Dear Steve,

DID YOU KNOW that a study from Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that one probiotic strain you will be hearing much more about for obesity and glucose control is called Akkermansia muciniphila?

The authors also suggest that those with dermatitis and asthma also exhibit low levels of gut-derived Akkermansia muciniphila.

This strain is available via supplementation but should never be taken unless you are working with a knowledgable health professional. Please direct any questions to Steve at his direct email address.

• WC Feature* State of the Microbiome
• Your Microbiome and Your Psyche
• December 20% OFF Sale Items
• Case Report

Steve: The gut microbial profile of individuals affected by intestinal disorders and by several other extra-intestinal conditions has exhibited low bacterial diversity, an altered number of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, and an altered Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, according to a sweeping review in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The direction of shift of this ratio appears to relate to certain conditions rather than others: for example, obesity and IBS are often characterized by an increased ratio, with more Firmicutes and less Bacteroidetes, while conditions such as IBD and type 2 diabetes tend to correlate with less Firmicutes and more Bacteroidetes. This indicates how increasing the knowledge on diseases and their gut signature profiles will provide fundamental information on gut-directed treatments.

However, contrasting results have also been identified, with the same conditions being associated to a reduced or increased ratio in some studies rather than others, increasing the need for better individual testing and personalized interventions.

In general, increasing the levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus through a diet rich in plant phytochemicals, unsaturated fats, non-digestible carbohydrates, and with probiotic supplementation has been proven beneficial for intestinal health.

Exercise has also emerged as a contributor to gut microbiome variation, with amateur aerobic exercise yielding improvements such as increased gut microbial diversity and an increase in SCFAs-producing bacteria. Overexercise, on the other hand, has been linked to negative effects on gut health.

The emotional state of individuals, including mood, stress, and anxiety, also influences the gut microbiota composition, and vice versa. Positive effects have been seen with probiotics. The link with dysbiosis in humans is strong and calls for increased attention toward the gut microbiota and lifestyle choices that can improve mental health.

The bidirectional link found between circadian rhythm and gut bacteria also reinforces the need for careful choices not only on the food type, but also on the eating timing, and highlights the impact of jet lag, insufficient and disturbed sleep, on the gut balance. The impact of mental health and sleep disturbances on the gut and the role of the intestinal microbiota in regulating overall health also indicates that by controlling them, general health improves.

Finally, stress management methods such as yoga and hypnotherapy have been employed to contain the symptoms of, for example, IBS.

Exciting times for addressing our gut microbiomes!

Steve: Science is now coming around to the idea that your microbiome, specifically the balance of good and bad bacteria of all of your biomes, is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. A new, wide ranging study that appears in Nature: Molecular Psychiatry covers this subject impeccably.

Brain-body crosstalk constitutes a bidirectional network that facilitates the regulation and maintenance of overall homeostasis in the body by enabling communication between the brain and peripheral organs. This crosstalk involves various components, including the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system, neurotransmitters, chemical signaling, hormones, feedback loops and homeostasis, and mind–body connection associated with emotions. A comprehensive understanding of brain–body crosstalk is crucial for unraveling the underlying mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders.

While our gut microbiomes get most of the attention, the authors of this study leave no stone unturned when linking microbiota to neuropsychiatric disorders. They examine the latest research regarding various microbiota types, including oral, nasal, lung, gut, skin, bladder, and vagina microbiota.

As the image above shows us, even without listing gut microbiota-related dysfunction disorders, there are myriad dysfunction disorders already determined for other organ microbiomes.

The authors implore that it is essential to comprehensively understand the role of the predominant gut microbiota as well as other microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Here is the entire study for those interested in reading it.

Steve: A 61 year-old female came in to see me presenting with fatigue, muscle pain, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, severe dry eyes, unbalanced gait, and borderline hyperthyroid.

Her blood work showed acute and chronic inflammation, prediabetes, liver stress, and thyroid dysfunction.

She rarely ate breakfast, ate mostly processed foods except for the occasional green drink, consumed food chemicals regularly, ate late night regularly, and was addicted to sugar.

She did little physical activity except for the standing she did at her job.

I suggested that she speak with her doctor to adjust her thyroid medication. 

Knowing her symptoms and that she had OCD, we worked together on a plan that worked best under these circumstances. She followed a very specific, balanced eating schedule including breakfast, with lean proteins, fruit and vegetables, and tolerated grains and alternative grains. Late night eating was eliminated.

I also put her on targeted dietary supplements to fill nutrient deficiencies. Once she was in a groove with her eating schedule, she would introduce aerobic activity and yoga.

Her response after checking in at 6 months:

"Hi Steve, I'm doing great with my eating habits, thanks to you! No late night snacking and I'm eating about 90% less sugar. I never thought that I could give up sugar. I've lost 17 pounds. It's hard to be fat when you eat healthy! I go by your guidelines for most meals and by your motto 'don't live to eat, eat to live'. The dry eye is improved. I'm sure that all the vegetables and fruit along with way less sugar has helped my dry eye. It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for everything that one visit with you did for me. Thank you, Steve!!!!"

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Disclaimer: Case reports are not intended for self-healing. Case reports are for references purposes only and should be discussed with your health professional.

A scientific study was conducted with 10 volunteers. Before receiving 5.5 months of chiropractic care they were examined for neck and low back range of motion, balance, posture, reflexes and muscle strength. They also took a Health Survey to rate their Physical State, Mental and Emotional State, Life Enjoyment and their Overall Quality of Life.

The volunteers for this study included one public utility worker, one mayor of a local community, and eight firefighters. After 5.5 months of care they were reexamined and retook the health questionnaire. As a group there was a significant improvement in their mental and emotional state, stress management, life enjoyment, and overall quality of life.

The researchers concluded that, "Even relatively short term chiropractic care has demonstrable benefits for volunteers serving in acknowledged areas of stressful public service.”

It’s amazing what the body can do when there is a better balance within the nervous system. That’s why it’s important for adults and children to be checked regularly for spinal subluxations. Chiropractic makes sure that all systems and nerve signals are working properly, for positive changes to occur. What health condition are you ready to let Chiropractic care help you with?

Dr. Liselotte Schuster is a Holistic Family Chiropractor and has been in practice since 1989. She tailors each visit by using a variety of techniques that she feels are most effective. She loves seeing children and adults reach their full potential, trusting in the healing powers of their body. Dr. Schuster is in the same office as Bonnie & Steve Minsky as they have been in practice together for 33 years. She can be reached at (847)509-9067 or drliloschuster@sbcglobal.net

Bonnie, Steve, Liselotte, Lori, Sharron, Cindy, Diana, Ileana, and Carolyn