Prior posts have noted the impact of GI bacteria on human health, from their potential to prevent a variety of diseases to perhaps being the cause of other afflictions.
In what has been referred to as an elegant study, researchers undertook human and animal studies to ascertain what effect, if any, so-called probiotic bacteria in yogurt had on the mix of bacteria in the GI tract. The researchers found that in both humans and mice the yogurt microbes boosted the ability of intestinal bacteria to break down complex carbohydrates found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. However, contrary to the rationale behind many individuals consumption of yogurt, the new study suggests yogurt's benefits do not change the bacterial mix, but take a different form (making transcriptional and metabolic changes) that last for only a short time.
As noted in a prior post, it would appear that, absent certain experimental but promising medical procedures, the only certain way to create a truly beneficial intestinal flora is to eat a healthy diet devoid of most of the junk food so popular these days. With such a diet it is much more likely that the bacterial flora will have characteristics that help minimize if not eliminate many diseases that impact older individuals.
As also noted in prior posts (see 1/21/12 & 8/30/10), the key to toxic torts is causation. As suggested in prior posts, one area for exploration in relevant cases is the make-up of the complainant's GI bacteria. This may provide an alternative causal explanation for certain types of diseases (e.g., MS, asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease).
The new study can be found at http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/3/106/106ps41.abstract.
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