Saturated Fats Influence Our Intestinal Bacteria

Illnesses and inflammation could very well be linked to the types of fats we consume.

The types of saturated fats we consume in our modern diet has an influence on the types and counts of bacteria in our intestinal system and may also trigger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in people genetically predisposed to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 

Working with mice with characteristics of human inflammatory bowel disease, the University of Chicago researchers found that concentrated milk fats (but not polyunsaturated fats, which are found in plant-based foods and oils) change the composition of bacteria in the intestines.

These changes found can alter the fragile interaction between the immune system and the complex but largely beneficial mix of bacteria in the intestines.

Harmful bacteria can trigger a tissue-damaging immune-system response that can be difficult to turn off.

The use of probiotic supplements can help partially or fully to help restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestines and perhaps be of some benefit in those with IBD. - Nature Journal, June 13, 2012

For more information about probiotics, visit:  www.raysahelian.com/probiotics.html

Also available for help with stomach and digestive issues is a product called JC Tonic.  JC Tonic consists of 18 super herbs, a liquid supplement designed to aid the whole body.  For more information on JC Tonic, visit:  www.healthisinreach.com/Jurak-JCTonic.htm

Shared with:  the healthy home economist

The Power of Probiotics - Dr. Mercola

Dr. Joseph Mercola, osteopathic physician, explains why we need good bacteria in our intestines and how to promote probiotic bacteria.

We have 60 trillion bacteria in our intestine and we need good types of bacteria to remain healthy.

You can achieve good bacteria by eating fermented foods and/or taking a high quality probiotic in supplement form.

When choosing a probiotic supplement Dr. Mercola suggests:

• make sure the supplement does not contain magnesium stearate and/or titanium dioxide (Magnesium Stearate is a flow agent that helps the materials flow better into the capsules.  Actually it promotes a biofilm in your intestines which causes less absorption of nutrients.)
• make sure you look for a high potency probiotic
• make sure the company you purchase your supplement from is doing objective testing on the product

Shared with:  the healthy home economist

Can Probiotics Totally Undo Antiobiotics Damage to Gut Flora?

According to Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist, evidence is now emerging that damaged gut flora may actually be permanently altered by drugs.

Dr. Martin Blaser, MD, of New York's University's Langone Medical Center writes in the August 2011 edition of Nature: "Early evidence from my lab and others hints that, sometimes, our friendly flora never fully recover.  These long-term changes to the beneficial bacteria within people's bodies may even increase our susceptibility to infections and disease.  Overuse of antibiotics could be fueling the dramatic increase in conditions such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and asthma, which have more than doubled in many populations."

Did you know that, on average, most children receive up to 20 courses of antibiotics before the age of 18.  Also, between one third and one half of pregnant women receive antibiotics during pregnancy.  And, with the high rates of C-sections performed, surgical births negatively affects the composition of gut flora in newborns as they completely miss out on exposure to their mother's friendly bacteria while they travel through the birth canal.

If you have been given antibiotics anytime throughout your lifetime, a good defense, is still the use of probiotics, such as, drinking kefir, eating yogurt, supplementation with probiotic capsules.  Your gut will love you for it.

Source:
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Nature

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Strengthen Immune System Naturally

The immune system does an excellent job of protecting the body from various harmful microorganisms.  However there are times when the immune system may become weak and unable to perform its function properly.

The most important thing to remember is that the immune system requires balance and harmony to function properly.  This can be achieved through proper diet (high in whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber), an intake of nutritional supplements and adaquate amounts of sleep.

A healthy immune system is the #1 key sytem to preventing sickness, viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungus & chemicals from damaging the body.

Listed below are 10 natural immune supplements that can be very effective in strengthening and enhancing your immune system function.

1.  Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that triggers the production of cells that are able to find and destroy germs.  100 to 400 mg is the recommended daily requirement of vitamin E.

2.  Vitamin C - Vitamin C stimulates an increased production of white blood cells and antibodies.  It is also known to help in reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers.  200 mg of Vitamin C is recommended daily.

3.  Glutathione - This is an antioxidant that is known to make the immune cells such as the T cells and B cells live longer.  Therefore it can improve the production of antibodies.  About 500 mg of glutathione per day is recommended.

4.  CoQ10 - A powerful antioxidant, CoQ10, improves the ability of your immune system to destroy viruses.  200 mg of CoQ10 per day is recommended.

5.  Quercetin - This is a bioflavonoid that enhances the health and functioning of the cells.  Studies have shown that it helps in blocking the production of substances that cause inflammation.  500 mg is suggested for daily use.

6.  Garlic - Garlic has many beneficial health effects due to its release of the enzyme allinase.  It may be consumed in raw form or may be added to food while cooking.  A clove of garlic a day is recommended.  In the form of extract, it may be taken in the quantity of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon/day.

7.  Curcumin - This is an age-old natural health remedy.  Potential treatment for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, alzheimer, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, asthma, acne and other inflammatory conditions.  www.curcuminresearch.org

8.  Beta Glucan - The carbohydrate component of the beta glucan fiber helps to stimulate the functioning of the NK cells.  These cells constitute the body's first line of defense against infection causing microorganisms.  www.bakersyeastbetaglucan.com

9.  Melatonin - The hormone, melatonin, is a natural immune supplement that helps regulate the manner in which the immune system communicates with the immune cells.  5-10 mg of melatonin may be taken at bedtime.

10.  Go Green - Go Green is a powdered supplement which consists of a well balanced blend of 77 ingredients such as, organic vegetables, leafy greens, grasses, sprouts, mushrooms, plant-based enzymes, antioxidants, friendly probiotics, herbs, and sea trace minerals.  Using low temperature processing maintains the nutrient value, plus live enzyme and probiotic action.  Recommended daily amount: 1 scoop/day in 8 to 12 oz. of water or your favorite beverage.  www.healthisinreach.com/GoGreenNutritionalSupplementandpHBalancer.htm

source:  home remedies for you