Gut Bacteria Influences Early Development
According to a recent study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, the presence of bacteria in the gut plays a significant role in the early brain development of mice. Although the authors say it’s too soon to make the same claim for the human brain, there is a lot we can we learn from this study.
Germ-free mice exhibited more “risky” behavior than mice with normal gut bacteria. Gene profiling revealing areas of the brain most affected by the lack of gut bacteria were those of learning, motor skills, and memory. Perhaps most importantly, there is a critical time in early development when the bacteria must be introduced for it to affect the behavior of adult mice; colonization with micro-organisms in germ-free adult mice did not influence behavior, whereas germ-free mice introduced to bacteria early in life exhibited the same behavior as those exposed since birth.
Another study published last June in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that how a baby (a human baby) enters the world affects the quality of bacteria present in the newborn. The research shows that babies born vaginally were colonized by bacteria that matched the bacteria present in the mother’s vagina, most notably lactobacillus, which aids in the digestion of milk. In comparison, babies born by caesarean were colonized by bacteria typically found on mothers’ skin and possibly harmful bacteria commonly found in hospitals, such as Staphylococcus. Breastfeeding also aids in the introduction of beneficial bacteria.
Babies born by cesarean have been shown to have a higher incidence of immune-system problems, asthma and allergies, and the lack of exposure to friendly bacteria may explain why. Researchers in Finland demonstrated back in 2001 that the presence of certain gut micro-flora in newborns prevents allergies and even eczema.
Ultimately, the introduction of beneficial bacteria early in life is critical to the development of a healthy immune system and the ability to fight off harmful bacteria; it may even affect our brain function and shape how we behave as adults. After all, the brain and the gut are connected via the vagus nerve. This explains that having a “gut reaction” is a very physical experience. It would make sense that a healthy gut would translate to a healthy brain.
How do we ensure that the balance of healthy bacteria is tipped in our favor? While consuming probiotic supplements is one way, the quality really varies among products, whereas if you consume healthy fermented foods, there is no question. I have found kefir made from raw goats’ milk to be a powerful medicinal food. Sauerkraut made with raw cabbage is another example of a fermented food which delivers much needed healthy bacteria to the gut. On the other hand, it its important to limit exposure to that which destroys healthy bacteria, such as sugar (sugar in all its forms feeds harmful yeast bacteria), chlorinated water, and antibiotics.
According to the studies however, it is critical that the introduction of a diverse group of healthy bacteria happens early in life. What is present in mothers is passed on to children through vaginal birth and breastfeeding. If either or both is not possible, it is critically important for these babies to be given a quality probiotic supplement. I believe supplementing with probiotics could benefit the health and immunity of all babies and children. For adults as well, to achieve optimal health, introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut throughout your life by adding a healthy fermented food into your diet.
http://ihealthbulletin.com/blog/2011/04/20/good-gut-bacteria-infancy-benefit-brain-development/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/12/beware–bacteria-growing-in-your-gut-can-influence-your-behavior.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/04/14/probiotics-part-one.aspx
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60461/title/Baby%E2%80%99s_first_bacteria_depend_on_birth_route