Microbiome and Toxins: How They Impact the Gut

The microbiome and toxins can have a tremendous impact on gut health. Unfortunately, many are unaware of its importance. In this article, we will discuss the effects of toxins and the microbiome have on the gut.

Microbiome Defined

The microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes that live on and inside the human body. This includes protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The microbiome located in the gut is comprised of trillions of these microscopic microbes.

Gut Microbiome Uses

The gut microbiome is quite diversified, typically performing many functions that affect health throughout the body, including the following areas:

Immune system. The gut microbiome works with the immune system to ward off infection and disease. Recent studies have found that illnesses such as autoimmune disorder, inflammatory, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases have all been associated with “functional alterations in the gut.”¹

Digest fiber. Some gut microbiomes produce short-chain fatty acids when fiber is digested.

Brain health. The gut microbiome has been shown to communicate with the central nervous system, allowing it to have a direct impact on brain functions and behavior. The same study notes how the gut microbiome changes can increase the risk of disease, “ranging from inflammation to obesity.”²

Breast milk digestion. When babies digest breast milk, the bacteria bifidobacteria begins to grow. This specific gut microbiome is the most common in infants, breaking down the healthy sugars in breast milk. Bifidobacteria have been linked to short-chain amino acids, conjugated linoleic acid, bacteriocins, and other health-promoting metabolites. Researchers have concluded that bifidobacteria is essential for growth in infants and overall good health.³

Heart health. The gut microbiome can play a role in stimulating the production of triglycerides and “good” cholesterol. Studies indicate the gut microbiome can play a role in body mass index and blood lipid levels.⁴

Overall gut health. The gut microbiome could be a factor in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies are still ongoing, but symptoms of IBS such as abdominal pain, abnormal bowel habits, and others can be affected by manipulating the gut microbiota.⁵

It’s essential to understand the role the gut microbiome plays in overall health. In addition to understanding its importance (and functions), it’s also vital to know what can cause it damage, such as harmful environmental toxins. 

Toxins and the Gut Microbiome

 Even though the role of the gut microbiome on overall health is still being studied, it is widely accepted that toxins can have a tremendous impact on its functions. As a result, these toxins could increase the probability of illness and disease.

• Exposure to toxic metals in rats saw “significant changes to microbiota composition.” Chromium and cobalt created the most significant changes, while arsenic, cadmium, and nickel had a significant impact on the gut microbiome as well.⁶
• In another study on the heavy metal cadmium, researchers noted a significant decrease in all microflora of the intestines, including genera Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp. and Proteus spp.⁷
• Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) such as bisphenol A (BPA) and Ethinyl estradiol (EE) increase the risk of gut dysbiosis. This risk includes diseases such as neurobehavioral and metabolic disorders. BPA is in canned food linings and plastic water bottle containers. EE is in birth control pills.⁸
• Triclosan is in personal care products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, and antibacterial soap. It is easily absorbed by the body and changes microbes in the intestinal tract. A study on zebrafish found that triclosan exposure “results in an overall increase in the number of negative interactions per microbe in these networks.”⁹
• Exposure to Organophosphates (Ops) often used in pesticides has a direct effect on the human gut and the central nervous system. Ops is linked to neonatal developmental abnormalities, neuroinflammation, endocrine disruption, cancer, metabolism issues and neurotoxic processes.¹⁰

In each of these instances, a person may take medication to alleviate their symptoms, not realizing the root cause of their health issues is exposure to toxins that are affecting their gut microbiome. It’s essential to discover the source of the health issue, not just treat the symptom.

Microbiome Supplements

 An essential first step to good health is eliminating exposure to dangerous toxins. While this is ideal, it may not be entirely possible because some toxins are hidden, or a person may not know they are exposed to them. To help keep the gut microbiome healthy, there are many healthy, all-natural supplements available:

Systemic Formulas: #138 - MBC - MICROBIOME COLONIZER

MBC - MICROBIOME COLONIZER is a gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy and egg free probiotic that helps balance the microbiome. It also helps boost the immune system, as well as provide the optimal balance between microbes and the body. Other ingredients include the following:

Bifidobacterium animalis. Assists in the synthesis of B-complex vitamins, as well as the building of biofilms in the colon.

Lactobacillus acidophilus. When food is consumed, it creates lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other substances to create hostile environments for harmful substances to survive.

Lactobacillus salivarius. Stimulates the production of enzymes that repel harmful bacteria in the gut. It also helps strengthen the immune system.

Microbiome Labs - Wheat Rescue - 60 capsules

Gluten allergies are caused by the normal aging process or gut bacteria imbalances. MicroBiome Labs - Wheat Rescue - 60 capsules support gluten digestion as well as protect the body from hidden gluten sources, such as ice cream, soy sauce, chewing gum, and some candies. This product can also help alleviate symptoms of gluten intolerance and sensitivity.

RestorFlora SPORE + YEAST PROBIOTIC - 50 capsules

Introducing RestorFlora SPORE + YEAST PROBIOTIC: the first probiotic bacteriotherapy product that has combined Saccharomyces Boulardii, Bacillus Subtilis HU58 and Bacillus Clausii, three of the world’s most popular and widely used probiotic strains. This potent mix of probiotics provides high-caliber floral support for maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. Also, this product is designed to remove harmful substances from the gut and strengthen the immune system. 

Summary

A gut microbiome free of toxins and harmful bacteria is key to good health. By taking care of the gut, many common ailments could be eliminated or significantly reduced in duration and severity. It’s essential to know how the gut microbiome works, as well as what can affect it. Decreasing exposure to harmful toxins, combined with taking products designed to strengthen the gut, is an excellent way to achieve good health.

References

1. Levy M, Kolodziejczyk AA, Thaiss CA. Dysbiosis and The Immune System. Nat Rev Immunol. Published. 2017 Apr;17(4):219-232. doi: 10.1038/nri.2017.7. Epub 2017 Mar 6. [PMID: 28260787] DOI: 10.1038/nri.2017.7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28260787

2. Cryan JF1, Dinan TG. Mind-Altering Microorganisms: The Impact Of The Gut Microbiota On Brain And Behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012 Oct;13(10):701-12. doi: 10.1038/nrn3346. Epub 2012 Sep 12. [PMID: 22968153] DOI: 10.1038/nrn334https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22968153

3. Silvia Arboleya, Claire Watkins, Catherine Stanton (et al.). Gut Bifidobacteria Populations in Human Health and Aging. Front Microbiol. 2016 Aug 19;7:1204. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01204. [PMID: 27594848]; PMCID: PMC4990546. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4990546/

4. Fu J, Bonder MJ, Cenit MC, (et al.). The Gut Microbiome Contributes to a Substantial Proportion of the Variation in Blood Lipids. Circ Res. 2015 Oct 9;117(9):817-24. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306807. Epub 2015 Sep 10. [PMID: 26358192 PMCID:] PMC4596485 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306807 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26358192

5. Kennedy PJ, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. Irritable bowel syndrome: a microbiome-gut-brain axis disorder? World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14105-25. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14105. PMID: 25339800; PMCID: PMC4202342. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202342/

6. Kennedy PJ, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. Irritable bowel syndrome: a microbiome-gut-brain axis disorder? World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14105-25. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14105. [PMID: 25339800]; PMCID: PMC4202342. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-24931-w

7. Fazeli M1, Hassanzadeh P, Alaei S.Cadmium Chloride Exhibits A Profound Toxic Effect On Bacterial Microflora Of The Mice Gastrointestinal Tract. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2011 Feb;30(2):152-9. doi: 10.1177/0960327110369821. Epub 2010 May 20. [PMID: 20488844] DOI: 10.1177/0960327110369821https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488844

8. Javurek AB, Spollen WG, Johnson SA, Effects Of Exposure To Bisphenol A And Ethinyl Estradiol On The Gut Microbiota Of Parents And Their Offspring In A Rodent Model. Gut Microbes. Published. 2016 Nov;7(6):471-485. Epub 2016 Sep 13. [PMID: 27624382] PMCID: PMC5103659 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2016.1234657https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27624382

9. Gaulke CA, Barton CL, Proffitt S. Triclosan Exposure Is Associated with Rapid Restructuring of the Microbiome in Adult Zebrafish. PLoS One. Published. 2016 May 18;11(5):e0154632. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154632. eCollection 2016. [PMID: 27191725] PMCID: PMC4871530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154632https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27191725

10. Roman P, Cardona D, Sempere L, Microbiota And Organophosphates. Neurotoxicology. Published. 2019 Dec;75:200-208. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.09.013. Epub 2019 Sep 24. [PMID: 31560873] DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.09.013 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31560873