to push all of the sugar through the body. This means it can’t be used for energy, and it can’t be flushed out of the system.

The truth is that type 2 diabetes is extremely common. If you don’t have it now, the chances are good you may develop the condition in the future. Most people either have type 2 diabetes themselves, or they know someone who does. If you’re concerned about developing the condition, watching for these common symptoms is wise:

excessive thirst and/or hunger
frequent urination
unexplained weight loss
fatigue
blurry vision
injuries that take a long time to heal
more susceptible to infection
discolored or darkened skin around the eyes, neck, or armpits

Diabetes Risk Factors

While there is no way to accurately predict whether or not you will develop type 2 diabetes, research has uncovered common risk factors for the disease. Even if these risk factors apply to you, there’s still no guarantee you will get type 2 diabetes; it simply means you have a greater chance of developing the condition.

Weight: While anyone can get type 2 diabetes, those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop it.
Fat Storage: How your body stores fat also affects your risk for type 2 diabetes. If your body primarily stores fat in the abdomen, you have a greater risk than if your body stores fat in the hips and upper legs.
Sedentary Lifestyle: If you’re not active, you’re not helping your body burn sugar. This increases the chance that you’ll develop diabetes.
Genetics: People who come from a family with a history of diabetes are far more likely to become diabetic themselves.
Race: People of color, such as those of African, Asian, or American Indian descent, are more likely to become diabetic.
Age: Although people of any age can develop type 2 diabetes, it’s more common among those over the age of 45.

New Study Shows Muscle Strength Influences Diabetes Risk

A recent joint study conducted by researchers in South Carolina, Louisiana and Brisbane, Australia sought to understand how physical activity affected diabetes, and it uncovered some surprising results. Researchers found that when moderate muscle strength was maintained via regular resistance training, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was significantly decreased.

The study uncovered more unexpected results, which seemed to contradict typical assumptions. For instance, cardiorespiratory fitness did not produce the same results; only resistance training showed an effect. Additionally, moderate muscle mass is all it takes to achieve this benefit. Even when subjects worked harder to boost muscle mass further, the risk of diabetes was not decreased further. This indicates the effect is not cumulative.

The study found that maintaining moderate muscle mass combined with regular strength training reduced the risks by a 30 percent margin. While the study did reveal that maintaining muscle strength influences diabetes risk, it did not uncover how much resistance training was required. There was just no way for the researchers to determine how much strength training activity would provide this benefit. Angelique Brellenthin, who co-authored the study, said even a little strength training may provide benefits. At the very least, it will help you maintain your general overall health.

Tips for Controlling Your Blood Sugar Naturally

Eat a Healthier Diet

While some recommend an entirely plant-based diet for better diabetes management, that may be going too far to the other extreme. Although the majority of your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains, don’t skimp on the red meat, either. Lean red meat, poultry and fish can provide you with nutrients and protein not found in plant-based foods. A well-rounded diet, free of refined sugar and unhealthy fats, can go a long way toward keeping you healthy.

Live an Active Lifestyle

Even though the latest research points to the importance of strength training, aerobic training is just as important. A variety of exercise helps the body use and strengthen more muscle groups, which means you’ll be giving your body additional ways to burn higher quantities of sugar. When you exercise regularly, you help your body manage blood sugar levels more efficiently.

Take a Supplement

There are some new, innovative dietary supplements on the market today that are engineered to help the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For instance, certain natural supplements provide natural ingredients specifically chosen for the effects they have on blood sugar. Banaba leaf, bitter melon, and fenugreek are some of the plant-based ingredients that comprise these supplements.

Lose Weight

Finally, losing excess pounds is also going to help reduce your risks of developing type 2 diabetes. Even if you have already been diagnosed with this illness, taking control and getting yourself down to a healthier weight can still help. Your body will be better able to process sugar. Some people can return to a pre-diabetes state just by getting within their target weight range.

You may have type 2 diabetes, or the illness may be common in your family. In either case, you should ask your doctor to test you for the illness. If you do have diabetes, your doctor can tell you more about getting your condition under control. Better management starts with healthy living, allowing you to live a better quality of life for a longer period of time.

Discovered: Gut Bacteria Use Vitamin A to Regulate the Immune System

Mar 18 by Ewcopywriting

The immune system is a complex defense system our bodies employ to protect us from germs and other foreign invaders in the environment. Our immune system is triggered by antigens, which are foreign proteins found on cells. Once an antigen is detected, our white blood cells produce the antibodies specifically engineered to attack and destroy that particular antigen. As this occurs, a sample of that antigen is saved and stored in the body, allowing it to be more quickly reproduced in the event of a recurrence of the same illness. This is why adults are less susceptible to many of the illnesses that affect children.

New research examining vitamin A and immune system functioning has uncovered how our gut bacteria interact with both vitamin A and the immune system, highlighting the importance of nutrition in overall health and immunity.

How Does the Immune System Work?

The immune system works primarily through the actions of our white blood cells, which are stored at various sites throughout the body. White blood cells occupy the thymus, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, since these are the best positions from which to monitor the body. When the white blood cells detect a foreign substance in the body or an abnormal growth, they attack the foreign object as a means of protecting the body.

There are two types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes. The Phagocytes are further divided into four types, each of which attacks a different pathogen:

Neutrophils are responsible for attacking harmful bacteria in the body.
Macrophages are responsible for seeking out and removing dead cells.
Mast cells are responsible for healing wounds and guarding against pathogens.
Monocytes serve multiple functions.

Meanwhile, lymphocytes serve a more specific purpose in the immune system. The B and T lymphocytes in the body are responsible for identifying foreign substances that have previously invaded the body. The B lymphocytes stay in the bone marrow, where they can continue producing antibodies. The T lymphocytes move to the thymus and wait for those antibodies to notify them that a foreign invading substance has returned. Once they become aware of an infection, the T lymphocytes send out messages to phagocytes, while also attacking the infected cells.

How Do Gut Bacteria Affect Health?

Our immune systems were designed to work with other systems in our bodies, and new research suggests this includes the gut microbiome. Research using pregnant rats suggests that infants are born with gut bacteria that help the digestive system function, while other evidence suggests newborn infants also obtain healthy bacteria through breastfeeding. The breast milk of human mothers contains helpful bacteria that is ingested by infants and delivered to the gut microbiome in the digestive system.

The formation of the gut microbiome helps the digestive process, and researchers believe a more diverse microbiome helps infants adapt to a larger variety of foods. For example, infants without a diverse microbiome were found to be more sensitive to certain foods. These children were far more likely to develop allergies to dairy products, eggs and peanut butter within their first year.

A more diverse gut microbiome can also help people resist the development of conditions such as obesity, some types of cancer, autism and some types of mental illness. Considering the huge impact the gut microbiome has on overall health, it’s not difficult to see why much research has focused on ways to support a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria. One of the best ways to improve the gut microbiome is by ingesting fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and miso, and by eating high-fiber fruits or vegetables.

A study published in 2014 also suggested physical activity helps the body produce helpful gut bacteria. In this study, the gut microbiomes of 40 rugby players were compared to the microbiomes in two separate control groups. The rugby players were found to have increased levels of Akkermansiaceae, which is a bacteria known to reduce the risk of obesity in adults.

Vitamin A and Immune System Functioning May Be Influenced by Gut Bacteria

We know that the immune system is responsible for attacking harmful bacteria throughout the body, and we know that the health of our bodies also depends on the helpful bacteria that comprise the gut microbiome. This knowledge has led researchers to ponder how or why the immune system can differentiate between bad bacteria and the good bacteria in the gut microbiome. Recent studies have found that the presence of vitamin A in the digestive system may be the key to solving that mystery.

According to Shipra Vaishnava, who led a recent, groundbreaking Brown University study, when vitamin A enters the intestinal tract, it prevents white blood cells from becoming overly active. Studying the gut microbiome in rodents, the researchers noticed that the bacteria in the gut microbiome released a protein to promote the release of vitamin A. The relationship between vitamin A and immune system functioning suggests that the gut microbiome uses the protein as a protective response to immune system interference.

The protein, which was identified as retinol dehydrogenase 7 (Rdh7), changed vitamin A into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is a highly active form of vitamin A, which inhibits immune system response. When rodents were genetically altered to have a reduced level of Rdh7 in the intestinal tract, their bodies released molecule IL-22. The IL-22 triggered the immune system’s response, causing it to initiate the antimicrobial activity in the gut microbiome.

More research is needed to better understand how the gut microbiome and the immune system function. Even so, we already know that vitamin A regulates how these two systems relate to one another. Understanding more about this relationship may help us develop better treatments for autoimmune diseases, which may be based on vitamin A therapies. In the meantime, eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as beef and lamb liver, salmon and king mackerel, may help boost efficiency of your gut microbiome. This can have wide-reaching effects on your overall health and help reduce the likelihood of developing certain diseases.

Three Important Breakthroughs In Depression Research

Mar 13 by Ewcopywriting

Several depression research studies have linked this serious health condition to certain lifestyle habits and biological phenomena. Here, we will briefly touch on depression, as well as several important scientific studies that offer new insight into possible causes of depression and novel ways to minimize its deleterious effects.

What is Depression?

Depression encompasses more than merely feeling down or being unhappy. This condition is a serious mental disorder that often causes significant life disturbances. In many instances, depression is precipitated by a chemical imbalance within the brain, brain trauma, other underlying medical illnesses or significant systemic hormonal imbalances.

There are several manifestations of depression which may be diagnosed. These include postpartum depression (which develops after a woman gives birth to a child), seasonal affective disorder (in which a stricken individual becomes depressed during seasonal periods, most often wintertime), psychotic depression (whereby afflicted persons experience depressive episodes along with other major mental maladies such as hallucinations or psychoses), dysthymia (in which a person experiences repeating depressive episodes over a period of at least two years and bipolar disorder (where those stricken experience extreme mood swings ranging from quite high to extremely low).

Symptoms of Depression

Depending upon the exact type of depression experienced and its severity, specific physical and mental manifestations can range from case to case. However, all forms of depression often share certain common manifestations that individuals should be on the lookout for including cognitive problems like concentration or memory difficulties, feelings of hopelessness and despair, potential thoughts of suicide, irritability, anger, frustration, restlessness, anxiety and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Additionally, depression could precipitate numerous non-mental health related symptoms such as appetite loss or gain, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, systemic body aches and increased fatigue.

If left unchecked, depression could render the afflicted person incapable of performing simple everyday tasks such as performing a job or executing necessary household chores. In the most extreme instances, depression may result in more serious disability that may prevent one from executing even simple tasks such as bathing, dressing or preparing basic meals.

Depression Research Studies

Although on some occasions scientists are relatively certain as to what precipitates the brain-altering chemical fluctuations that cause depression, in other cases the answer continues to be a mystery. For this reason, intense research into depression is ongoing. Three clinical studies in particular just may shed light into previously unknown potential underlying factors of this condition and new ways to help affected individuals cope.

Dietary Alterations Affect Depression

In the first study, a team of English researchers discovered that the consumption of a diet rife with fiber and vegetables may help reduce the severity of depression symptoms. These scientists, who represent Manchester University, examined how such dietary amendments impacted nearly 46,000 people diagnosed with depression and who associated manifestations.

The vast majority of those investigated experienced some improvement of specific mental manifestations such as mood fluctuations. However, of particular significance is the fact that female subjects seemed to experience more significant mental health improvements than men. Research organizers are confident their findings could eventually pave the road for one day utilizing dietary changes as a more accepted form of depression treatment.

Gut Bacteria Imbalance Linked to Depression

In a second study, a group of Belgian biologists found a significant link between an individual’s intestinal flora (also referred to as gut bacteria) and a person’s risk of developing depression.

The researchers, whom are employed by Leuven Venter for Microbiology, postulated that certain “neuroactive” digestive microorganisms emit substances that could impact the nervous system. To test their hypothesis, scientists created the Flemish Gut Flora Project, which studied the intestinal tracts of more than 1,000 individuals diagnosed with depression.

Examination administrators discovered that many of the test subjects’ digestive tracts were completely devoid of specific neuroactive bacteria that are thought to emit signals designed to help the nervous system perform at optimal levels. The researchers thereby concluded that limited bacterial diversity within the digestive tract might be a legitimate precipitating factor for the onset of depression.

Individuals with limited bacterial gut growth or an imbalance of healthy gut bacteria may be able to correct this issue through the use of probiotic supplements geared towards stimulating the growth of healthy intestinal flora.

Unique Tryptophan and 5-HTP Formulation May Offer Hope

In a third study, a collection of European scientists found that the administration of therapeutic preparations containing specific concentrations of timed-release tryptophan and fast-release 5-hydroxotryptophan (5-HTP) could play a significant role in soothing some of the physical and mental symptoms of depression.

Together, these substances influence the brain’s production and secretion of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is strongly believed to play a critical role in the development of improved mood and general feelings of well-being.

In the study, researchers placed 140 test subjects (70 men and 70 women) into seven separate groupings and administered various dosages containing either the special combination of tryptophan and 5-HTP or placebos to the participants twice daily for approximately one month. Scientists concluded that those who received the tryptophan and 5-HTP formulation experienced an increased production of serotonin and an improvement in mild to moderate incidents of depressive episodes and related symptoms.

Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function Fundamentally Linked

Mar 11 by Ewcopywriting

Each year, the research supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria for good overall health grows. However, many of the previously known health effects of a healthy microbiome involved the digestive system. Could your gut bacteria also affect how well your immune system protects against infection and even prevent autoimmune disease? New research suggests that gut bacteria and immune system function are linked in several critical ways.

Your Microbiome and Your Health

The Western world has spent much of the last century in a battle against bacteria. We have developed a wide variety of antibiotics to treat even the mildest infections. We even vigilantly sterilize our homes and our food under the assumption that bacteria are bad for our health. New research on the gut microbiome has turned this assumption on its head, offering solid evidence that many bacteria are good for human well-being and even essential to our health.

Everything that we eat passes through our GI tract, with key nutrients absorbed through our intestines. The GI tract is not a sterile tube, but rather a complex ecosystem containing a wide variety of bacteria. These bacteria help to break down macronutrients into more easily absorbed fragments and also are essential in absorbing certain vitamins.

Having the right balance of bacteria is crucial to good health. Not only will the right bacteria support our nutritional health, but they also can interact with the rest of the body in a variety of ways. Several studies have suggested that our microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system, helping our bodies to kill invaders while also preventing them from attacking our own tissues.

Links Between Gut Bacteria and Immune System Function

Autoimmune disease has been described by physicians as “a case of mistaken identity.” People with autoimmune diseases have a chronically overactive immune system that attacks their own tissues, leading to tissue destruction as well as chronic inflammation.

Several studies have found links between a gut microbiome imbalance and autoimmune disease. People with autoimmune diseases often have less diversity in gut bacteria as well as lower amounts of the bacteria which are known to be beneficial. Many scientists and doctors believe that issues with our natural flora can actually cause autoimmune disease and that re-establishing a healthy microbiome should be a key part of treatment for autoimmune disorders.

Could Low Vitamin D Affect Gut Health?

Many people in the Western world suffer from low levels of vitamin D. This can have devastating effects on the immune system. Not only is vitamin D essential for immune function, but it also appears to prevent certain types of autoimmune disease. Low vitamin D has been linked in several studies to autoimmune disease and is even considered a risk factor. Because of known links between skin cancer and sun exposure, many people avoid sunlight, the main historic source of this nutrient. In addition, the Western diet is extremely low in vitamin D-rich foods that could make up for our aversion to natural sunlight.

According to new research, the link between vitamin D and autoimmune disease may be partially due to links between vitamin D deficiency and poor gut health. Vitamin D appears to be extremely important for gut bacteria. Taking this vitamin may actually help to restore a healthy microbiome. At the same time, healthy gut bacteria can increase absorption of this vitamin. Having an unhealthy balance of bacteria can set off a downward spiral in health in which the body absorbs less vitamin D, then suffers from an increasingly failing microbiome due to a shortage of the vitamin.

Modern people are more at risk of both vitamin D deficiency and gut imbalance than ever before. Could these factors be the cause of growing rates of autoimmune disease as well as other devastating chronic illnesses?

Keeping a Healthy Gut For Your Circadian Rhythm and More

Everyone wants good health and an immune system that functions in top form. However, this can be a challenge in the modern world. Our food and our homes are cleaner and more sanitary than ever, which is a blessing as much as a curse. We are no longer taking in the healthy range of bacteria that our bodies have evolved to need.

In addition, the standard Western diet is not one that supports good gut health. Both soluble and insoluble fiber sources are necessary to feed our microbiome so the right gut bacteria can flourish. These are known as “prebiotics” as they can be taken before probiotics to support a healthy population of gut bacteria. Although it is important to eat a healthy diet, taking both prebiotics and probiotics can make up for the inherent deficiencies in our foods.

Getting enough vitamin D is also important to supporting digestive and immune health. A fair skinned person can get the vitamin D that they need from just ten minutes of direct sunlight. Organ meats and certain oils also are good sources of this nutrient.

In a world filled with unhealthy options, being healthy requires conscious choice. Maintaining good gut health requires only minimal lifestyle changes. However, it can have dramatic effects on your immune system, helping your body to fight off diseases of all kinds.