Health News

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.

Inflammation: The Missing Link Between Heart Disease and Depression

Apr 10 by Ewcopywriting

Studies have found that people who suffer from depression are far more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who do not have this mental illness. Conversely, individuals who experience a cardiovascular event are more likely to develop depression. While it’s difficult to say which condition may cause the other, the fact remains that there is a clear relationship between the two. Now, a new study suggests that heart disease and depression may both be caused by excessive inflammation, which can result from increased levels of stress and certain lifestyle factors.

The Link Between Heart Disease and Depression

Recent studies have found that the majority of individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease also suffer from depression. Since the two conditions commonly occur together, it seems very likely that there may be a causal link between them. Depression adversely affects quality of life, a situation which can lead to less interest in proper personal care. Someone suffering from depression is less likely to engage in healthy lifestyle choices, or to follow a doctor’s recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This could be one way in which depression influences the development of cardiovascular disease.

An alternative explanation suggests that cardiovascular disease comes first. An event such as a heart attack most definitely affects a patient’s state of mind, increasing the possibility of depressive episodes. Faced with the recovery time and physical rehabilitation that follow a heart attack, it’s not uncommon for sufferers to become despondent and depressed. In fact, hospitals recognize the likelihood of this situation and provide behavioral and psychological counseling alongside the physical therapy necessary for the recovery of a cardiac arrest patient.

Inflammation: The Key to Explaining Link Between Heart Disease and Depression?

Heart disease and depression are both very serious issues throughout the world. While heart disease is responsible for the most deaths in the U.S. and abroad, depression is the leading mental health cause of disability in the world. Since the links between the two conditions are so strong, researchers at the University of Cambridge decided to look for a possible connection.

The research team accessed the UK Biobank system to review the medical records of 370,000 individuals ranging in age from 40 up to 69. The first phase of the research project looked at whether those with cardiovascular disease in their families had an elevated risk of developing depression. It was determined that having heart disease in the family did indeed increase the risk of developing major depression. In fact, in cases where an individual lost at least one parent to a cardiac event, the risk of depression was 20 percent higher.

Further research sought to identify common genetic markers for heart disease and depression, but none were found. Since genetics didn’t seem to play a factor in linking the two conditions, the team began looking for environmental factors. This phase of the research involved examining 15 biomarkers that boost one’s risk of heart disease and determining if those same biomarkers also increased the risk of depression. In this phase, researchers found three such biomarkers: triglycerides, CRP, and IL-6.

CRP and IL-6 are proteins that produce inflammation when activated by physiological factors such as an infection, emotional stress, a lack of physical activity or substance abuse. People with depression often exhibit high levels of inflammation, as well as heightened levels of the CRP and IL-6 proteins.

This research indicates that the heart and brain are both affected by the same biological functions. By raising the levels of certain proteins through unhealthy lifestyle choices, people might just open themselves up to multiple health problems at once. Alternatively, by taking action to reduce inflammation, it may be possible to improve both mental health and heart health.

Healthy Ways to Reduce Stress and Inflammation

Physical Activity

Getting more physical exercise can help reduce stress and inflammation simultaneously. As you exercise, your body releases endorphins, or “feel good” neurotransmitters, that elevate your mood. This reaction combats and reduces levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in your brain. Additionally, physical activity reduces inflammation even when it doesn’t result in weight loss. You can lower the levels of inflammation in the body simply by staying active.

Eliminate or Reduce the Use of Harmful Substances

By “harmful substances,” we mean alcohol, caffeine and nicotine as well as recreational drugs. These substances actually contribute to overall stress levels, even if you think they’re helping you relax. The chemicals found in these products inflame your blood vessels and raise blood pressure levels, so reducing your use will help you feel better and you’ll be healthier in the long run.

Get Better Sleep

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep is essential for a number of reasons, including the reduction of stress. As you sleep, your body recharges and your brain resets itself, allowing hormone levels to balance out. By getting enough sleep to relieve some of that pent up stress, you’ll also be reducing your internal inflammation levels.

Take Up a Hobby

Finally, find your own way to de-stress and recharge. The biggest cause of inflammation is stress, so, if you can find something enjoyable that relaxes you, you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s an activity you enjoy. It can be anything from hiking in the woods to doing crossword puzzles in your bedroom.

While further research is needed, we do know that depression and cardiovascular disease are linked and that inflammation may be the causal factor for both. Even without confirmation of this connection, we do know that relieving stress and inflammation through lifestyle changes is a great way to stay healthy. Engaging in frequent exercise and making sure your body is getting enough of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs will help you stay physically and mentally fit for a lifetime.

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.

Skin Health and Disease: Could Moisturizing Your Skin Reduce Your Risk?

Mar 28 by Ewcopywriting

In order to study how skin health and disease are related, researchers had to first understand why disease causes us to experience inflammation. When it comes to physical injuries, inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process because it builds a buffer around the wound to protect it. Even though we try to reduce the swelling around the wound, it’s actually the inflammation that helps the area heal. Once new skin grows around the wound, the inflammation usually subsides on its own.

Inflammation is characterized by a few mild to severe signs, depending on the nature of the medical condition. When damage to tissue occurs, the first thing most people notice is that the affected area is painful. Chemical compounds are released in the body to stimulate the nerves so pain messages can be delivered to the brain. This prevents you from touching the area, since pain is stronger with physical contact. The area will also appear redder than your normal skin color, because the capillaries in that part of the body are carrying a higher concentration of blood. The increased blood flow will also make the affected area feel hotter and more sensitive.

At this point, physical swelling may begin. While this happens to protect the affected area, it also causes a reduction in mobility. The swelling builds a physical barrier that inhibits the free range of motion you usually experience. Trying to push, or force, motion of that area often triggers a more intense sensation of pain.

Some people think that inflammation is the result of an infection, but this isn’t necessarily true. What does actually happen is that the smallest arteries in the affected area will enlarge to allow maximum blood flow. This allows the capillaries to move more easily between cells and the blood, attracting proteins as they move through the arteries. Finally, white blood cells called neutrophils are released and they begin consuming the foreign microorganisms in the affected area. This immune response is what triggers inflammation.

Research Uncovers a Connection Between Skin Health and Disease

The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it only makes sense that it plays a major role in how we’re affected by disease. Previous research has found that inflammation of the skin can be linked to diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. As the largest organ in the body, even the smallest levels of inflammation can affect the body in significant ways.

As people age, they experience increased dryness, irritation and itchiness of the skin. Researcher Dr. Mao-Qiang Man believes this to be a sign of inflammation in the body, prompted by heightened cytokines. The cytokines released into the blood supply help younger skin heal more easily, but older, dryer skin is less resilient. As a result, inflammation becomes chronic and the body has more difficulty filtering out pathogens.

In the new study, designed to examine the effects of skin treatments on disease, Dr. Theodora Mauro reveals that skin conditions, particularly psoriasis and dermatitis, can increase the risk of heart disease. If skin health could be restored, Dr. Mauro surmised that inflammation and the risks of disease could also be affected. In this case, keeping skin moisturized might be an effective way of fighting degenerative diseases.

Is Skin Moisturizer an Effective Weapon Against Disease?

The researchers for the pilot study chose 33 older adults, ranging in ages from 58 to 95. Since cytokines are good indicators of internal inflammation, the researchers started the 30 day study by measuring cytokine levels in each of the participants. Throughout the study, each participant rubbed moisturizer into their skin from head to toe, twice each day.

There are different types of cytokines that can inhabit the body, but three in particular are responsible for age-related degenerative illnesses. They are tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6. When a moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids was applied twice daily, there was a noticeable drop in those cytokine levels. The levels dropped low enough that the participants’ cytokines were similar to those of people in their 30s.

This was the first study of its kind, linking skin health to inflammation and the risks of degenerative illnesses. While it laid the groundwork and established that there is a connection, more research will have to be conducted. As future studies confirm the correlation between disease and skin health, there will likely be greater emphasis placed on keeping skin moisturized and healthy.

Skin health has always been a major concern, particularly in terms of the damage caused by the sun’s rays. In addition to moisturizing twice per day, it’s important to always wear sunscreen outdoors and to avoid direct sunlight at the hottest times of the day. Using a natural supplement designed to nourish the skin from the inside out by delivering crucial nutrients may also be beneficial. A dermatologist can recommend more skin care tips, so you can keep your body’s largest organ healthy and youthful into old age.

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.