Tag Archives: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

E-Coli Proliferates in IBD

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease = E-Coli

Researchers at Penn State University identified a mechanism in which Escherichia coli proliferates in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during flare-ups.

Some strains of E. coli are normal, healthy bacteria that compose part of the predominant flora in the gastrointestinal tract. In some patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, researchers have found that the healthy E. coli may proliferate during a flare-up and further contribute to the patient’s symptoms and progression of the disease.

There are several types of inflammatory bowel diseases where opportunistic E. coli bacteria proliferates in the gut. IBD, which primarily includes Chrohn’s  nd ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of all or part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Here is an example of this situation in one of my patients with Chrohn’s  disease.

The mechanisms by which this occurs with E. coli is not well understood. Identifying these mechanisms will help to reduce the E. coli burden on the inflamed gut and prevent chronic diseases often associated with IBD, such as musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions.

Researchers studied the interactions between enterobactin, myeloperoxidase, and lipocalin 2 and how they regulate E. coli in the gastrointestinal tract. Enterobactin (Ent) is a chemical secreted by E. coli that takes iron from host proteins in the body and aids in the growth of E. coli. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an antibacterial protein that white blood cells produce to kill bacteria. However, enterobactin inhibits myeloperoxidase from doing this.

Another protein produced by white blood cells, Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), collects the enterobactin so that the bacteria cannot obtain enough iron for their survival. The researchers found that Lcn2 can counteract the effects of Ent on MPO.

E. coli can be harmful under certain circumstances commonly seen in inflammatory bowel disease. This new study has defined a defense mechanism used by E. coli.

Bacteriophages can be a great option here. They are not very well known but are one of the most abundant naturally-occurring organisms on earth. They can be found everywhere from the soil to drinking water. They only prey on bacteria, never human cells, and the bacteria have a difficult time becoming resistant to them.  Phages are great because they are species specific – meaning different strains attack different bacteria. This makes them harmless to human cells and even to non-targeted bacteria. This is much different than antibiotics that can wipe out all the beneficial bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract along with the harmful bacteria. Phages are classified as prebiotics, and there are specific phages that can infect and inhibit the growth of E. coli only. Lytic phages are completely safe and considered GRAS (through review of published scientific literature, and based on their common use in food).

Cilantro/Heavy Metal Detox

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If you are a Mexican or Asian cuisine enthusiast, you are likely familiar with the crisp, refreshing flavor of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, this incredibly popular herb not only gives these ethnic foods their delicious flare, but also possesses an array of cleansing health benefits.

Heavy Metals

In the past two decades, one quality of cilantro that has captured the attention of many is its ability to detoxify heavy metals such as mercury and lead. This discovery was first made public in a study where 400 mg of cilantro was used daily to remove excess mercury that was deposited in various organs after the removal of amalgam dental fillings. In more recent years, the use of cilantro has become more widely recognized as an adjunct treatment for detoxifying heavy metals and some chemicals such as phthlates, plasticizers, and insecticides. In a recent animal study,cilantro was able to significantly decrease lead deposition in bone and kidneys while also reducing lead induced inhibition of enzyme activity.  Such examples show how cilantro has earned its place among natural, plant-based chelating agents, although more rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine its therapeutic efficacy as a sole heavy metal detoxifier. Nevertheless, encouraging certain patients to consume copious amounts of cilantro may be warranted. These individuals would include those who frequently consume seafood that may contain traces of mercury, children or adults living in old houses with potential lead dust, paint, or water pipes, and those with dental amalgam fillings. Of course, with the increase of environmental pollution, it would be advantageous for all to become fond of this unique, culinary herb.

Reactive Oxygen Species 

Building upon the aforementioned detoxification abilities of cilantro, this herb has been found to be a superior detoxifier of reactive oxygen species, owing to the presence of various phenolic compounds. Previous studies have found high phenolic content in the leaf and seed of Coriandrum sativum, but more recent studies have found the root to contain equal quantities making this entire herb therapeutic. These compounds were studied for their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and found to be highly effective in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, while also arresting the cell cycle. They proved to protect DNA from free radical damage and prevent cell migration.. Thus, cilantro shows promise as an herb that could aid in protecting against cancer, primarily through its capacity to function as a powerful antioxidant.

Drug-Resistant Pathogens

It would seem that cilantro’s detoxing capability extends beyond heavy metals and free radicals, to drug-resistant pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. In the case of the latter, the essential oil from the leaves of Coriandrum sativum was discovered to have strong anti fungal activity against various species responsible for Candidiasis. The volatile compounds found within the leaves of cilantro were able to induce cell death of Candida; affect the biofilm structure; had anti-adherent and anti-proteolytic activity.. In another study, fresh cilantro leaves were dried and prepared into fresh juice, aqueous, and methanol extracts.  These were then assayed against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found to inhibit growth of all species. The antimicrobial activity of cilantro has been well established, making this herb useful for a variety of pathogen-influenced conditions, including dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

The clean, refreshing aroma of cilantro is not only appealing to the culinary artist, but also proves to be a useful tool to the clinician. Acting analogous to a multipurpose cleanser, this unique herb should be a frequent addition to any healthy lifestyle. Most salads, soups or pasta dishes are easily brightened up with the addition of fresh cilantro leaves. Salsa is the most common use for cilantro, but other sauces benefit from this herb as well. Smoothie fanatics can easily add it to their concoctions. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, cilantro is an adaptable culinary spice that promotes detoxification and health.

i have used this product Heavy Metal Detox for many years with excellent results.It is a combination of Cilantro and Chlorella–two outstanding chelators of heavy metals

Note: You do not need dozens of bottles of this product–one or two or at the most 3 should do the trick!