The Secret Key to Your Health and Happiness: Gut Bacteria

Since 2007, the Human Microbiome Project at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has been investigating the remarkable array of bacteria residing in the human body. In 2008, the European Commission and China collaborated to launch the Metagenomics of the Human Intestinal Tract Project (MetaHIT), furthering this crucial research.

Traditionally, scientists focused on a limited number of harmful bacteria, developing antibiotic treatments as the primary response. However, advancements in DNA sequencing technology, along with insights from the Human Genome Project, have opened the door to exploring a much broader spectrum of microorganisms—both harmful and beneficial—that far exceed our prior understanding.[1]

While we inherit over 22,000 genes from our parents, the bacteria inhabiting our bodies contribute at least eight million bacterial genes, an astonishing 360 times more than human genes.

The collective genetic material from these bacteria is termed the human microbiome.[2]

Your microbiome closely resembles that of your immediate family, as we naturally inherit the microbiota from our relatives. Throughout our lives, we also acquire various bacteria, referred to as “hitchhikers,” through our diet, water, and the environment around us. In fact, scientists estimate that each of us harbors an astonishing 100 trillion bacteria in our intestinal tract alone!

In this diverse ecosystem of bacteria, the host (that’s you) benefits, while the bacteria remain largely unaffected. This interaction is typically described as a commensal relationship. However, some researchers prefer the term mutualistic, emphasizing that both the host and the bacteria gain advantages from this dynamic within the gut environment.

The Importance of Bacterial Balance for Your Health

In 2010, the Human Microbiome Project conducted an extensive analysis of 178 bacterial genomes residing on or within the human body. This research identified approximately 10,000 different types of bacteria, revealing novel genes and proteins that play crucial roles in human health and disease.[3] The vast diversity of these bacteria appears to offer numerous benefits to our well-being rather than posing threats.

According to Martin J. Blaser, the chairman of the Department of Medicine and a professor of microbiology at the New York University School of Medicine:

Germs make us sick, but everyone focuses on the harm. It’s not that simple, because without most of these organisms we could never survive.[4]

He further emphasizes, "I have been a practicing physician and medical researcher for more than thirty years, and this is the most exciting and important work of my lifetime.[5]"

As researchers continue to explore the human microbiome, they are gaining insights into what constitutes a normal versus an abnormal bacterial community.

Proper bacterial balance is vital to healthy immune function, providing appropriate protection against potential infections, playing a critical role in the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients, and even regulating mood.

The interplay among various strains of bacteria is crucial for maintaining health and well-being.[6]

Several factors can disrupt the optimal balance of these beneficial bacteria:

• Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that non-selectively eliminate gut bacteria[7]
• Impact of certain prescription medications[8]
• Presence of disease-causing bacteria, fungi, parasites, and yeasts
• Effects of chronic stress[9]
• Lack of sufficient sleep[10]
• Poor dietary choices and lifestyle habits[11]
• Geographical location[12]
• Impact of travel[13]
• Disconnection from natural environments[14]

Recent research indicates that shifts in gut bacteria may even influence brain function and personality. For instance, germ-free mice exhibit significantly higher levels of anxiety and hyperactivity compared to those with a normal microbiome, which correlates with neurochemical changes in their brains.[15][16]

There is growing evidence that maintaining a balanced microbiota significantly influences essential metabolic processes. This intricate balance plays a critical role in nutrient absorption and the overall regulation of energy.

The influence of the gut microbiota extends far beyond digestion, affecting various bodily functions. Ongoing research into the microbiome promises to provide critical insights that could lead to innovative strategies for promoting health in areas such as mood regulation, metabolism, and the production of essential signaling molecules. These trillions of microorganisms coexist within us and significantly shape our overall well-being.

This unseen network is vital to multiple aspects of our health, from immunity and digestion to our thoughts and emotions. It combats carcinogens and contributes to the synthesis of important vitamins and nutrients.

However, it's essential to recognize that our behaviors can influence this delicate ecosystem. Research conducted by scientists at Harvard School of Public Health indicates that certain lifestyle choices can lead some microbes to adopt pathogenic characteristics, making them harmful and potentially disease-causing.

Maintaining Your Microbiome Health

Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy microbiome, which in turn supports your overall wellness:

#1 - Eliminate Processed Foods - Research indicates that processed foods high in fat and sodium can diminish the health of your microbiome. These foods are often nutrient-poor and contribute to unwanted weight gain due to their high calorie content, which does not support a thriving microbiome.

#2 - Boost Your Fiber Consumption - A high-fiber diet plays a crucial role in achieving a balanced gut microbiome. Experts recommend aiming for at least 30 grams of fiber each day. Foods rich in fiber not only promote weight loss but also help you feel full longer since they take more time to digest, thus reducing your overall food intake. Additionally, fiber aids in stimulating digestion.

#3 - Incorporate Probiotic-Rich Foods - Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, can rejuvenate your microbiome. You can find these in fermented foods; however, be mindful that not all fermented products contain live cultures. For instance, beer, wine, and soy sauce are overly processed and do not support the growth of good bacteria, so they should be avoided.

#4 - Eat Prebiotic-Rich Foods - In addition to probiotics, prebiotics play a vital role in promoting a balanced microbiome in your body. These substances act as food for the beneficial microorganisms that inhabit your gut. Research indicates that prebiotics aid in nutrient metabolism by these microorganisms, supporting overall health while also lowering cholesterol and preventing diabetes. Numerous studies have highlighted their contribution to metabolic health, skin health, and immune function. Prebiotics are abundant in certain soluble and fermentable fibers. Here are some examples:

• Chicory Root (comprising 65% of fiber by weight)
• Jerusalem Artichoke, or earth apple (31.5% fiber content)
• Garlic (17.5% fiber content)
• Onions (8.6% fiber content)
• Leek (11.7% fiber content)
• Asparagus (5.0% fiber content)
• Oats (10.1% fiber content)
• Barley (17.3% fiber content)
• Flaxseeds (27.3% fiber content)
• Chia Seeds (34.4% fiber content)
• Green Peas (8.3% fiber content)

#5 - Incorporate Polyphenol-Rich Superfoods into Your Diet - Polyphenols play a vital role in enhancing gut health by helping the microbiome efficiently absorb prebiotics. These compounds, commonly found in medicinal herbs and various dietary plants, are highly valued for their antioxidant properties and their potential to assist in treating inflammation, as suggested by several studies. Here are some examples:

• Green Tea - Rich in catechins, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Berries - Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants.
• Dark Chocolate - Contains flavonoids, which can improve gut health and heart function.
• Olive Oil - High in oleocanthal, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Cherries - Known for their high levels of anthocyanins and overall antioxidant content.
• Artichokes - A great source of fiber and packed with polyphenols.
• Apples - Contain quercetin and other beneficial compounds that promote gut health.

#6 - Choose Foods Based on Your Blood Type - Different individuals digest certain food compounds more effectively than others. Consuming excessive amounts of hard-to-digest foods can trigger a chain reaction, leading to issues like inflammation, bloating, a sluggish metabolism, and other health complications. Each blood type has evolved at distinct points in human history, offering insights into the dietary patterns that supported our ancestors' survival and prosperity. By following a diet tailored to your blood type, you can experience significant improvements in your well-being in a matter of weeks! To learn more about this approach, click here.

#7 - Give Intermittent Fasting a Try - Research has shown that intermittent fasting can have a positive effect on gut microbiomes. It promotes increased diversity within the colon microbiome, contributing to overall gut health and a more resilient body. Beyond supporting microbiome balance, intermittent fasting offers additional benefits, including weight loss, enhanced immune function, increased longevity, and improved overall health. The fundamental principle of intermittent fasting is to divide your day into periods designated for eating and periods for fasting. Here are several popular methods of intermittent fasting:

• 16/8 Method: This approach allows for an 8-hour eating window followed by a 16-hour fasting period. For instance, you might eat from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If breakfast isn't part of your routine, you could start eating at 12:00 PM and finish by 8:00 PM.
• 5:2 Method: In this method, you eat normally for five days of the week while restricting calorie intake to 25% of your daily needs on two non-consecutive fasting days. For example, if your usual intake is 1,600 calories, you would limit yourself to 400 calories on your fasting days.
• Eat-Stop-Eat Method: This method involves fasting for 20 to 24 hours once or twice a week. For instance, you can maintain a regular eating schedule for six days, eating up until 8:00 PM on the sixth day. After that hour, you would refrain from eating until 8:00 PM the following day.

#8 - Consider Supplementation - If you find it difficult to include probiotics in your regular diet, probiotic supplements can serve as a more convenient option. Moreover, there are additional supplements that can effectively complement probiotics and further enhance the health of your microbiome:

• Utilize probiotic supplements to introduce beneficial bacteria into your system.
• Incorporate magnesium supplements to stimulate your digestive function.
• Consider fish oil supplements to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
• Select blood type-specific supplements; since your blood type influences your dietary needs, your supplements should reflect that as well.

Conclusion

Grasping the significance of a diverse diet is essential for fostering gut health. By incorporating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods, you can greatly enhance the diversity of your gut microbiome. This diversity is vital not only for optimal digestion but also for a well-functioning immune system and reducing inflammation.

In addition to dietary choices, lifestyle factors also contribute to the health of our microbiome. Regular physical activity is known to promote microbial diversity, while high levels of stress can negatively impact gut health. Practicing mindfulness and engaging in stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation can therefore be beneficial for your microbiological balance.

Moreover, staying hydrated is essential, as water aids the entire digestive process and supports the growth of healthy bacteria. Avoiding the use of antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary, is also important, as these medications can disrupt the delicate balance of our microbiome.

As we continue to learn about the incredible world of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, research is revealing fascinating connections between gut health and mental wellness. The gut-brain axis points to the possibility that what we consume not only affects our physical health but can also significantly impact our mood and cognitive function.

By taking these proactive steps and being mindful of our choices, we can foster a healthy microbiome that supports our overall health, vitality, and happiness. Embrace this knowledge as an empowering tool, guiding you toward a lifestyle that nurtures not only your body but your mind and spirit as well.

Finally!

A Probiotic Supplement with Prebiotics & Polyphenols

Most probiotics achieve a fraction of what they promise because they do not contain the prebiotics and polyphenols necessary to achieve the best gut health possible.

Enviromedica’s Synbiotic (Probiotic + Prebiotic) Based Terraflora™

Enviromedica’s soil-based, broad-spectrum synbiotic stands out from the rest as it is formulated with a combination of spore form probiotics, and advanced, food-based ancient prebiotics to nurture the microflora as they enter the gut. Due to the seed-like structure encasing the probiotic bacteria, they survive the GI tract to arrive in the lower intestine intact and alive.

Terraflora™ is a next generation probiotic plus prebiotic supplement designed for advanced gut microbiome support. It contains a specific selection of Bacillus bacteria, proven probiotic species found in traditional foods and ancestral diets. It is the combination of the strains, coupled with the ancient prebiotics that most successfully mimics the natural flora found in traditional and ancestral diets. Due to the complexity and vast variety of bacteria residing in the gut, the human microbiota thrive when fed this synbiotic blend.

Why Is Terraflora™ a Better Choice?

• Convenience: No need for refrigeration.
• Inherent Viability: A matrix of superior, highly-resilient microflora whose organic, seed-like structure survives the early GI tract to reach their target destination—the lower GI tract—intact, alive, and thriving in the intestine.
• Symbiotic Strains: A balanced formulation specially selected to mimic the natural flora found in traditional and ancestral diets.
• Shelf-stable: Highly resilient strains are protected against environmental factors
• Advanced Prebiotic Support: Unique formulation of diverse polyphenols and polysaccharides support healthy intestinal flora.

Your Daily Essentials

Synergistic combination of five best-selling formulas designed to boost everyday health.

• Polyvite® - Professional strength multivitamin especially designed by Dr. Peter D'Adamo to deliver therapeutic levels of vitamin and herbal co-factors for your blood type.
• Deflect® - This product provides anti-adhesive therapy to lectin sensitive individuals. These ABO specific formulas block the effects of dietary lectins before they cause damage, by providing a source of free blocking carbohydrate. Deflect® promotes digestive health by helping to repair damage from 'avoid' foods.
• Phytocal® - This product features a unique natural source of calcium: The small red seaweed called "Maerl" found only in the isolated areas off the pristine coast of Northwest Ireland. Synergistic cofactors specific to each blood type's physiology enhance absorption.
• Polyflora® - This formula was especially designed by Dr. Peter D'Adamo to deliver therapeutic levels of blood type friendly bacteria (probiotics) and growth media (prebiotics) specific for your type.
• Live Cell® - This product features nutritional content of sprouted vegetables and legumes providing a concentration of vitamins and minerals, proteins, enzymes and phytonutrients more than at any other point in the plant's life.

You’re our type. What's yours?

Don’t know your blood type? Find out now ➝

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