Bacteria’s Little Secret

by guest blogger Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc, integrative medicine pioneer

We have been colonized, but it’s a good thing. Over the course of evolution, humans and bacteria have developed a close, symbiotic relationship. Our individual colonies of probiotic (beneficial) bacteria—called our “microbiota”—perform numerous tasks that benefit digestion, nutrition, immunity, neurological and emotional health, and more. Life would be quite different without them.

To get a sense of the magnitude of this colonization, consider that scientists have found that bacteria outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 99 percent of the DNA in our bodies belongs to bacteria. And finally, scientists are getting a handle on their role in human biology.

This is leading to some amazing discoveries, as well as some startling therapies that are not for the faint of heart (which is to say, warning: you’re about to read something that might sound pretty disgusting). For example, fecal transplants from healthy human donors are being used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in others with weak immunity. This seems radical and extreme, until we realize that such therapies are saving lives, working where other treatments have failed, by restoring the internal bacterial balance that keeps hostile microbes at bay.

This is just the beginning. There’s no telling how many new probiotic treatments will evolve from our increased understanding of beneficial bacteria and the numerous roles they play.

Maintaining Balance

The key, as usual, is balance. Researchers are finding that good health may depend on a number of beneficial bacterial species’ finding that ideal balance with our bodies. But because of our modern lifestyles, these friendly microbes are having a tough time gaining a foothold. Common practices, such as the overuse of antibiotics in medicine, body care, and agriculture significantly decrease healthy bacterial colonies, while at the same time promoting antibiotic resistance among dangerous bacteria. Chemicals in nonorganic and processed foods may also have a negative effect on healthy bacteria. New research suggests that these disruptions may be involved in the increase of autoimmune disorders, dementia, cancer, allergies, heart disease, obesity, and many other chronic conditions.

One interesting study found that people in less-developed societies have more bacterial diversity in their guts. Though we’re not entirely sure how this affects health, it does indicate that Western practices have been gradually limiting healthy bacteria species. This could not possibly be good for internal balance.

New research is backing that up. A recent study examined the microbiota in stroke patients and found distinct differences between their internal bacteria populations compared to a healthy control group. The researchers found that bacteria that produce carotenoids, an important group of antioxidants, were lower in the stroke patients.

Brain and Body

If you’re feeling down, yogurt containing live bacterial cultures may help boost your mood. A recent study showed that eating yogurt can cause measurable changes in brain activity, effectively reducing anxiety, stress, and even pain by influencing areas of the brain that regulate these feelings.

We now know that the brain and digestive system are intricately linked, and researchers have dubbed the digestive tract “the second brain,” because such a large percentage of neurotransmitter activity occurs there. This is also true of immunity, as much of our immune activity occurs in the intestines as well. The recent findings with probiotics add to our understanding of these close relationships.

Another interesting study found that beneficial bacteria can increase bone density. Other research has found that certain bacteria can help people lose visceral fat, the most dangerous kind that accumulates in the midsection and around organs and increases risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more. The list of benefits goes on. Probiotics are especially helpful in preventing diarrhea, bowel inflammation, and digestive tract infections. One study showed that probiotics can help patients undergoing intense chemotherapy—these treatments are particularly hard on the intestines. Specific bacteria can help the body regenerate intestinal cells.

Adding Good Bacteria

A number of probiotic foods are rich in beneficial bacteria. These fermented, “cultured” foods, such as yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi can be particularly useful. Probiotic foods also contain digestive enzymes and can help improve nutrient absorption. Another benefit is that probiotics digest sugars for their own fuel, so they help to balance blood glucose after eating simple carbs. The dietary habits of most traditional cultures and tribal groups included some form of fermented food or drink. Perhaps they knew some health secrets that we are only beginning to embrace and understand on a scientific level.

There are also quite a few probiotic supplements on the market, but it’s important to get the right bacteria. In particular, look for Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial strain of yeast), which help prevent infections and diarrhea. Other beneficial bacteria include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacteria.

In addition, pay attention to the number of actual bacteria in each capsule, as well as storage instructions, as some probiotics need to be refrigerated.

Providing Fuel

Of course, bacteria are living organisms, which means they have to eat. One way to enhance beneficial flora is to provide them with nutrition—called prebiotics. Some good sources of prebiotics are artichokes, garlic, onions, barley, and chicory root, which are rich in a certain compounds that probiotic bacteria love, called fructooligosaccharides, or FOS. There are also a number of prebiotic FOS supplements available that can help address diarrhea and digestive troubles, and, for convenience, some FOS products are combined with strains of probiotic bacteria. Edible and medicinal mushrooms also contain compounds that provide a food source for beneficial bacteria.

Supporting Overall Digestive Health

In addition to probiotics and prebiotics, there are a number of traditional herbs that benefit digestion. Pomegranate seed, pepper fruit, ginger, lesser galangal root, cardamom, and many others can help strengthen digestion; reduce digestive discomfort such as cramping, nausea, and gas; and improve nutrient absorption.

I also recommend the minerals chromium and zinc, which strengthen the digestive tract and control inflammation. Specific medicinal mushrooms enhance digestion in a number of ways, through their prebiotic action, their nutrient and enzyme content, and their ability to influence the absorption of glucose and fats. In addition, there are a variety of digestive enzymes that help us break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats: amylase, alpha galactosidase, protease, phytase, invertase, and lipase.

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient practices have recognized that gastrointestinal health influences well-being throughout the body. We’re glad that researchers have finally caught up with these age-old disciplines. Now, with more scientific information to back us up, we can take additional steps to support our beneficial bacteria, in turn improving overall health.

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc, integrates Western medicine with his extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and complementary medical systems. With more than 25 years of clinical experience and research, Dr. Eliaz has a unique holistic approach to the relationship between health and disease, immune enhancement, detoxification, and cancer prevention and treatment. For more information about his work, visit dreliaz.org.

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