The link between gut bacteria, diet and chronic liver inflammation

by: | January 13, 2018
The link between gut bacteria, diet and chronic liver inflammation
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(NaturalHealth365) A UC Davis Health study has discovered a compelling relationship between liver health and gut bacteria. The study indicates that probiotics and bile acid receptor agonists could be useful in helping to prevent liver inflammation as well as treat and prevent more serious liver diseases.

For the study, mice were fed a typical Western diet that was high in sugar and fat. Not surprisingly, this resulted in liver inflammation, especially in the male mice studied. Interesting to note: liver inflammation was found to be even more pronounced in male mice that were lacking in the FXR (X receptor) – a key bile acid receptor.

How do antibiotics negatively affect gut bacteria?

In antibiotic-treated mice, bile acid and gut bacteria profiles were changed due to the effects of antibiotics in eliminating bile acid-generating bacteria. The research showed that reduced hepatic inflammation from antibiotics decreased bile acids, especially in males.

In addition, the study results suggest that FXR agonists and probiotics could help to regulate this important bodily process. This, in turn, could provide effective solutions for treating as well as preventing liver inflammation and the more serious liver problems that it can lead to.

There is no doubt that liver health and the gut microbiome are linked, and bile acid and microbial imbalance are also closely related. Keep in mind, the liver receives as much as 70 percent of its blood supply from the intestinal area.

Probiotics helps to reduce liver inflammation and protect against disease

Bile acid and gut microbiota profiles may also explain the differences in gender related to liver disease and liver cancer. The rates of these diseases are much higher in men.

The Western diet is notorious for causing damage to the liver and other organs. This is due to its high content of toxic fat, processed sugar, artificial preservatives, antibiotics and refined (demineralized) salt. These components can throw off the balance in the gut microbiome and offset the interaction of the gut and the liver as well.

The study results effectively link changes in diet to alterations of both the gut microbiome and bile acid profile. This indicates that both bile acid receptor agonists and probiotics could be helpful in preventing and treating hepatic inflammation (liver inflammation) and prevent it from progressing into more serious liver issues like liver failure or liver cancer.

A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is the key to many aspects of great health

Much of science supports the strong relationship between a healthy gut and good liver health, and this current study is just another example of why digestive health is so important. The research results were published in the American Journal of Pathology.

A healthy balance of gut bacteria in the intestinal microbiome is essential to many areas of health, including immune system functioning, digestion, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding and effectively dealing with cancerous conditions, and maintaining emotional stability.

Probiotics offer a great way to help optimize gut bacteria for all of these areas of health. But, as we often say – here at NaturalHealth365 – be sure to check with an experienced healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.
Bottom line: a healthy digestive system is so important for keeping the liver healthy and avoiding the unwanted symptoms of chronic disease.

Editor’s note: The NaturalHealth365 Store offers the finest quality probiotics on the market.  Click here to order today!*

*And, yes, your purchase helps to support our operations at NaturalHealth365. Thank you.

Sources for this article include:

Eurekalert.org
MedicalNewsToday.com

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