What used to be affectionately described as intestinal flora is now increasingly referred to as microbiota. They are the wonderful co-inhabitants of our intestines who, in peaceful coexistence, have provided us with everything that we could not produce ourselves or that had to be converted from food. Conversely, we took care of our intestinal flora (intestinal flower meadow) by eating lots of fiber-rich foods, fresh vegetables, fruit and unprocessed, freshly prepared food. This has allowed a balance to develop over the centuries between the bacteria in our mouths, intestines, skin and body cells.
In the past, the ratio of bacteria to body cells was estimated to be 10:1, but today it is assumed to be 1:1 (1). Without getting too philosophical – who are we really – we can recognize how essential our roommates are for our health .
Functions of the intestinal flora
While some functions of the intestinal flora have long been known, modern research is constantly revealing new aspects of its importance. The immense potential that lies in microbiological and epigenetic research is particularly exciting. Understanding the genes of our microorganisms opens up groundbreaking possibilities for future therapeutic approaches. Some of the old and newly discovered remarkable functions of gut flora are:
1. digestion and nutrient absorption
The microbiome helps to digest foods that our digestive system cannot process on its own. It supports the fermentation of carbohydrates and fiber and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which serves as an energy source for intestinal cells and has a neurological effect via the gut-brain axis (2). It plays a role in regulating satiety and contributes to neuronal health by reducing inflammation and supporting the intestinal barrier function (3).
2. synthesis of vitamins and nutrients
Certain intestinal bacteria synthesize vitamins such as vitamin K and some B vitamins (biotin, folic acid, riboflavin).
3. immune system modulation
The microbiome plays a central role in the development and function of the immune system. It helps with the maturation of immune cells and the production of antibodies. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.
4. protection from pathogens
The microbiome competes with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and binding sites in the gut, which is referred to as “colonization resistance”. This prevents overgrowth and infection by harmful germs.
5. metabolic regulation
Microorganisms in the intestine regulate metabolism, including fat storage and glucose metabolism. Changes in the microbiome can be associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (4,5). Certain types of bacteria, such as Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, are known to play an important role in these processes. Water-soluble fiber and bitter substances also contribute to metabolic regulation by promoting the growth and activity of these beneficial bacteria.
6. inflammation regulation
The microbiome produces anti-inflammatory substances that prevent chronic inflammation and are associated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
These substances include:
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Butyrate, propionate and acetate are SCFAs that result from the fermentation of dietary fiber by intestinal bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect (6).
- Secondary bile acids: These are modified by intestinal bacteria and can have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Tryptophan metabolites: These metabolites, which are produced by gut bacteria, can modulate inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier function (7).
7. detoxification and breakdown of harmful substances
Certain microbes break down harmful substances and carcinogens, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
8. influence on brain health and behavior
The gut microbiome is connected to the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis and can produce neurotransmitters and other neuroactive substances that influence the brain and behavior. Research suggests that the microbiome plays an important role in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Diversity of intestinal bacteria for quality of life in old age
These diverse functions of the microbiome illustrate its central importance for our treatments at the Paracelsus Clinic. Research in this field is continually revealing new insights into how the microbiome contributes to human physiology and health. The role of the diversity of intestinal bacteria for the quality of life in old age is particularly noteworthy.
A study by University College Cork in Ireland shows that a greater diversity of microbiota is associated with a higher quality of life and better health in old age. People with a higher diversity of gut bacteria have better physical and mental health, more robust immune defenses and a lower incidence of inflammatory diseases (8, 9).
Importance of the microbiota for epigenetics
The importance of a diverse intestinal flora does not only extend to general health and well-being in old age. Another fascinating aspect is the influence of intestinal flora on epigenetics, which controls our gene expression without changes to the DNA sequence itself.
Dr. Bruce Lipton and other scientists emphasize that epigenetics is more important than DNA itself when it comes to the regulation of biological processes. Although humans have only a few more genes than a fruit fly, it is the epigenetic mechanisms that make the complex functions and adaptations possible. These mechanisms are strongly influenced by the cell’s environment, in particular the environment outside the cell and the cell membrane.
The microbiota in the gut plays a key role in this process, as it generates biochemical signals that control epigenetic changes. Short-chain fatty acids produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by intestinal bacteria, such as butyrate, can induce epigenetic changes. They can influence the activity of enzymes that regulate DNA methylation, which in turn can modulate gene expression (6, 9,10). A targeted intestinal build-up can thus induce positive epigenetic changes that have an anti-inflammatory effect, modulate the metabolism and promote health in general (9, 10, 11).
Protection of the intestinal flora
After recognizing the many positive health properties, the question arises as to how important it is to protect the microbiome as a whole. This includes not only the diversity of the intestinal flora itself, but also the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and the well-being of all microbes. If we look at the outside world as a mirror of the inside world, even in our beautiful country we no longer find many untouched flower meadows that bloom in their full floral splendor and express all their diversity. Much more often we find monocultures, depleted soils, pesticide-treated soils and so on.
The interaction of this microbial community plays a decisive role in chronic diseases. At our clinic, we therefore recommend our patients measures to promote healthy intestinal flora and focus on therapies that aim to support and maintain intestinal health.
The microbiome can be protected by the following factors:
Do not use antibiotics or use them less often
Antibiotics disrupt the microbiome by killing both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. If we look at the word – antibiotic – which means “anti bios” or “against life”, it becomes clear that every antibiotic – in whatever form – is directed against life, including that of our fellow inhabitants, and therefore against ourselves. At the Paracelsus Clinic we strive to avoid antibiotics wherever possible. Instead, we rely on natural remedies that have antibacterial effects. Many plant extracts, for example olive leaf extract, offer not only antibiotic properties, but also antiviral and antifungal properties. Its bitter substances also support the maintenance of a healthy microbiome.
Gut-friendly diet
For a healthy intestinal flora, it is crucial not only to avoid these gut-destroying substances such as sugar, alcohol, additives, preservatives, pesticides, etc., but also to specifically consume nutrients that support the intestinal bacteria.
Water-soluble fiber, which is found in oatmeal, seeds, vegetables, legumes and whole grain products, for example, serves as food for the beneficial intestinal bacteria and promotes their growth and activity. Without a rich culture medium, the good bacteria will not colonize, no matter how many probiotics are taken, but will disappear again with the next stool. Another example of maintaining a healthy microbiome are phytochemicals, easily recognizable in the colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. Among these, green leafy vegetables are one of the most important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nutrient-rich plants for regenerating the intestinal mucosa and intestinal flora.
At our clinic, we therefore recommend a balanced, nutritious diet rich in water-soluble fiber, phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory nutrients to promote and maintain gut health.
Anti-stress measures
Chronic stress alters intestinal motility and significantly disturbs the bacterial balance. The microbiome is closely linked to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, including intestinal activity. A disturbed balance in the microbiome can impair communication between the gut and the brain and lead to a variety of neurological problems. Neuroactive substances such as serotonin, which is often referred to as the “happiness hormone”, are largely produced in the intestinal mucosa. Serotonin plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep and appetite.
The common denominator of almost all our diseases and signs of our times is that stress in any form should be reduced. Stopping, taking a deep breath, reflecting on what is really important, taking time for a friendly word, supporting and encouraging each other – who doesn’t need that?
At our clinic, we offer mind-body medicine to reduce stress and thus support the health of the microbiome and overall gut health.
Avoid toxins and chemicals
Avoiding pesticides, heavy metals, nicotine and chemical substances from medication can help to heal and rebalance the microbiome. These harmful substances can disrupt the bacterial balance in the intestine, kill off the beneficial bacteria and damage the intestinal mucosa.
We are also concerned about the increasing breeding of genetically modified foods. While the industry is focused on increasing yield, herbicide tolerance and changing the composition of, for example, sunflower oil, the health effects are not always a priority.
At the Paracelsus Clinic, we specialize in removing a wide range of environmental toxins from the intestines and the entire organism. Whether with specific nutritional supplements, infusions, whole-body hyperthermia, physical applications or hydro-colon therapy – it is possible to reduce the stress and heal the intestines.
Sufficient physical activity
Regular exercise promotes a healthy microbiome, while a lack of exercise increases the risk of dysbiosis. This is because physical activity improves blood flow to the intestines, stimulates intestinal motility and releases anti-inflammatory substances. Exercise also supports the immune system and helps to reduce stress, which in turn can have a negative impact on the microbiome. An old proverb says: “After eating, you should rest (stress relief) or take 1000 steps.”
Sufficiently good sleep
Insufficient sleep or irregular sleep patterns can affect the microbiome. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can change the composition of intestinal bacteria, potentially leading to health problems.
There are some preventable factors to sleep deprivation such as getting enough sunlight and exercise in the fresh air during the day and avoiding blue light in the evening. All sources of electromagnetic radiation (WIFI router, cell phone, DECT phone, Bluetooth…) should be switched off at night.
Microbiome and chronic diseases
Certain infections and chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can directly damage the microbiome. These conditions can disturb the bacterial balance and impair the function of the microbiome.
Over the last three years, we have seen a significant increase in inflammatory bowel diseases as well as food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. As the immune system is closely linked to the gut, it is extremely important to care for and protect our intestinal flora.
As the intestinal flora is also responsible for the production of messenger substances to the brain, we must bear in mind that influencing the microbiome in the direction of monoculture makes our thinking and feeling one-sided. So often we have to rely on our gut feeling to understand our times – another reason to preserve the diversity of our fellow thinkers.
At the Paracelsus Clinic you have the opportunity to have your intestinal flora examined. At the same time, the permeability of the intestine (leaky gut), inflammation, the immune system and the function of the pancreatic enzymes can be assessed. Food intolerances can be tested and conclusions can be drawn about the internal environment in the dark field. Therapeutically, you have a whole range of treatment options at your disposal that address all of the above-mentioned issues. Biofilm treatment has already been described in a previous newsletter. In any case, colon hydrotherapy is extremely valuable because, in addition to its detoxifying effect, it has a deep effect on the vegetative system and relaxes it.
Health promotion through colon hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle and effective method for cleansing the colon and plays an important role in the holistic treatment of chronically ill people. This form of therapy aims to support the intestinal structure, relieve the liver, strengthen the autonomic nervous system, improve the internal environment and promote lymph flow. Our therapists have undergone intensive training in colon hydrotherapy to ensure that the treatment is carried out in the best possible way and offers the greatest health benefits.
The role of therapeutic massage
During colon hydrotherapy, massage is an essential part of the treatment. Our therapists are trained to use targeted massage techniques to promote the mobilization of stool residues and stimulate intestinal peristalsis. These massages help to loosen hardened or stagnant areas in the intestines and optimize the cleansing process.
Probiotic enemas
Another important aspect of our treatment is reflorization, in which a bolus of probiotic bacteria is introduced during the intestinal bath. These good bacteria help to restore the natural balance of the intestinal flora, which is of great importance for intestinal development. Using this method, we can ensure that the intestine is not only cleansed, but also immediately recolonized with beneficial microorganisms.
The key role of the microbiome
Promoting intestinal health is an essential part of the holistic treatment of chronically ill people. By thoroughly building up and cleansing the intestines, relieving the liver, strengthening the immune system, improving the internal environment and promoting lymph flow, our therapies support one of the most important pillars of our patients’ health. With a higher diversity of intestinal bacteria in particular, we can reduce the incidence of inflammatory diseases and achieve a generally higher quality of life.
With the combination of relief, detoxification and reconstruction, we offer a holistic and effective treatment method that goes far beyond a simple colon cleansing.
Imagine a flowering meadow full of life, beauty and diversity.
References:
- Sender R., Fuchs S., & Milo R. (2016). Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body. PLOS Biology.
- Stilling R. M., et al. (2016). The neuropharmacology of butyrate: The bread and butter of the microbiota-gut-brain axis? Neurochemistry International, 99, 110-132.
- Gao Z., et al. (2009). Butyrate enhances the intestinal barrier by facilitating tight junction assembly via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in Caco-2 cell monolayers. J of Nut, 139(9), 1619-1625.
- Qin J., et al. (2012). A metagenome-wide association study of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes. Nature, 490(7418), 55-60.
- Ley R. E., et al. (2006). Microbial ecology: human gut microbes associated with obesity. Nature, 444(7122), 1022-1023.
- Koh A., et al. (2016). From dietary fiber to host physiology: short-chain fatty acids as key bacterial metabolites. Nature Communications, 7, 10514.
- Rooks M. G., & Garrett, W. S. (2016). Gut microbiota, metabolites and host immunity. Nat Rev Immune, 16(6), 341-352.
- Jeffery I. B., et al. (2016). Diverse and rich microbiota linked to quality of life in aging individuals. Nature.
- Sonnenburg, E. D., & Sonnenburg, J. L. (2014). Diet-induced extinctions in the gut microbiota compound over generations. Nature.
- Trompette A., et al. (2014). Gut microbiota metabolism of dietary fiber influences allergic airway disease and hematopoiesis. Nature Medicine, 20(2), 159-166.
