Immune System Health

Research on Gut Bacteria Uncovers New Heart Health, Immune System Benefits

Over the past decade, research on gut bacteria has exponentially increased our understanding of how our gut affects us as a whole. So, what exactly is the gut microbiome, how does it form and what is the link to immune response and heart health?

What is the Microbiome?

Each one of us possesses a complex and completely unique ecosystem of microbes that exist on and inside of our bodies, which is collectively referred to as the microbiome. The human body cohabitates in a symbiotic relationship with these trillions of microorganisms, known as the microbiota, that form communities everywhere from on our skin, in our mouths, in the nasal passage and of course, in our gastrointestinal tract. In fact, the largest number of these microorganisms exist within our guts.

These microbes have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to form this mutually beneficial relationship. They play key roles in core bodily functions such as immune response, vitamin and nutrient production and uptake, brain function and disease resistance. Any imbalance to this delicate relationship can have adverse health effects.

How Does the Microbiome Form?

No two people share the same microbiota composition, and even within our own bodies, the communities of microbes are vastly different between locations. There are many factors that contribute to the makeup of our microbiome. The moment that we arrive in this world, microorganisms begin to make themselves at home. In fact, even the way that we’re born plays a large role in the types of microbes that take up residence. Our microbiome continues to evolve over our lifetime. There are many factors that contribute to the diversity of microbiota within our microbiome, including:

the composition of our mother’s own gut microbiota
whether we are breastfed or formula fed as infants
disease, trauma or stressful life events early in life
dietary intake and eating regimens
the amount of physical activity we get
personal hygiene habits
alcohol and cigarette consumption
the use of antibiotics or other medications
acute and chronic stress

While there has been increasing research on gut bacteria, very little is known about exactly how a microbiome is established and maintained to begin with. Researchers from Caltech recently set out to form a better understanding of just how these microorganisms make themselves at home.

The team’s research, which was led by graduate student Gregory Donaldson, was recently published in the journal Science. The researchers examined a microbe called Bacteroides fragilis that is typically found in abundance in the intestines of humans. Bacteroides fragilis was of particular interest because though multiple strains of the bacteria exist, most people will form a long-term relationship with a single strain.

According to Donaldson, “studies by other labs have shown that most people carry the same strain of B. fragilis throughout their lives. We wanted to understand at a molecular level how these bacteria are able to colonize the gut in a stable, long-term way.”

What the researchers discovered is that the microbiota had the ability to trigger a tailor-made immune response. Bacteroides fragilis makes itself at home deep within the thick mucus that lines the guts close to the surface of the intestines. The bacteria are encased in a protective capsule made of carbohydrates, the type of which is typically associated with pathogens, the bad bacteria, and is not normally found within the mucosal layer.

Typically, these bacterial capsules trigger an immune response in which the body produces antibodies that attempt to eradicate the pathogens. However, in this instance, the team observed that instead of destroying the bacteria, the antibodies that were binding to the Bacteroides fragilis were in fact helping the bacterium to successfully colonize.

“It is surprising to find that an immune response actually helps beneficial bacteria to thrive, which in turn helps the host thrive. The study of immunology has mainly been in the context of pathogenic bacteria. But there are trillions of bacteria in the gut, and most of the time none of them are making you sick. Our study shows that there is active immune recognition of these bacteria, but it helps rather than hinders them. This suggests that the immune system is more than just a defense system and antibodies are more than just weapons,” said Donaldson.

Resetting the Microbiome

Recent research on gut bacteria and the link to immune response suggests that resetting the gut microbiota composition may have health benefits. Other research has also linked the disruption of the gut flora to improvements in health, particularly cardiovascular health.

Microbes within the gut produce T cells, which are activated by heart failure and are known to progress the disease. These T cells travel to the heart and provoke an immune response which causes inflammation and forms scar tissue. In findings that were presented at the 2018 Experimental Biology conference, Dr. Francisco J. Carrillo-Salinas exhibited that sterilizing the gut decreased the number of available T cells and prevented these detrimental changes from occurring.

“Understanding how the gut microbiota directly regulates the function of distant organs such as the heart will shed new light on potential new therapeutic approaches in patients recently diagnosed with heart failure to prevent progression,” said Dr. Carrillo-Salinas.

Gut Bacteria and Autoimmune Disease Linked

Apr 18 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Rates of autoimmune diseases are increasing in the developed world. These diseases, which include diverse illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, can be devastating to one’s health, even causing lifelong disability or death. There are many theories about why these illnesses are increasing in prevalence. According to several new studies on gut bacteria and autoimmune disease, our internal microbiome may play an important role.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Autoimmune diseases are a broad class of illness that can attack any organ in the human body. Although these diseases and their effects can vary widely, all have one key thing in common. These diseases result when our immune systems begin to see our own tissues and cells as a foreign invaders and attack them. Most people notice that the effects come in flares with periods of remission.

There are several new medications for autoimmune diseases that can help calm the immune system to extend the length of time that people are in remission. However, most people using these medications still suffer symptoms of their disease, as well as side effects from medication. In addition, suppressing the immune system leaves people at risk of developing infections.

The best treatment for autoimmune diseases, as with almost all disease, is prevention. According to several new studies, maintaining a healthy GI tract may be part of the puzzle.

New Connections Between Gut Bacteria and Autoimmune Disease

Mice also can develop autoimmune diseases similar to those of humans, making them an ideal research animal. Researchers infected mice with a common bacteria found in less balanced GI tracts of humans. This bacteria actually traveled out of the intestine and into the bloodstream, where it caused autoimmune inflammation in a variety of organ systems. Most notably, it caused inflammation in lymphoid tissue, which is where key components of our immune systems develop and mature. A sizable proportion of mice in this study developed autoimmune diseases after this.

Can this bacteria produce the same effects in humans? Although it is more ethically complicated to experiment on humans, there appear to be several links. This exact bacteria has been found in the liver of humans that suffer autoimmune disease. In addition, studies on human cells raised in labs show that it causes inflammation in our cells that is similar to that seen in mice.

Could the Right Bacteria Treat Lupus?

While some bacteria appear to cause autoimmune diseases, others have exactly the opposite effect. In another study, scientists noted that mice with lupus had lower levels of Lactobacillus, a healthy gut bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods. In addition, keeping healthy levels of Lactobacillus appeared to reduce the severity of symptoms in mice with this disease. Lactobacillus, a bacteria found in most probiotic foods and supplements, may soon be used to help people with autoimmune diseases to safely reduce the effects of their illness.

Intestinal Flora and Your Immune System

Although we do not currently understand how different bacteria can interact with the immune system, one thing is clear, maintaining a healthy microbiome is important to keeping a healthy immune system as well as good whole body health. Having the right balance of gut bacteria can not just prevent autoimmune illness, but prevent serious infections as well. It also has been found to contribute to good mental health, cardiovascular health and to help maintain good health in a variety of ways.

However, this may not be good news for many modern people. The contemporary Western diet is far from ideal in many ways, but especially so in its effects on GI bacteria. Our prepared and processed foods lack not just healthy bacteria, but also the types of fiber that help to feed and sustain them.

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome

Because our diets do not generally support a healthy GI tract, most modern people need to actively seek out foods that keep our microbiome well-balanced. Experts recommend taking a probiotic supplement or choosing foods high in healthy bacteria such as yogurt. In addition, it is best to combine these foods with soluble fiber, also known as prebiotics. Prebiotic supplements contain the types of fiber that “fertilize” healthy gut bacteria much like we fertilize a garden, providing the foods and nutrients that they need to thrive. In addition, it is important to avoid antibiotics unless they are necessary for our health, both in medical care and in the products that we use to clean our homes.

Could the rise of modern chronic diseases be partially due to our sanitized diets and lives? Although we do not understand all of the ways that our microbiome can interact with our immune systems, research suggests there is a definite connection. Maintaining the right balance of gut bacteria appears to be one of the most important, and easiest, things we can do to stay healthy.

New Study Discovers Gut Bacteria Protect Against Sepsis and Other Serious Infections

Mar 07 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

There have been numerous studies linking gut bacteria and human health. The modern Western diet and wide availability of antibiotics have changed the number and variety of bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract, which appears to have poor overall health effects. Surprisingly, even our immune systems are affected by this global shift in gut flora. According to a new study, gut bacteria protect against sepsis and other serious infections by interacting with an important immune protein called IgA.

Infectious Disease: A Global Threat

Many people think of infectious illness as a declining issue in the modern world. With the advent of antimicrobial treatment, vaccination programs and modern sanitation, infectious diseases have become far less common throughout most of the globe.

However, infectious disease still remains a sizeable risk. Many people in the developing world remain at risk of catching a deadly microbial infection. In addition, infants, elderly people and the immune compromised are at risk even in the developed world. Last, many pathogenic bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics and other treatments, creating an increase in deadly infections.

Despite these challenges, there is still one important line of defense against infectious disease: a healthy immune system. Our body has a complicated system of cells and proteins designed to seek out and attack bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. According to new research, our gut bacteria play an important role in supporting a healthy immune system.

Gut Bacteria and the Immune System

Although most people do not realize it, our gut bacteria — and thus our diet — can have far-reaching effects on the immune system. Certain types of gut bacteria that are becoming increasingly common can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can eventually lead to colon cancer. In addition, certain types of gut bacteria can actually protect against inflammation and disease.

Most of the research on gut bacteria and the immune system have focused on the interaction between our flora and immune activity in the gastrointestinal tract. However, a new group of studies suggests that our immune system as a whole may be affected as well. Your risk of infections in the lungs, bloodstream, and other areas of the body may be impacted by what you eat and how this affects your gut flora.

How Some Gut Bacteria Protect Against Sepsis

A recent study looked at infants at high risk of developing sepsis, a dangerous and potentially deadly condition in which the bloodstream is infected with pathogenic bacteria. One group of infants was given a synbiotic supplement, which contains both probiotic bacteria and the prebiotic foods needed to feed them, while the other did not receive the supplement. The infants who were given the synbiotic supplement had a 40 percent reduction in sepsis and sepsis-related deaths.

How can gut flora affect the chance of getting a blood infection? Another study, this time looking at mice, found that mice were more resistant to sepsis when they had a large number of a species called Proteobacteria. In fact, their blood levels of IgA, an important immunoglobulin, rose when they took supplements with this species of bacteria. This is significant because IgA is crucial in combatting bacterial sepsis.

On the other hand, the wrong balance of GI flora may contribute to disease and even death. Mice that had large numbers of pathogenic bacteria in their guts had more inflammation, even in areas of the body outside of the gut. In addition, these disease causing bacteria were likely to be found in their lings and bloodstream, contributing to both sepsis and acute respiratory distress.

The Importance of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Clearly it is important to keep your gut flora balanced. However, this can be a challenge in modern industrial civilizations. Our foods are often deficient in the healthy bacteria needed to maintain optimal health. This allows less beneficial bacteria to take over the GI tract, creating inflammation. Many people take a probiotic supplement or make an effort to eat foods rich in positive GI bacteria. This may not be enough on its own. Researchers and medical scientists are increasingly recommending that people also take a supplement with prebiotics, which are the soluble fiber and other foods that help to feed healthy GI flora so they can flourish.

There is a great deal of conflicting information about healthy lifestyle. However, research is clear that having the right GI flora can be important and even crucial to our health and well-being. The bacteria that live in our guts can have effects on our immune system, our bloodstream, and even our mental health. Taking a supplement with both probiotics and prebiotics may help to make us healthier in a variety of ways.

Proven: Diet and Gut Bacteria Affect Cancer Risk

Jan 31 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Every moment, there are trillions of microorganisms residing in your digestive system. Some of these species of bacteria are beneficial, while others are harmful. Though one of their main functions is to help you digest food, in the past few years scientific research has revealed that gut bacteria impacts many aspects of health, including your metabolism and immune system. For example, babies born by C-section are more likely to have immune problems like asthma and allergies. This is because babies born vaginally receive beneficial bacteria from the mother’s vagina that strengthen their immune system.

As research continues to look into the link between gut bacteria and the impact on various aspects of health, among the growing list of health concerns that can be influenced by an unhealthy gut microbiome is colorectal cancer.

Gut Bacteria Affect Cancer Risk

According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the fourth most-common type of cancer. It is estimated that in 2017, there were approximately 95,500 new cases of colon cancer and 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer in the U.S. alone. Given how common this disease is, research surrounding prevention and treatment is of great importance to public health. A new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals that there is a deeper connection between colorectal cancer risk and gut bacteria than previously known.

This study involved isolated mouse and human cells and focused on the role of short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs. SCFAs are chemicals produced by the gut bacteria during the digestion of fruits and vegetables, and have many possible subtle health effects due to their ability to enter the human intestinal cells, affecting gene expression and cellular behavior.

The researchers found that the presence of many SCFAs in the human digestive system can increase crotonylations; protein modification that can switch genes on or off. These crotolynations are produced by inhibiting a protein called HDAC2. High levels of HDAC2 have been previously linked to an increased colorectal cancer risk. Mice with a low overall gut bacteria population were found to have higher HDAC2 levels, suggesting that a thriving internal microbial ecosystem is important for reducing cancer risk. In a nutshell, a diet high in fruits and vegetables will cause greater SCFA production, which in turn inhibits the HDAC2 protein which is linked to colorectal cancer.

Fiber and Your Microbiome

How can fruits and vegetables protect against colorectal cancer? One of the biggest factors is their fiber content. Another study, conducted at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts and published in the journal JAMA Oncology, found that a high-fiber diet, specifically, is protective against colorectal cancer. A high-fiber diet consists of plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and nuts, as well as whole grains instead of refined grains.

Though the gut microbiome is usually talked about in very general terms, since there are potentially millions of different bacteria species that inhabit the human body, individual species have been linked to specific aspects of health. One species of bacteria, F. nucleatum, is highly suspected to play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. In other research, it has been found that a high-fiber diet reduced numbers of this bacteria. This at least partially explains the mechanism through which a high-fiber diet reduces colorectal cancer risk.

This link between dietary fiber intake and colorectal cancer risk can be considered legitimate, as the study was very large. It used data from over 137,000 people who were part of the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and the famous Nurses’ Health Study. By contrast, the researchers found that a diet high in red meats, such as beef and pork, and processed meats such as hot dogs, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Gut Bacteria and Chemotherapy Effectiveness

Your gut bacteria not only influences your cancer risk, but how well you will respond to cancer treatment. A review of research, published in the journal Nature, has shown that the gut microbiome affects how a patient will respond to chemotherapy. Since your gut bacteria and immune system are in constant communication, your intestinal bacteria can alter your immune system’s reaction to chemotherapy drugs. The microbiome can also affect the activation of the drugs themselves.

The relationship between gut bacteria and cancer treatment effectiveness has also been explored in multiple animal studies. Mice who have been raised in a sterile environment since birth, and who therefore have no gut bacteria whatsoever, have higher levels of the liver enzymes that break down chemotherapy drugs. This means that the drugs are broken down faster, therefore leaving the animal’s body faster, giving the drug less time to act and making it less effective. Since many human chemotherapy drugs are delivered in an inactive form, to be later activated by liver enzymes, this effect of the microbiome is of great clinical importance.

Although further research on this topic is needed, in short, it appears that taking measures to maintain a strong and healthy balance of gut bacteria may reduce cancer risk as well as improve recovery rates in people who have already developed cancer.

The “Man Flu” Myth: Do Men Really Get Sicker Than Women?

Dec 21 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

In general, men are often perceived as being the physically stronger (and thus possibly healthier) gender. However, their response to infectious illness appears to be an exception to the rule. Many people over time have noted that men subjectively report worse symptoms from colds, cases of the flu and other illnesses. The same illness that most women will work through can leave men bed-ridden for days. Is there a difference in the immune systems of the sexes? A new study has weighed in on the man flu and appears to have surprising results.

Do Men Really Get Sicker?

Many sitcom episodes have been written about the different response that men and women have on average to colds and illnesses. However, it is not humorous for many couples. This is a very real source of tension for many couples, particularly when both are ill and the woman is left with the majority of household duties while the man stays in bed. Dr. Kyle Sue decided to look at this issue more closely to determine if there is a biological cause.

Dr. Sue found several studies indicating a difference in the immune systems of men and women. Women have a greater response to the flu shot and report more side effects, which suggests a stronger immune system. They also are less likely to be hospitalized for influenza and other infectious diseases according to a study in Hong Kong. Last, men subjectively report worse symptoms than women—which is unsurprising to many. The study’s authors concluded rather controversially that many men simply need more care and nurturing when they are ill.

Differences in the Male and Female Immune System

Although this study has been a source of amusement for many people, there appear to be very real differences between male and female immune systems. Studies on mice have found that female immune systems are indeed more responsive than male ones. While this leaves women at a higher risk of autoimmune disease, it also can give them additional protection against bacteria and viruses.

In addition, testosterone appears to work to suppress the immune system. Men with higher testosterone levels overall have less immunity after vaccinations. Testosterone is the primary hormone associated with male traits, so this factor alone may have a significant impact on how often men get sick as well as the severity of their symptoms. In addition, estradiol, an equivalent female hormone, appears to act instead to stimulate the immune system and keep women from getting sick as often.

Is the Man Flu a Myth?

Dr. Sue of the recent study on male immunity feels that men’s notorious behavior when ill may have an evolutionary origin. Because men traditionally hunted, being even mildly ill could be life-threatening. Staying in bed and seeking pampering and care from one’s partner might have saved many lives. He argues that men need this nurturing so they can heal and get back to their duties more quickly.

Although many women obviously feel that the man cold or flu is a myth, there is nothing wrong with providing loving care for a partner when they are ill. If men can also take the time to pamper sick girlfriends and wives, many couples will be happier indeed. More studies will need to be performed to determine if there are truly meaningful differences in female and male immune systems, but the current research is interesting indeed.

Keeping High Immunity in Cold and Flu Season

Regardless of your gender, there are several ways that you can prevent illness this winter. Consider incorporating the following habits into your life:

Wash hands often to keep germs on surfaces from causing illness.
Avoid putting your hands near your face where germs can easily enter the body.
Take a multivitamin to help keep your immune system running in peak form.
Avoid sick people and extremely crowded places where contact with viruses may be inevitable.
Spend more time outside to avoid the high concentration of germs in indoor spaces during cold weather months.
Consider taking vitamin C, zinc, and other supplements associated with immunity if you have been exposed to an illness or are feeling under weather.
Stay home when you are sick or wear a face mask to avoid spreading your own illnesses.
Get plenty of restorative sleep.

There is no way to know if men truly are hit harder by infectious illnesses than the women in their lives. However, both sexes should make it a priority to prevent illness and to nurture each other through them. While many men probably could be more functional when they are sick, staying in bed and nurturing yourself is actually the best way to handle a cold or flu.

Gut Flora Influence Allergies and Immune System Health

Dec 19 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Have you ever talked about having a “gut feeling” about something? Your gut, particularly the bacteria that live there, may be more important to your health than most people realize. A lot has been written lately about probiotics and their impact on health. A surprising range of diseases, from depression to certain types of cancer, have been linked to imbalances of gastrointestinal bacteria. According to several recent studies on how gut flora influence allergies, the bacteria in our bowels may even have a sizable effect on our immune systems.

The Importance of Healthy Gut Flora

Our gastrointestinal tracts are full of millions of bacteria. These bacteria play a huge role in digestion, breaking foods down into small enough pieces to be absorbed. They also appear to be important in maintaining a barrier between the inside of our intestines and the rest of our body, protecting against serious infections and illnesses. An imbalance of this gut bacteria can cause gastrointestinal disorders as well as contribute to a wide range of illnesses.

This may not be good news for many Westerners and people living in industrialized nations. The Western diet, which is low in roughage and foods rich in healthy bacteria, does not support a healthy microbiome. Because of this, an increasing number of people are beginning to take probiotic supplements as well as prebiotics, which are types of fiber that feed healthy gut flora. How important could your probiotic supplement be to your whole body health? According to new research, keeping your gastrointestinal (GI) tract populated with healthy bacteria may even influence your immune system and your chance of developing allergies.

How Gut Flora Influence Allergies

Allergies are a growing problem in the United States. In fact, rates have increased by around 50 percent in less than two decades. According to studies, this may be due to low amounts of bacteria of the Clostridia species. In one particular study, mice were raised in a sterile environment and given antibiotics to ensure an absence of gut flora were exposed to allergens to assess their response. These mice had a sharp increase in allergic reactions over those with a healthy GI tract. Different kinds of bacteria were introduced to assess how these affect their immune system. Those who were exposed to Clostridia bacteria saw a decline in allergies.

Similarly, humans given fermented milk products containing a different bacterial species have been shown to have a decrease in allergic reactions. In fact, researchers have theorized that we may soon be able to treat allergies with probiotic supplements containing certain types of bacteria. There appears to be an important interaction between the human immune system and the GI flora that line our guts.

Are Probiotics Key to a Healthy Immune System?

How can gut flora affect allergies and the immune system? Researchers are still looking for root causes, but a few findings have solved part of the puzzle. Gut bacteria act as the first line of defense against any dangerous things we may ingest. They maintain an environment where allergens are less likely to pass into the bloodstream. In addition, healthy bacteria crowd out unhealthy bacteria which can cause immune reactions, inflammation and even increase the chance of developing colon cancer.

Some bacteria also appear to stimulate the production of IgE, the immune molecule that underlies anaphylaxis and other potentially deadly allergic reactions. Other bacteria appear to suppress IgE production. This may be a major contributor to the rising rates of serious food allergies as well as autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

Maintaining Your GI Biome for Good Health

Although the interaction between gut flora and the immune system is still being studied, gastrointestinal bacteria appear to be crucial to whole body health. How can you maintain a healthy set of gut flora? Consider the following lifestyle changes:

Avoid taking antibiotics except when absolutely medically necessary.
Eat a diet with a wide range of fiber, especially whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Choose fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, which are rich in healthy bacteria.
Avoid using antibacterial products to clean your home and office.
Consider taking a probiotic supplement and even a prebiotic to continue colonizing your gut with the healthy bacteria it needs.

Although the modern Western diet does not support a healthy GI tract, simple changes such as these can help to compensate. As a side benefit, these changes can have positive benefits for health in a variety of other ways. There are currently no known side effects to taking probiotic supplements or otherwise ingesting healthy gut bacteria.

Much of human disease may not be all in our heads, but rather all in our stomachs. Keeping a healthy GI tract will protect your body and help to maintain good health in a variety of ways. Although there is still much to be studied in this area, there is a good chance that we may someday have targeted probiotic supplements to heal a variety of uncomfortable and dangerous conditions.