The beneficial bacteria that line the intestinal tract may help to prevent the body's immune system from causing inflammation in the gut, new research suggests.
This discovery raises hopes for a treatment for the millions of people who suffer from the chronic inflammation associated with diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers conducted experiments to examine the effects of different bacteria that normally reside in the gut. " We found that a subset of non-illness causing bacteria actually blocked the inflammatory response," said lead author Dr. Andrew Neish, of the at Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, Georgia.
"What we found most interesting is that these bacteria are able to control the host's immune system," Dr. Neish told Reuters Health. "The bacteria appear to turn down the immune response for their own benefit -- to stay in the intestinal tract without being attacked by the body's immune system."
The results of this study may explain the health benefit that people with inflammatory bowel disease may experience when they consume probiotics, according to Dr. Neish.
"Our aim now is to confirm these findings in animal studies using other bacteria, including the varieties found in probiotics, and see if they have a similar effect," he said.
Science September 1, 2000; 289; 1560-1563.
The gut has incredible power in controlling the person's immune system. This is one of the reasons why I advise every single new patient coming into the office to go on a course of beneficial bacteria. I currently use a multi-strain high potency product called Flora Source, which works quite nicely.
I have not been that impressed with Natren's Trenev Trio, which is supposed to be one of the best ones on the market. Clinically, the results do not seem to support the prices they are charging.
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