What GI Bacterial Strain is the Best for Overall Human Health?

None; Abundance and Diversity is Key

Julia Malkowski, ND DC | June 30, 2022

What do irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, anorexia nervosa, aging, neurotransmitter imbalance, extroverted behavior, obesity, bipolar disorder and allergic rhinitis all have in common? These seemingly unrelated conditions have all been linked to abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) bacterial abundance and diversity. Based on recent research it appears that a healthy bacterial ecosystem is a major factor regarding physiology linked to the GI microbiome. One would be hard pressed to find any study regarding human health and the GI microbiome that doesn’t mention bacterial diversity as well as abundance. The best evidence points to a comprehensive consideration of the GI bacterial community as a whole.

Once almost exclusively discussed by a subset of specialists, the GI microbiome has entered the common vernacular relatively recently. This is logical as GI disturbances are very common in the US. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 49% of adults have suffered constipation or diarrhea. Constipation is the most common digestive compliant in the US. Ask these same individuals what is the best course of action to address these digestive complaints and it might come as no surprise that commercially available over the counter aids, such as laxatives and probiotics, are a common theme. Yet, precisely what is missing from the prevailing consensus regarding GI health may be the most important aspect…the overall composition of the GI bacterial community.

In an effort to align host physiology and traditional monotherapy, the quest to identify a distinct bacterial species significant to human health has emerged. While keystone bacteria, including but not limited to Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii have proven valuable, they don’t represent the entire GI bacterial community. The GI microbiome consists of an intricate network of a multitude of bacteria (as well as yeast, viruses, archaea and their respective DNA) that operate synergistically. Solely focusing on a few bacteria is not aligned with physiology. Furthermore, bacteria are capable of communicating and even transferring genes to increase their likelihood of survival.

To effectively address the GI bacterial ecosystem, one must consider the bacteria as the unique organisms they are. These bacteria need their proper energy sources to ensure optimal survival. The preferred energy source of the bacterial residents of the GI microbiome is soluble fiber. Providing adequate dietary soluble fiber at 8-12 grams QD will typically support optimal populations. Supporting healthy bacterial communities is an aspect of human health and evaluating the overall composition can be an invaluable tool concerning individualized medicine.

The evidence is clear, a robust GI microbial community is important. A mono-therapeutic approach is not the best fit regarding the GI microbiome and host physiology. Rarely have more than two clinical trials with the same probiotic strain and the same diagnosis been completed, rendering clinical decisions regarding a single strain problematic. The current evidence supports that a healthy bacterial ecosystem is a factor regarding physiology. In the case of host health status and the GI microbiome, an abundant and diverse microbial community is important.

 

References


  1. Brüssow H. (2019). Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update. F1000Research, 8, F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.19043.1
  2. Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States, Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States | NIDDK (nih.gov)
  3. Evans, S. J., Bassis, C. M., Hein, R., Assari, S., Flowers, S. A., Kelly, M. B., Young, V. B., Ellingrod, V. E., & McInnis, M. G. (2017). The gut microbiome composition associates with bipolar disorder and illness severity. Journal of psychiatric research87, 23–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.12.007
  4. Gacias M, Gaspari S, Santos PM, et al. Microbiota-driven transcriptional changes in prefrontal cortex override genetic differences in social behavior. Elife. 2016;5:e13442. Published 2016 Apr 20. doi:10.7554/eLife.13442
  5. Pedersen, Traci. Gut Bacteria Impacts Toddlers’ Behavior, Particularly Boys. Psych Central. 8 Aug 1018.
  6. Vuong HE, Yano JM, Fung TC, Hsiao EY. The Microbiome and Host Behavior. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2017;40:21–49. doi:10.1146/annurev-neuro-072116-031347
  7. Seitz, J., Trinh, S., & Herpertz-Dahlmann, B. (2019). The Microbiome and Eating Disorders. The Psychiatric clinics of North America42(1), 93–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2018.10.004
  8. Watts, A. M., West, N. P., Zhang, P., Smith, P. K., Cripps, A. W., & Cox, A. J. (2021). The Gut Microbiome of Adults with Allergic Rhinitis Is Characterised by Reduced Diversity and an Altered Abundance of Key Microbial Taxa Compared to Controls. International archives of allergy and immunology182(2), 94–105. https://doi.org/10.1159/000510536

Hormone Testing and Prescribing: Practical Applications for Clinical Cases

Lylen Ferris, ND

July 6, 2022 at 9:30 AM and 12 PM Pacific

Approximately 60 minutes with Q&A

Learning Objectives:


  1. Differentiate nomenclature that describes various hormone treatments
  2. Understand general dosage considerations including: routes of administration, potencies, and schedules
  3. Identify laboratory monitoring schedules
  4. Gain fluency in writing Rx's for compounded BHRT formulations
  5. Review commonly seen cases and treatment considerations

Immune Rejuvenation

Heather Zwickey, PhD

August 3, 2022 at 9:30 AM and 12 PM Pacific

Approximately 60 minutes with Q&A

Regardless of whether you experienced an infectious disease, your immune system has suffered in the past couple of years. As we work to restore immunity in our post pandemic world, we must be aware of how our immune systems have been affected by SARS-CoV2 infection, social isolation, insomnia, and anxiety. We know diets and nutritional habits changed; work/life balance changed; and stress increased beyond our wildest projections. This seminar will discuss immune health in the context of our individualized microbial ecosystems, our hormones, and environmental exposures. We will highlight our current understanding of how the gut microbiome and immune system interact to achieve health, as well as how the microbiome is affected when we reconnect with each other. Finally, we will discuss a strategy to support immune rejuvenation in yourself and your patients.

Disclaimer: All information given about health conditions, treatment, products, and dosages are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.

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