A brand new study reveals that the type of immune response triggered by gut bacteria depends on the health of the individual environment in the gut. What this means is that depending upon your gut environment, various pathogens entering your system will precipitate differing diseases or no disease at all. This is what I do with a large amount of my digestive clients.
A team of researchers from an array of academic institutions in the United States teamed up to perform a study on gut bacteria and immune responses. They determined a certain type of gut bacteria stimulates varying immune responses. The type of immune response triggered by the bacteria hinges on the state of the environment. The study's details and results were recently outlined in a paper published in Science Immunology.
Gut Bacteria
Human beings have countless types of gut bacteria in their bodies. The vast majority of these gut bacteria types are helpful. They perform functions like helping the body digest specific foods. However, other types of bacteria can find their way into the gut and spur problems like colitis, ulcer, and cancer.
About the Study
The research team studied Helicobacter in-depth. This is a bacteria genus that is believed to be a possible contributor to the creation of ulcers as well as other health issues in the gut. The researchers studied what happened to mice when this bacteria was placed in their guts. The researchers varied the conditions to gain a more in-depth understanding of how the introduction of bacteria affected the mice when certain conditions were changed.
Results
The researchers determined that introducing the bacteria into the guts of healthy mice that were raised in as germ-free of an environment as possible created an immune response typically linked to tolerance. Previous research suggested this response is the body's means of signaling the acceptance of bacteria in the gut as it doesn't pose a threat.
When the same style of bacteria was placed in the gut of a mouse where colitis exists, it caused an immune threat response. This occurred as the bacteria caused already-existing inflammation of the gut to worsen. It is clear the immune system considered the bacteria to be a harmful presence that must be halted.
Why the Results Matter
These findings matter as they suggest at least one type of bacteria might be seen as harmful or harmless based on the state of environment it is placed in. This suggests the same phenomenon might occur with other types of bacteria. The finding has the potential to lead to an improved understanding of the role bacteria play in the body's gut biome as well as its health. The hope is that medical researchers will eventually use these findings to develop better treatments for those who are plagued by stomach maladies.
Jiani N. Chai et al. Helicobacter species are potent drivers of colonic T cell responses in homeostasis and inflammation, Science Immunology (2017). DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aal5068
Don't Miss Next Week's Article:Anxiety and Depression Now Linked To THIS! Sign Up! So you don't miss out, and PLEASE visit our store for great products, prices and FREE shipping on Hundreds of Natural Products!
Join our weekly health blog for FREE Natural Health tips!
Interested in saving a TON on awesome, professional products with FREE shipping and Volume discounts??? Then:
Visit our Natural Product Pharmacy for the best prices and FREE SHIPPING on hundreds of natural products from professional brands like: Metagenics, Douglas Laboratories, Pure Encapsulations, Integrative Therapeutics, Thorne Research, and Carlson Labs!
Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN
Naturopath
Acupuncturist
Clinical Nutritionist
Dietitian
Professional Vitamins and Supplements
Chinese Herbs
Natural Skin Products
Arlington Heights, IL
www.apple-a-day-clinic.com
We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders! Please contact us for a free consultation! I do work long distance. Thank you from the bottom of our cart! We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals! They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.
Taryn DeCicco ND, LAc, LDN of Apple A Day Clinic in Arlington Heights, IL has been specializing in acne, skin, and digestive disorders for over 16 years.