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Arpana Church, a neuroscientist at UCLA’s Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center led a study that discovered biological patterns in the microbiomes showing highly resilient people when facing stressful situations, according to a June 24 2024 NPR article reporting on the Nature Mental Health study. 

Scientists believe these pattern discoveries could lead to therapeutic treatments. Here is the full NPR article:

 

Roseburia is a genus of butyrate-producing, Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria that inhabit the human colon, according to Wikipedia. It adds that increased abundance of Roseburia is associated with weight loss and reduced glucose intolerance. These bacteria are particularly notable for their role in maintaining gut health and contributing to the metabolism of dietary fibers.

 

Here are some key points about Roseburia:

 

1. Taxonomy and Characteristics:

Roseburia belongs to the family Lachnospiraceae within the phylum Firmicutes.
These bacteria are rod-shaped and motile due to the presence of flagella.
They are obligate anaerobes, meaning they thrive in environments devoid of oxygen.

2. Role in the Gut Microbiome: 
Roseburia species are known for their ability to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is vital for colon health.
Butyrate serves as an energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), helps regulate the immune response, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
The presence of Roseburia in the gut is associated with various health benefits, including improved gut barrier function and protection against pathogens.

3. Health Implications:

Reduced levels of Roseburia have been linked to several health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Increasing Roseburia populations in the gut through dietary interventions (like increased fiber intake) or probiotics may help alleviate some of these conditions.

4. Dietary Influence: 
Diets high in fiber, particularly from sources like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, promote the growth of Roseburia.

Prebiotics, which are non-digestible food components that beneficially affect the host by stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria, can also support the growth of Roseburia.

Understanding and maintaining a healthy level of Roseburia in the gut microbiota is an important aspect of promoting overall digestive health and preventing various metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

 

(sources: Wikipedia and ChaGPT)

 

 

Bacillus is one of the most common genus of bacteria in the human gut.

 

It is known for their rod-shaped (bacillus) morphology. They are commonly found in various environments, including soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Some species of Bacillus are beneficial, used in industrial processes like fermentation and in agriculture as probiotics, while others can be pathogenic, causing diseases in plants and animals.

 

“Gut Bacillus” typically refers to the species of Bacillus bacteria that play important roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system regulation. Some strains of gut Bacillus are considered probiotics and can confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, such as promoting gut health and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.

Healthy Bacillus species can be found in various fermented foods. Some common sources include Yogurt, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Miso, and Tempeh.

 

Consuming these fermented foods can help introduce beneficial Bacillus bacteria into the gut, promoting digestive health and overall well-being.

 

 

 

A March 12, 2024 issue of Phys.org, reported a conclusive study that our gut microbiome not only vary widely from one person to another, but are indeed unique to each individual much like our fingerprint.

 

The study is led by Michael Snyder, Ph.D., the Stanford W. Ascherman, MD, FACS Professor in Genetics and director of the Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine and co-authored by Xin Zhou, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar in genetics. Snyder, Zhou and their team studied the gut, mouth, nose and skin microbiomes of 86 individuals.

 

Each person’s sheer massive size of their microbiome—around 39 trillion microbe—and the fact that it can constantly change make it difficult to study. 

 

While there are common microbial species found across individuals, the specific strains, proportions, and functions can be very different. Additionally, each individual’s microbial composition are fluid and constantly changing over time.

Dr. Snyder says this is the first time researchers have looked at the entire microbiome of different body sites as a single, fluid system.

 

Enterococcus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Better known for its negative effects on our health, Enterococcus is beneficial as well. Some strains are used in probiotics and can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They help us digest food, produce certain vitamins, and help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.

 

Flavor development: Additionally, certain Enterococcus strains are used in food fermentation processes, contributing to the development of flavor and texture in foods like cheeses and sausages.

 

Beneficial Strains of Enterococcus:

Some beneficial strains of Enterococcus commonly used in probiotics and food fermentation include:

 

Enterococcus faecium: Often used in probiotic supplements to support digestive health and boost immune function.

Enterococcus faecalis: Some strains aid in digestion and compete against harmful bacteria.

Enterococcus durans: Found in fermented foods and sometimes used in probiotic formulations for its potential health benefits.

It’s important to take everything in balance; consuming too much, can become harmful. While these strains can be beneficial, they should be consumed in appropriate amounts and under proper guidance, especially in probiotic supplements, to ensure safety and efficacy.

 

Good sources of Enterococcus in foods and herbs:

Enterococcus bacteria are commonly found in various foods, especially those that undergo fermentation processes. Here are some foods and herbs where Enterococcus can be found in:

 

Fermented Foods:

1. Cheeses: Especially soft cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and certain blue cheeses.

2. Yogurt: Some yogurt products contain strains of Enterococcus along with other probiotic bacteria.

3. Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi can sometimes contain Enterococcus due to natural fermentation.

 

Herbs: 

1. Basil: Fresh basil leaves can sometimes harbor bacteria, including Enterococcus, especially if not handled and stored properly.

2. Rosemary: Like other herbs, fresh rosemary can occasionally harbor bacteria, including Enterococcus.

 

Harmful Effects: While some strains are harmless, others can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Enterococcus can cause urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and more. Proper hygiene and antibiotic stewardship are important to prevent the spread of resistant strains.

 

Harmful Strains of Enterococcus:

It becomes obvious that Enterococcus can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on strain type and quantity.

 

Some strains of Enterococcus can be harmful, especially when they cause infections. The most commonly identified pathogenic strains are:

Enterococcus faecalis: This is one of the most common Enterococcus species associated with infections in humans. It can cause urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and wound infections.

Enterococcus faecium: Another species that can be pathogenic, especially in healthcare settings. It has become a concern due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics.
These pathogenic strains can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems, those with underlying health conditions, or patients in healthcare settings like hospitals. Proper hygiene, infection control measures, and antibiotic stewardship are essential to prevent and manage infections caused by these harmful Enterococcus strains.

 

Summary: It’s important to note that the presence of Enterococcus in foods and herbs is generally not a cause for concern, especially if the foods are prepared and stored properly. In fact, in fermented foods, Enterococcus plays a role in the fermentation process and can contribute to flavor development. Proper food handling, storage, and cooking practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

– authored by Chris Kenji Beer, Herbsprout writer (some sourcing from ChatGPT)

 

 

Akkermansia muciniphila is a species of bacteria naturally present in the human gut microbiota known for its ability to degrade mucin, a glycoprotein that lines the digestive tract. In addition to maintaining a healthy mucus layer in the gut, it thrives in the mucous layer that lines the intestines, where it feeds on mucin, a glycoprotein produced by the cells that line the digestive tract.

Its potential health benefits include promoting gut barrier function, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic health.

Akkermansia muciniphila has specialized enzymes that allow it to break down and consume mucin as its primary energy source. By doing so, it helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier and overall gut health.

While specific foods containing Akkermansia muciniphila are not widely studied, certain dietary factors can potentially promote its growth. These include:

1) Polyphenol-rich foods like berries, nuts, seeds, and tea. Certain vegetables also contain polyphenols, which can support the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila.

2) Prebiotic fiber: Foods rich in prebiotic fibers, such as onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains, can also encourage the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila.

3) Fermented foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi may indirectly support the growth of beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila by fostering a healthy gut microbiome environment.

While these foods may help promote a healthy gut microbiome, it’s important to note that individual responses to dietary changes can vary, and further research is needed to fully understand the impact of specific foods on Akkermansia muciniphila levels.

 

 

Socioeconomic status and population density influence our gut microbiome, according to recent studies.

In one report published by Ars Technicaon March 14 2024, urban humans have lost their ability to digest plants, specifically cellulose which line the walls of plants (1). While humans are host to a mix of cellulose-eating bacteria, urban living has caused the number of these bacteria to shrink dramatically, possibly down to one species. Present-day hunter/gatherers and those living in a rural environment, both of whom eat very high fiber diets, still had about 20 percent prevalence of these cellulose-digesting species. By contrast, those in industrialized countries had a prevalence under 5 percent.

For example, according to a March 15 2024 Science report, researchers found numerous rumicococcus strains, Candidatus Ruminococcus primaciens, Ruminococcus hominiciens, and Ruminococcus ruminiciens, all of which help digest cellulose. These species are found prevalent in great apes and primates, and today’s rural populations, but not in industrialized urban populations (2).

On the flip side, researchers found a number of factors of socioeconomic status (SES). A March 11 2024 the Food and Microbiome Longitudinal Investigation (FAMiLI) study, published in Nature of 825 participants determined the relationship of a range of individual- and neighborhood-level SES indicators with the gut microbiome. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is related to increased incidence and mortality due to chronic diseases, but this study suggests biological factors that influence SES (3).

Certain gut bacteria were found prevalent among low SES, others among high SES participants. For example , low SES individuals showed a higher abundance of Prevotella and a lower abundance of Bacteroides. 

These are broad generalizations, but the study found that Hispanic and Black participants were more likely in poor neighborhoods to have lower SES, including lower education, occupation, neighborhood income, and deprivation. United States-born participants had higher SES as compared to foreign-born participants, according to New Medical (4).

 

1) https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/03/human-gut-bacteria-that-can-digest-plant-matter-probably-came-from-cows/

2) https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj9223

3) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-024-00491-y

4) https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240314/Socioeconomic-status-shapes-the-gut-microbiome-in-diverse-US-population.aspx

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals. While some strains of E. coli can cause illness, such as food poisoning, many strains are harmless and even beneficial.

 

In the gut, E. coli plays a role in maintaining a healthy microbial community and provides benefits such as producing vitamin K2 and preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria.

 

Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be beneficial in several ways:

Normal Gut Flora: E. coli is a natural inhabitant of the human gut microbiota, where it contributes to the balance of microbial communities and helps prevent colonization by harmful bacteria. It competes for resources and space, thus aiding in gut health.

Vitamin Synthesis: Some strains of E. coli are capable of synthesizing vitamin K2, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. By producing this vitamin in the gut, E. coli contributes to the host’s overall well-being.

Immune System Stimulation: E. coli can stimulate the immune system, promoting the development and maintenance of a healthy immune response. This interaction between gut bacteria, including E. coli, and the immune system helps protect against pathogens and maintain gut homeostasis.

Overall, E. coli is beneficial when it resides in the gut in appropriate quantities and under normal conditions.

 

However, certain strains can cause illness if they proliferate excessively or if they contain virulence factors that enable them to cause infections. Certain strains of E. coli can cause infections if they enter the bloodstream or other parts of the body.

 

(written by Chris Kenji Beer with help from ChatGPT)