Protect your liver health naturally with probio

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.

The presence of certain bacteria and the absence of others can lead to a host of liver health issues, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Research has shown probiotics can help to regulate gut bacteria, and by extension support liver health. One of the ways this helps is through the prevention of fat accumulation inside the liver.

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

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.

When the researchers fed mice a high fat diet their gut microbes transformed choline, a key fat metabolizing nutrient, into methylamines. These methylamines can only be produced in the intestines, and their presence can lead to insulin resistance.

Since choline is required to transport fat from the liver, changes to choline metabolism can contribute to the accumulation of fat. This, in turn, can trigger NAFLD. Improving the balance of intestinal microbes with probiotics could help to 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 non-alcoholic 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. This “good” bacteria help to create essential nutrients as well as generate by-products that reduce risk for certain health problems including digestive disorders, metabolic syndromes, cancers, heart disease and liver disease.

The aging process as well as 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. This 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 and into the cells for conversion into energy, effectively regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue as well as the production of triglycerides, which lead to the deposit of 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. Remember, this is an excellent way to prevent the accumulation of fat around the liver.

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

Bottom line: if you have any digestive health problems – do NOT ignore these issues.  Your digestive tract IS the foundation for your life – physically, mentally and emotionally.