(NaturalHealth365)  An imbalance of gut bacteria in the digestive system contributes to numerous ailments, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, cognitive issues, immune system suppression, and even cancer.  But that’s not all: recent research is now showing that a gut imbalance can also have a negative impact on liver health.

Certain bacteria, in the presence of others, can lead to a host of liver health issues, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).  Research has shown that probiotics can help regulate gut bacteria and, by extension, support liver health.  One way this helps is by preventing fat accumulation inside the liver.

Unbalanced gut bacteria can lead to insulin resistance and fatty liver disease

A new study published in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology found that the intestinal microbiome and the gut-liver axis play a crucial role in health and disease.  The review summarizes the progress in the field over the last three years, with a focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), autoimmune liver disease (AILD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the microbiome, such as phages and pre- and postbiotics, have shown promise in preclinical models.  Fecal microbiota transplantation has been effective in attenuating liver disease, while probiotics have been found to be safe in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis and to improve liver disease and alcohol addiction.

A 2003 research study at Johns Hopkins University examined the connection between intestinal bacterial overgrowth and NAFLD.  The researchers found intestinal bacteria was relevant to hepatic insulin resistance related to liver disease.

Since choline is required to transport fat from the liver, changes to choline metabolism can contribute to fat accumulation, which in turn can trigger NAFLD.  Improving the balance of intestinal microbes with probiotics could help reduce the chances of insulin resistance, NAFLD, and other related health problems.

In addition to liver health, probiotics hold the key to heart health and lower cancer risk

Imperial College of London researchers also found that altering the microbiome assisted in improving insulin resistance.  Their study confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is likely caused by an imbalance in gut bacteria.

Up to 85 percent of the normal intestinal flora found in the gut microbiome are either harmless or beneficial to health and well-being.  These “good” bacteria help to create essential nutrients and generate by-products that reduce the risk for certain health problems, including digestive disorders, metabolic syndromes, cancers, heart disease, and liver disease.

The aging process and the use of antibiotics can disrupt this important balance in the gut environment.  The loss of good bacteria allows the unhealthy bacteria to become more prevalent, which can then set the stage for a host of health problems.

How probiotics can help to support gut health and healthy blood sugar levels

Insulin is created in the pancreas to deal with elevated blood sugar.  It pushes glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for conversion into energy, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.  Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue and the production of triglycerides, which deposit fatty acids in the liver.  Intestinal imbalance is one of the factors of insulin resistance.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can re-colonize the gastrointestinal tract with positive flora to bring a number of health benefits.  They are also an excellent way to prevent the accumulation of fat around the liver.

Naturally, a healthy (organic) diet and exercise are essential but never underestimate the power of probiotics to enhance overall well-being.

The bottom line is that if you have any digestive health problems, do not ignore them.  Your digestive tract is the foundation for your life – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Editor’s note: Watch My Gut Health Webinar about how to IMPROVE your digestive system and overall immunity.  My wife and I love this simple strategy.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
LiverSupport.com
OnlineLibrary.wiley.com
LiverSupport.com
LiverSupport.com
LiverSupport.com