To this day, the links between Western lifestyles and associated eating habits are still being debated by scientists.
The human gut microbiome comprises all microorganisms that colonize the intestine. There are about ten times as many gut bacteria as there are cells in the body. A high diversity and a balanced equilibrium of gut bacteria are crucial for health, as numerous metabolic processes depend on them.
A distinction is made between “good” and “bad” gut bacteria.
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Anti-inflammatory Bacteria
Good microorganisms promote anti-inflammatory metabolic processes, support the immune system, and can help prevent the development of diseases.
- The lactic acid bacterial strain Lactobacillus paracasei produces the enzyme lactocepin, which breaks down pro-inflammatory signaling molecules (chemokines). In chronic intestinal diseases, this mechanism is often impaired, maintaining inflammation.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells in the intestinal wall through components of its cell wall, counteracting autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
- Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a strongly anti-inflammatory bacterium, is often reduced in people with Crohn’s disease.
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis can mitigate the onset and course of colitis (inflammation of the colon) through its immunomodulatory effects.
- Streptococcus thermophilus inhibits the growth of pathogenic germs from food. The bacterium has antimicrobial, antioxidant properties, and high acid and salt resistance.
Pro-inflammatory Bacteria
“Bad” gut bacteria promote pro-inflammatory metabolic processes, weaken the immune system, and can trigger inflammation, infections, and various diseases.
- Escherichia coli (enterohemorrhagic) produces toxins that damage the cells of the intestinal lining.
- Sutterella releases toxins that promote intestinal inflammation. If these bacteria enter the body, they can contribute to long-term conditions such as diabetes or obesity.
- Methanobrevibacter produces methane, which can cause bloating and constipation.
Probiotics
Regular intake of biologically active products can be a useful preventive measure for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Probiotics can positively influence the composition of the gut flora, extend remission phases, and strengthen the immune system. Important representatives include bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Conclusion
The composition of the gut microbiome is individual and influenced by numerous factors. When pro-inflammatory microorganisms prevail, probiotics can play an important role in promoting the balance of gut flora and preventing chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Sources
- D. Biase, P. Lund (2015): The acid regulation of Escherichia coli and its significance for pathogenesis – PubMed
- J. Czichos (2018): How probiotic gut bacteria inhibit inflammation
- S. Evivie et al. (2020): Effects of Streptococcus thermophilus on foodborne pathogens
- D. Haller et al. (2012): Using probiotics against inflammation
- H. Jang et al. (2019): Effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium adolescentis in colitis
- R. Verma et al. (2018): Immunoregulatory effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum
- T. Zhang et al. (2019): Akkermansia muciniphila as a promising probiotic
