Updated: 22 June 2018,

Did you know that your digestive system is at risk of illness, disease and autoimmune disorders when your bacterial colonies are out of balance?

When the good bacteria are overridden by the bad ones, they override the good and begin to produce toxins and destroy tissue by feeding on it. The good bacteria is also known as pro-biotics. Pro-biotics are friendly bacteria that live in the gut and intestines and act to crowd out unfavorable pathogens, such as yeasts and toxic bacteria that may otherwise cause ill-health. Pro-biotics are naturally found in the body. You can also find them in foods and supplements.

Our lower intestine requires at least 85% of friendly bacterial colonies to fight off micro-organisms like E. coli and salmonella. “Poor eating habits, chlorinated drinking water, stress, use of antibiotics, medical treatments can destroy the gastrointestinal micro flora and allow harmful bacteria to multiply. Thus, make the body susceptible to yeast and bacterial infection and other disorders including gas, cramping, or diarrhea (Gupta 2009).” Our colon can maintain health with a 15% balance of bad bacteria. However most people have these percentages reversed.

Within developing countries resistive bacteria to anti-biotics appears to be evolving through engineered foods. Big agriculture now produces most of our food crops and livestock feed from GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seed. And those seeds are DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) engineered to produce crops that kill pests and thrive through a deluge of chemical spray that otherwise kill everything else around it.

Today most commercial crop seeds are genetically engineered and farmed in a lab. Whereas the DNA has been modified to produce perfect fruit and vegetables with little sign of imperfection. And at some molecular and insidious level appear to be incompatible with our DNA and gut bacterial balance. The focus here is to examine how GMO foods may have an overall negative effect on bacterial gut and intestinal health. And how our bodies are less resistive to bad bacteria causing ill-health problems.

It is important to understand how GMO food and anti-biotic treatment relates to gut and intestinal health.

When our immune systems become weak, or ravaged with infection often patients use, or request anti-biotics for the wrong pathogenic problem. Or patients save them from a previous prescription to self-treat without doctor approval. In these cases the patient doesn’t understand how improper use of antibiotics may harm them.

For example, if you have a virus i.e., cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and other sinus and ear infection, we often request anti-biotic medicine from a doctor. But treating a virus with an anti-biotic may cause more harm than good. Overuse of the drug is known to cause a resistance to them; thereby rendering an ineffective fight against infection.

Talk to your doctor about the differences between virus vs. bacterial illness and disease and proper drug treatment options. The point here, don’t take anti-biotics unless you need them.

Some of the foods you consume have modified DNA resistant bacterial organisms that appear to cause resistance to anti-biotic drugs. And when taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases bacterial bug resistance to the medication. And if you ever need a lifesaving anti-biotic, that super bug may be immune to it.

Epidemiological medical evidence shows increasing evidence of resistance to antibiotic treatment in developed countries. The common cause denominator? Big-Ag within developed countries use GMO crop seeds sprayed with thousands of tons of insecticides and herbicides annually which are absorbed into the crops. Then sold within the marketplace. Virtually every processed food you encounter at your local supermarket that does not bear the 100% USDA “Certified Organic label is likely to contain at least one GE [Genetically Engineered] component. If it does not say “100% USDA Organic on the label, for example, if it says just organic or made with Organic, it is highly likely it contains GMO product” (Haug 2011).

GMO seeds produce large crop yields, including crops not fit for human consumption but used to feed livestock and 3rd world countries. The livestock grass, corn and grain feed are also chemically treated and absorbed into livestock through consumption and passed into humans that consume them. These GE foods appear to have an accumulative ill-health effect on the gut and intestinal health, aside from causing immune systems to become resistant to anti-biotics.

Also there is another potential risk associated with GMO crops. Whereas national crop seed shortages could occur if they fail to kill a highly resistive super bug or weed regardless of chemical application used. Nature has a funny way of surviving against all odds. This in genetics is known as survival of the fittest. And super bugs appear to be winning over mans ability to keep them at bay.

There are already signs this is occurring. There’s a lot of data that illustrates how it takes significantly more chemicals to kill the super weeds and bugs today because of crop seed DNA genetic manipulation where chemical application is used to boost seed resistance against evolving super bugs and weeds.

If something doesn’t change within our farming practices we may become dependent on other countries to feed us. Although this may sound far-fetched, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. How would this be possible? Let’s break down the GMO and anti-biotic resistive gene concept to better understand how a failure of crop yield could cause a disastrous global food bank shortage and health pandemic.

Aside from super bugs and weeds that become resistive to chemical sprays and genetically engineered seeds that fail to be chemically resistant; there is concern over global, or transatlantic plant manipulation and the antibiotic resistive cause and effect on human health. Antibiotic resistance genes are frequently used at several stages in the creation of genetically engineered plants. “Concern has been raised about the possibility that antibiotic resistance genes used to make transgenic plants [or Genetically Modified Plants] could be transferred to microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tracts of humans or other animals that eat them, and therefore might contribute to the already serious problem of antibiotic resistant pathogens” (CASA 2016). Most specifically on a national and/or global scale.

What is the relationship between GMO foods, bacterial balance in the body and illness and disease? Antibiotic resistance genes from GM foods are taken up by bacteria in the gut during digestion. “If bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes were ever to cause infection, it would be very difficult for doctors to treat. Until now, however, there is no real proof that the antibiotic resistance genes in GM plants pose a threat. Regardless, as a precautionary measure, some experts say that antibiotic resistance genes should not be used” (GMO-Compass 2006).

Recall GMO seeds DNA has been changed to kill insects and survive a deluge of chemical sprays designed to kill weeds, molds and other bad microorganisms detrimental to healthy crop yields. Therefor it makes sense a GM-seed-to-crop food makes it possible for us to become host to a super bug, then un-treatable disease becomes more likely. Whereas a medical condition may not be any match against a flesh eating bacteria.

Many believe this has already occurred in the form of any number of bacterial organisms resistive to antibiotic treatment with the potential to cause life-threatening bloodstream infections, pneumonia and surgical site infections. MRSA appears to be such a bacteria. “During the past four decades, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA, has evolved from a controllable nuisance into a serious public health concern. MRSA is largely a hospital-acquired infection, in fact, one of the most common. Recently, however, new strains have emerged in the community that are capable of causing severe infections in otherwise healthy people” (NIH 2016).

If you want to know more information on topic simply type into any search engine MRSA, GMO and intestinal bacteria and disease.

To improve bacterial balance within the body the best bacteria to consume is high in flora from raw vegetables and fruits and now in supplemental pro-biotic formulation. “Some pro-biotic foods date back to ancient times, such as fermented foods and cultured milk products. Interest in pro-biotics in general has been growing; Americans’ spending on pro-biotic supplements, for example, nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003” (MedicineNet.com 2016).

Research continues to explore and find encouraging evidence from specific probiotic formulations that suppress unfriendly bacterial bugs and build healthy gut bug balance. For instance, In November 2005, a conference that was co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and convened by the American Society for Microbiology explored this topic.

“According to the conference report, some uses of pro-biotics for which there is encouraging evidence from studies show how specialized pro-biotic formulation alleviates the following symptoms: To treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea from rotavirus. To prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract. To reduce recurrence of bladder cancer. To shorten how long an intestinal infection lasts that is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Prevent and manage atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children, etc.” (MedicineNet.com 2016).

Other symptoms supplemental pro-biotics may help relieve: constipation, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), bloat, gas, stomach ulcers, tooth decay, periodontal disease, vaginal infections, skin and respiratory infections that children acquire in daycare, diverticulitis & colitis, etc. They can also ease chronic yeast infections and enhance immunity through improved digestive absorption function and thereby provide essential nutrients to the body. Improve lactose intolerance, alleviate flatulence, rejuvenate healthy radiant skin, nails and hair, etc.

When a healthy balance of intestinal micro flora, or probiotics is maintained within the body the bad bacteria (or pathogens) are in proper balance and typically improve overall body health. Talk to your naturopath or doctor about the right probiotic formulation to alleviate ill-health symptoms.

Pro-biotics are also widely used to alleviate Candida [a yeast species] symptoms where formulations vary for a specific application. Candida syndrome occurs when the normal population of intestinal yeast suddenly explodes. Overgrowth of one species of yeast called Candida Albicans supposedly causes candida syndrome, which is characterized by chronic fatigue, weight gain, a white coating on the tongue and joint pain.

“Taking pro-biotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei GG and bifidobacteria creates a hostile environment for candida yeast, returning your gut yeast population to normal levels” (Adams 2013).

Research and medical data shows a complex and complicated connection relative to gut-intestinal health, anti-biotic resistance and pre-pro-biotic treatment [discussed below], engineered food crops and illness and disease. But there is no doubt there is a connection.

The following recommendations should help to provide a healthy bacterial balance within the gut and intestines as a preventative health strategy to alleviate what ails you. It is recommended you consult with your physician prior to applying any of the “How to’s” listed below.

How to Improve Good Bacterial Gut and Intestine Health

1. Increase flori balance through pro-biotic supplementation to include a daily vitamin and mineral (V/M). Especially if diet alone can’t be radically changed to a healthier one. In this way you’ll ensure anti-oxidant benefits while maintaining a healthy balance of pro-biotics to decrease and manage bad bacteria colonies. The best anti-biotic flori products seem to be in capsules, tablets, or powders.

These three supplements: A daily V/M, antioxidants and pro-biotic work in harmony to provide improved nutrient absorption, immune system function and intestinal gut health. You’ll then begin to look and feel better immediately once started. Of course ask your physician which products they’d recommend is right for you.

2. Ask your doctor about a pre-biotic which is different than a pro-biotic. Choosing or guessing which pro-biotic may be right may not be the 100% solution to alleviate what ails you. That is “the pre-biotic is a specialized plant fiber that beneficially nourishes the good bacteria already in the large bowel or colon. While pro-biotics introduce good bacteria into the gut, pre-biotics act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria that’s already there. They help your good bacteria grow, improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio. This ratio has been shown to have a direct correlation to your health and overall well-being, from your stomach to your brain” (Prebiotin 2016).

3. If your drinking water is heavily chlorinated, filter it or buy bottled water. Chlorine kills good bacteria.

4. Improve your eating habits to receive optimum nutrients and consume less processed foods. Avoid “over-consumption of yeast-feeding foods such as simple carbohydrates, sugars, peanuts, and alcohol and milk products can encourage Candida growth” (Adams 2009).

5. Reduce daily stress through yoga, meditation and low aerobics exercise [walk, bike, low intensity aerobics dance, etc.].

6. Avoid, or lesson dependency of antibiotics as medical treatment when possible or not needed when you have a virus. Antibiotics not only kill the bad bugs, they also take a heavy toll on the good ones. Ask your doctor for natural alternative pre-probiotic supplements and applicable medications.

7. Purchase 100% USDA organic foods when possible. Read labels and avoid purchasing foods you suspect contain GMO products.

8. Consume more yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, soy beverages, and garlic.

References,

Adams, Lawrence. “Best Probiotics for Treating Candida.” LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Adams, Mike. “Using Probiotics to Prevent or Eliminate Candida.” Natural News. The Natural News Network, 28 Oct. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

CASA (Center for Advising Student Achievement. “Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide.” Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide. Health Professions Advising Colorado State University, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

GMO Compass. “Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Threat?” Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Threat? GMO Compass, 12 Dec. 2006. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Gupta, Rupali. “Probiotics-small Bacteria Huge Health Benefits.” Healthy Living. Healthy Living, 30 July 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Haug, Catherine. “How GMOs Destroy Life, Soil and Your Gut Probiotics.” Essential Stuff Blog. The Essential List, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

MedicineNet.com. “Probiotics.” MedicineNet. MedicineNet, Inc., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

NIH. “Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. NIH, 22 June 2015. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Prebiotin. “What Is a Prebiotic vs Probiotic | Prebiotics and Probiotics.” Prebiotin. Jackson GI Medical, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. 2016 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.