Probiotics Shown to Dramatically Heal Food Sensitivities

For those who are familiar with the GAPS diet, rebuilding the gut is of primary importance. After all, the gut isn't only involved in properly absorbing nutrients to keep us fit - it's the foundation for a strong nervous system and immunity as well. When the gut is in top form, food sensitivities and illnesses have a harder time taking root. Interestingly, research has shown that probiotics can also heal the gut to such a point that food intolerance and allergies disappear.

Psychobiotics: Bacteria For Your Brain?

(GreenMed Info) By Dr. Kelly Brogan, M.D.

Every functional medicine psychiatrist has case stories of the 'probiotic cure' – of a patient with debilitating symptoms, often obsessive compulsive range, whose symptoms remitted completely with dietary change and probiotic supplementation. Is this voodoo or is it based on a growing understanding of the role of the microbiome in mental health and behavior? For two decades now, pioneering researchers have been substantiating inflammatory models of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.  Research has focused on markers that indicate immune distress in an important subset of patients, many of whom are labeled "treatment resistant." Through this body of literature, we have identified that depression can be induced, in animals and in humans through inflammatory agents, that it is correlated with blood levels of inflammatory markers, in a linear way (more markers = worse depression), and that symptoms can be reversed through pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories.

Reduce the risk of cancer with probiotics

Considered a nutritional buzzword among the health-conscious crowd, probiotics are well-known as an important addition to the diet for maintaining digestive balance. And now, researches have discovered these micro-organisms are much more powerful than previously thought by playing a substantial role in discouraging, and also healing, cancer.

Probiotics and health

Present in a wide array of foods like yogurt, cheese, miso, fermented vegetables and pickles, as well as in supplemental form, probiotics are the guardians of health on several levels. Not only do these live microbes populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and off-set problematic pathogens, but also work in tandem with the immune system, giving it a substantial boost. Probiotics reduce inflammation, soothe depression and calm stress response too. But researchers are especially enthusiastic about the latest application for these microscopic beasts: cancer prevention and treatment.

Beneficial bacteria and the anticancer connection

A commentary published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition explores the part probiotics play in reducing the risk of cancer:

"Consumption of fermented dairy products with LAB [lactic acid bacteria] may elicit anti-tumor effects. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of mutagenic activity, the decrease in several enzymes implicated in the generation of carcinogens, mutagens, or tumor-promoting agents, suppression of tumors, and epidemiology correlating dietary regimes and cancer. ... Studies on the effect of probiotic consumption on cancer appear promising, since recent in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that probiotic bacteria might reduce the risk, incidence and number of tumors of the colon, liver and bladder."

Moreover, research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that "[i]ngestion of viable probiotics or prebiotics is associated with anti-carcinogenic effects, one mechanism of which is the detoxification of genotoxins in the gut. This mechanism was shown experimentally in animals with use of the rat colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and by determining endpoints that range from tumorigenesis to induction of DNA damage."

Additionally, when prebiotics (found in foods like Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, root vegetables, asparagus, jicama and leeks) are ingested along with probiotics, the result is a reduced load of genotoxic agents and increased production of protective elements like butyrate -- a short-chain fatty acid that guards against colon cancer.

Lastly, keep in mind the following points made by Vanessa Wada, MS, RD, of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center:

"Probiotic-containing foods are fairly common in Japan and Europe but are slowly making their way in the United States. There is potential for these microbial creatures in cancer prevention, but further research needs to be conducted. Understanding the use of probiotics as a part of the whole food vs. the isolated product, obtaining a more thorough knowledge of its mechanism in the gut, and identifying the particular strains that have the largest beneficial impact in promoting health will be areas of future research and interest. And as long as these studies continue to provide positive outcomes, incorporating probiotics into the diet is a safe, easy, and cheap way to protect oneself from disease."

Learn more: www.naturalnews.com/045410_probiotics_cancer_prevention_fermented_foods.html

About the author

Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, natural foods chef and wellness coach, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through ThriveLiving she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision. 

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Research suggests a diet rich in probiotics discourages colon cancer

Good news: If you're a fan of probiotics, another health benefit has been added to the ranks, this time concerning lowered colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A known immune booster, probiotics also hinder harmful pathogens in the gut that can lead to cellular mutations. Not only that, certain species of beneficial bacteria form conjugated linoleic acid in the colon, which may inhibit the development of cancer through anti-inflammatory action.

Keeping the colon healthy and disease-free

According to Cancer Active, Professor Ian Rowland at the University of Ulster, a leading expert on diet and cancer prevention, notes:

How microbes in the gut influence anxiety, depression

We may not give much thought to the 100 trillion microbes living within our guts, but new discoveries within psychiatry have found that these organisms can profoundly affect our moods. In fact, psychiatrists are now exploring the possibility of manipulating these microscopic populations with the goal of treating clinical depression and anxiety—all without resorting to potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs.

The mind-gut connection

The bidirectional link between the emotions and the gut is nothing new. Scientists have long known that the enteric nervous system (ENS) found within the gut is connected to the brain via the vagus nerve, and is so influential that it's often referred to as the "second brain." When we experience sadness, fear or another emotional state, the gut is affected. And yet, the reverse is also true. When imbalances within the gut are present, such as inflammation or an infection, our emotional state suffers as well.

Probiotics shown to dramatically heal food sensitivities

For those who are familiar with the GAPS diet, rebuilding the gut is of paramount importance. After all, the gut isn't only involved in properly absorbing nutrients to keep us fit—it's the foundation for a strong nervous system and immunity as well. When the gut is in top form, food sensitivities and illnesses have a harder time taking root. Interestingly, research has shown that probiotics can also heal the gut to such a point that food intolerance and allergies disappear.

The power of probiotics

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride developed the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet in response to her son's diagnosis of autism. Through years of research, she discovered that avoiding certain foods (such as starches, grains, beans and most sugars) while rebuilding the gut with bone broth, protein and probiotics, lead to dramatic recoveries in her patients. Behavioral disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar, depression, autism, food sensitivities and a host of other afflictions have been successfully treated with GAPS. Even multiple sclerosis responds well.

Win the battle of the bulge with probiotics and green tea

With obesity reaching epidemic proportions, new ways to slim down are in demand. Instead of fad diets and strange drinks, try natural green tea and probiotics. Both are found to be exceptionally effective in helping individuals shed extra pounds and maintain healthful weight.

Several studies have established a clear connection between an imbalance in gut bacteria and excess weight. Researchers found that bifidobacteria levels were nearly double in healthy weight infants between the ages of 6 and 12 months compared with those who became overweight. This may explain why breast-fed babies, who tend to have thriving colonies of bifidobacteria in their gut, are at a lower risk for having weight problems later in life.

Forget Prozac - try probiotics to ease anxiety, curb depression and elevate mood

Could eating yogurt be a replacement for antidepressants? A group of scientists believe so. Groundbreaking research has shown that a common strain of probiotic can create GABA within the gut while also enhancing brain receptors for this neurotransmitter. Naturally produced GABA is a safe alternative to dangerous psychiatric drugs -- it calms the nervous system, promotes tranquil sleep, minimizes anxiety and alleviates depression. This is good news for over 50 million people around the world who use antidepressants.

Perils of a "Prozac Nation"

With a 400 percent increase of antidepressant use from 1994-2008, it looks as though the United States certainly is a Prozac Nation. An astounding 1 in 5 women between the ages of 40-59 use Prozac while nearly 4 percent of adolescents are on antidepressants. Second only to cholesterol drugs, prescriptions for antidepressants rose to an incredible 255 million in 2010 alone. World-wide, the sale of antidepressants totals over 20 billion dollars a year. This industry does not come without serious health risks.