Bhakti Wellness Center June 2013 Newsletter – Featured Article
By Dr. Drew Litchy
The intestinal tract in most humans is a haven for trillions of bacteria. There are far more bacteria in one’s intestines than there are cells in one’s body. These bacteria are a vital part of our body. As we are learning more about how the intestinal flora interact with the body, we are discovering that that balance and types of bacteria make a difference in health.
There are hundreds of species of bacteria in the gut of an average person, but every person has a unique combination. This makes it difficult to find a perfect standard for what is normal and what is a problem. Although we have much to learn about how the intestinal flora functions, is quite clear that it has a massive impact on various aspects of health.
One way the intestinal flora affects health is through direct effects on the digestive system. The bacteria in the intestines affects how quickly food passes through, and problematic or overgrown bacteria can increase inflammation or even cause disease in the intestines themselves. When the intestinal flora is imbalanced, people may have symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, cramping, or more serious conditions including colitis, arthritis, and autoimmune disease.
The intestines have a high concentration of immune cells and tissues. This means the entire immune system is affected by intestinal health. Helpful bacteria are associated with a healthy immune system, while problematic bacteria are associated with problems in immune system function like allergies, cancer, diabetes, and even obesity.
The bacteria in the intestines affect the metabolism of food and medications. They help us break down foods, transform and digest vitamins, and influence how quickly we absorb nutrients. Problematic bacteria can generate toxic waste products. There have been several studies recently in the news that report increased risk for heart disease associated with intake of fats like lecithin and a nutrient found in meat called carnitine. It appears that intestinal bacteria changes these particular nutrients into toxic substances. These findings may indicate the problem is not the nutrients, but instead the interaction of the nutrients with intestinal bacteria!
When there is a derangement in the balance of intestinal flora, it is called dysbiosis. Normal bacteria can become overgrown, can grow in the wrong parts of the intestine, and/or abnormal organisms can become established in the gut. Each of these scenarios can lead to well-‐defined and easily identified illness. However, they may also cause symptoms and issues that are less specific and not obviously related to the digestive tract.
Antibiotics and other medications can cause dysbiosis. Stress, problems with the immune system, and an unhealthy diet are also culprits. There is a growing amount of evidence linking dysbiosis to health problems. Some researchers and clinicians believe that when there is a chronic health problem, there is also a problem with the balance of bacteria in the intestines.
The health of the intestinal flora can be evaluated in several ways. A trained clinical can perform a careful history and physical exam which may give helpful information. There are laboratory tests that can determine aspects of intestinal health, including the types and numbers of certain bacteria. People who have a chronic health problem or issues with digestion may benefit from an evaluation of their intestinal flora.
Balanced intestinal flora can be cultivated in several ways. Healthy food choices are crucial. When people enjoy a diet rich in whole foods (not preprocessed or from a box or can), they are not only feeding their body well, they are also feeding the healthy bacteria. Whole foods are rich in fiber, fats, and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients are vital to a human body as well as the human intestinal flora. When people eat foods high in ‘bad’ fats, low in fiber, and containing complex chemicals like preservatives and artificial ingredients, unhealthy bacteria and imbalanced growth are encouraged.
Eating probiotics foods with healthy bacteria such as yogurt, kimchi, kefir, or sauerkraut can support the intestinal flora. There are interesting studies on the health benefits of eating fermented foods. One study showed that diabetics who ate one serving of yogurt a day saw improvement in their fasting blood sugar, waist size, and HA1C, even when they did not exercise more or change other parts of their diet!
There are many probiotic supplements that are available over the counter. Unfortunately, these are not regulated and often do not have the amounts or types of bacteria listed on the packaging. Some even contain harmful bacteria. These products may be a waste of money, or worse, unhealthy. An experienced clinician can recommend probiotics that are well tested, and are proven to be clinically effective.
The health of your intestinal flora affects your entire body. By eating whole foods and living a balanced lifestyle, you can support the health of your intestinal flora. If you face an unavoidable stressor such as a round of antibiotics, or have a chronic condition, you should consider addressing the health of your intestines with a qualified clinician.
BIO – Dr. Drew Litchy
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Litchy is a registered naturopathic doctor. He sees patients of all ages with a variety of concerns. Dr. Litchy maintains a general naturopathic practice helping people with digestion, allergies, arthritis, depression/anxiety, diabetes, infections, and hormone problems like hypothyroidism. Dr. Litchy also sees patients with heart disease, complex problems like Lyme and fibromyalgia, and provides adjunctive cancer care to help people reduce side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Dr. Litchy specializes in helping people with problems that can be difficult to address with only a conventional approach.
Dr. Litchy incorporates and utilizes modern medical science with effective natural treatments while never forgetting the individuality of everyone he meets. Dr. Litchy enjoys working with other physicians and healers, and is happy to coordinate care.