Fiber Hungry Bacteria Eats Colon’s Lining

Fiber Hungry Bacteria Eats Colon’s Lining

Laurence T. Gayao, MD

Research evidence shows that normal bacteria of the bowel attacks and destroys the bowel wall when feed with food deprived of natural fiber. This was the conclusion by University of Michigan group researchers lead by Eric Martens, PhD.

That is right, natural bacteria in our guts that thrives on eating fiber when deprived of fiber  start to munch on the natural mucus lining of the gut for food. This in turns erodes the lining to a dangerous level in the colon bowel where infection and inflammation could develop. This results in a condition referred to as the leaky bowel syndrome.

 

Leaky gut syndrome is not yet generally recognized by conventional physicians, but new research is now gradually changing that. Dr. Andrew Wells a longtime advocate of the idea even before research proved him right says, “The leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability), is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. As a consequence, some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as: abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, skin rashes, and autoimmunity. The cause of this syndrome may be chronic inflammation, food sensitivity, damage from taking large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cytotoxic drugs and radiation or certain antibiotics, excessive alcohol consumption, or compromised immunity.”

 

Results of  new research  we now could add to Dr. Wells list of causes of leaky gut syndrome the diet low in fiber. In fact it could be very well said it may be the major cause of leaky gut.

 

Another study done by an international cell researchers on mice comparing the effects of high fiber and none fiber diet also showed the breakdown of the protective barrier in the lining of the bowel when you deprive them of fiber.

 

They also tried given probiotics to mice that had low fiber diet and still showed the same destruction of the bowel lining. This goes to show that taking probiotic supplements without correcting one’s diet with high fiber does not do one any good, in fact it may be possibly dangerous.

The researchers also found that the mix of the bacteria in the bowel was altered due to a fiber deprive diet. Four types of bacteria over grew compared to the other bacteria. These 4 groups of bacteria make enzymes capable of digesting proteins in the bowel mucosal lining.

 

You may have heard in the news about small E. Coli (E. coli O157:H7 from eating contaminated meat products resulting in severe illness and death. These infections are potentially life threatening. Small E. Coli produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine, which can cause bloody diarrhea. They have found out cattle that are feed in feedlots with high protein, high calorie diet that are low in fiber  alters their gut bacteria causing over growth small E. Coli which finds itself in their meat after they are slaughtered. One gets the infection after eating the undercooked meat from these animals.

 

The human diet use to have high amounts of fiber, over the decades fiber content has dramatically  dropped. This is due to the shift in eating more processed foods and more animal food products. Our life styles have changed and we eat more manufactured foods for convenience and to save time.

When you buy fiber in capsules or powered form, remember manufacturers separated the fiber during manufacturing food products then turns around selling the fiber to you separately. So, you get a double whammy by paying for the manufactured food and the fiber. That is smart on the manufacture’s part but at the expense of us consumers.

Another conclusion from this research is, taking probiotics with out changing to a high fiber diet is just throwing money down the drain.

 

For decades’ doctors and nutritionists have advocated high fiber diet to improve one’s health by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Now we have the scientific evidence to show that they have giving the right advice all along. Fiber Hungry Bacteria Eats Colon’s Lining, so eat right, eat more fiber. 

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