May 2016 saw the publication of an open access article, that beautifully captures the zeitgeist of how the food we eat, the microbiome we possess, the genes we express and the metabolomics information we produce coalesce into a risk benefit model.[1]

A review article in Gastroenterologica e Dietologica explores the evidence for the use of LGG as a therapeutic probiotic.[1] Probiotics are becoming increasingly important in basic and clinical research, but they are also a subject of considerable economic interest due to their expanding popularity. They are live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host.

From this very well-known definition, it is clear that, unlike drugs, probiotics might be useful in healthy subjects to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases or to optimise some physiological functions. They also may offer some advantages in already ill persons in relieving symptoms and signs, e.g. people with acute diarrhoea.

A fascinating open paper was published in microbiome in 2013, and its suggested conclusions are now more prescient than ever, as the relationship between genotype, phenotype, and metabolic repertoire in the microbiome is understood to be non-linear.[1] The requirement for a certain functional diversity to ensure a well-functioning cooperative intestinal microbiota is crucial to break down various complex dietary compounds and divide metabolic tasks among different community members.

A new study finds that when young people binge drink alcohol, it disrupts their immune system — and that disruption happens more quickly than drinkers might think.

Auto-immunity has risen to the number one leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. You will be given an overview of the disposing factors required for the development of auto-immune conditions, including infections but focusing on dysbiosis & the relevance of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Case histories of patients with auto-immune conditions with dysbiosis are presented and how and what nutritional intervention supported a positive outcome.

Can proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) protect your brain and even boost brain function? Studies in vitro on animals and humans support that idea. The neuro-protective cytokines in PRPs have a remarkably stabilizing effect on cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease patients. In vitro studies show that PRPs inhibit fibrils and amyloid plaques.[1] PRPs also modulate intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), by regulating glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzymes.[2] Gene expression analysis found that PRPs down-regulate genes involved in inflammatory pathways and increase levels of an Amyloid-beta (Aβ) hydrolyzing enzyme.[3] When given orally to mice, PRPs improve motor and sensory activities.[4] When mice are given either PRPs or plain colostrum, the PRP supplemented mice swim faster to a hidden platform.[5] PRPs also improve spatial learning and memory in older rats.[6]

“Diet is a central issue when it comes to preserving our gastrointestinal health, because by eating and digesting we literally feed our gut microbiota, and thus influence its diversity and composition,” says the distinguished microbiota expert Professor Francisco Guarner (University Hospital Valld’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain).

If this balance is disturbed, it might result in a number of disorders, including functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases and other immune mediated diseases, such as coeliac disease and certain allergies. Also, metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, and perhaps even behavioural disorders, such as autism and depression, can be linked to gut microbial imbalances. Although a disrupted microbial equilibrium can have many causes — infectious pathogens or use of antibiotics among them — the role of our daily food and lifestyle is crucial. Thus, the maintenance of our gastrointestinal health is to a considerable extent in our own hands.

Garlic has long been recognised as a malodorous but important medical plant with a wide range of health supporting properties. Until recently when Turmeric overtook it, it had the greatest number of research papers in PubMed for a food derived health supporting ingredient. In relation to its content of small molecule chemistry, garlic not only has antibacterial properties; it has antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties as well, and it has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems.[1]

Antony Haynes provides a functional medicine perspective on a variety of auto-immune conditions. He presents the information in a series of case histories from his clinical practice. The focus of this presentation is on the metabolic processes involved in the body’s and liver’s  biotransformation (detoxification) pathways which require support when addressing the total viral load or the toxic load within a patient with an auto-immune condition.

Whilst the recognition has existed for many years that deficiency in nutrients and vitamins compromises immune function, some gaps have existed in our understanding.

Whilst I have covered the role of the lipid soluble vitamins A and D in various articles in terms of their immune modulating effects, a research paper out in the Nov 2012 Journal, Nature helps to expand some of the relationships between certain B vitamins and immune functionality.[1]