You Need To Be Friends With These Bacteria

When we were growing up, we were often taught that bacteria are bad — that they are, in fact, synonymous with disease. We washed our hands frequently, took antibiotics and generally did everything possible to steer clear of these “dangerous” microbes. But now scientists are taking another look. New research is showing we have trillions of bacteria colonizing our bodies. Termed our “microbiota,” these organisms perform a number of functions. Only a small amount of them are considered potentially harmful. But harm comes only if they’re allowed to get out of balance.

To get a sense of the sheer size of the microbiota: It is believed that 99 percent of the DNA found in the human body comes from microbes. Over many millennia, we have evolved a symbiotic relationship with these bacteria — and it’s a good thing. Our microbiota influence digestion, immunity, metabolism, vitamin synthesis and even mood. On the road to good health, friendly bacteria travel with us; and we even pick up some others along the way.

Jeopardizing Diversity

In a sense, this whole concept of good bacteria brings us full circle. In the past, we worried about pathogens like Salmonella, Streptococcus aureus and E. coli. While those are still very real concerns, our emphasis has expanded to gain a better understanding of how we can maintain a healthy internal ecosystem. For example, what happens if friendly flora get out of balance, with certain bacterial strains taking over and others dying out? How do our bodies respond?

Preliminary studies are pointing out the benefits of diversity. There are many complex relationships, both between our bodies and resident bacteria, and between the bacteria themselves. Research indicates that having (or not having) the right bacteria in place can make a big impact on health. Specific microbes may help reduce inflammation; fight autoimmune disorders; and combat conditions like diabetes, heart disease, allergies and asthma. Extinguishing them may put us at greater risk for a number of chronic diseases.

For example, over the past decades, farmers have given small doses of antibiotics to livestock to make them grow fatter. No one really understood why this worked, but we are beginning to understand that antibiotics may be destroying bacteria that maintain healthy weight and favoring bacteria that encourage rapid weight gain. Early studies suggest that this may also be a factor in America’s obesity epidemic. Bottom line: It’s important not to upset these careful balances.

Unfortunately, however, that seems to be exactly what we are doing. Overusing antibiotics, keeping our environments squeaky clean with chemical solvents, eating a highly processed “Western” diet — these habits play a role in minimizing the diversity and health of our microbiota.

We may also be endangering our microbiota in other ways. A recent study of microorganisms in poultry found that they react badly to glyphosate, the active chemical in the ubiquitous herbicide, Roundup®. Specifically, beneficial bacteria are killed, while dangerous pathogens, such as Salmonella, become virulent. There’s also concern that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be damaging our microbiota. This collateral damage may help explain the significant increase in allergies, autoimmune disorders and other chronic conditions since the mass introduction of GMOs into our food supply over a decade ago.

Gut Reaction

Efforts to study our microbiota are relatively new; caution is in order. Sometimes, as research becomes more focused, we gain new information that may contradict earlier recommendations. So it’s important not to overreact.

On the other hand, we have enough data to make some informed decisions. For example, scientists who have studied microbiota in indigenous cultures cut off from Western influences have found more variety in their gut microbes. These peoples tend to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and less meat — a diet plan I have emphasized for decades. Eating a variety of sprouted, whole grains may also feed our microbiota. This can be likened to providing specific fertilizers for different plants.

We should also be eating fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, yogurt and many others. These probiotic foods are full of beneficial bacteria.

Definitely avoid processed foods. In addition to being nutritionally inert, they may be starving our favorite, most beneficial microbes. The various chemicals and additives used in these food products may also harm probiotic bacteria. At least one researcher has noted that processed foods may be influencing microbes to make our gut linings more permeable, allowing toxins to leak into the bloodstream, which can lead to chronic inflammation and allergies.

A diet high in fiber helps to build a foundation for healthy microbiota in the digestive tract, with raw cabbage being a top recommendation. Cabbage is very high in fiber, enzymes and beneficial bacteria, along with numerous other phytonutrients that support digestive, immune and overall health.

Beyond Diet: Supplements For Protection

When looking at the big picture of microbe imbalances, we see a relationship between poor digestion, immune issues, chronic inflammation and toxic body burden from pesticides and other pollutants. These issues can ultimately lead to serious chronic illnesses, so it’s important to actively support and protect our microbiota in our efforts to ward off more severe imbalances.

In addition to eating probiotic-rich, fermented foods, I recommend a high-quality probiotic supplement, which can support numerous areas of health by helping to populate the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria. Also incorporate prebiotic supplements, such as FOS (fructooligosaccharides), which act as a food source for the beneficial microbes.

For removal of toxins, pesticides and other pollutants that harm friendly microbes, I recommend modified citrus pectin (MCP), derived from the pith of citrus fruits. MCP is shown to safely remove heavy metals and toxins, boost immunity and bind to an inflammatory protein called galectin-3 to block its pro-cancer, degenerative effects throughout the body.

For immunity, medicinal mushrooms are also an excellent choice. The beta-glucans and other therapeutic compounds found in many medicinal mushrooms seem to act with an uncanny intelligence in the body, energizing individual immune cells and helping to train our immune system to better respond. This can be especially helpful when treating allergies and autoimmune reactions. Medicinal mushrooms also help detoxify the body of harmful pollutants.

For overall digestive health, I recommend a comprehensive digestive formula that includes pomegranate seed, lesser galangal root, black pepper fruit, cinnamon and Chinese cardamom extract, as well as other traditional Chinese herbs and nutrients. Improving digestion helps keep our beneficial bacteria healthy and happy.

We are only scratching the surface on our understanding of the complex human microbiota, but what we’re finding reinforces a holistic approach to overall health. First, do no harm: Stay away from processed foods, antibiotic soaps and non-organic foods. Take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. Then, nourish your friendly microbes with a diverse array of whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, cultured foods and targeted supplements. The health benefits may be as vast as our own internal ecosystems.