Category Archives: Conditions

Unknown's avatar lassesen 7:31 pm on September 2, 2013  

Neurological Symptoms and the Gut

Medicine often assumes a very mechanical approach to illness and symptoms. This keeps medicine simple (almost naive in one sense). “Where the symptom is, is where the problem is”.

So if there is cognitive issues, then a MRI should show it (rarely the case for CFS/Chronic Lyme). We now know that SPECT scans show 80-90% abnormality for these conditions.

A recent paper, Towards a ‘systems’-level understanding of the nervous system and its disorders (2013), states: ” Accordingly,neurological and psychiatric disorders are increasingly being associated with a range of systemic comorbidities including, most prominently, impairments in immunological and bioenergetic parameters as well as in the gut microbiome [gut bacteria].” 

This is echoed in another 2013 article Bacterial colonization factors control specificity and stability of the gut microbiota states “Mammals harbour a complex gut microbiome, comprising bacteria that confer immunological, metabolic and neurological benefits.”

A third paper from 2013, The intestinal microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics in neurogastroenterology. is of particular interest because it states ” These findings provide novel insights for improved understanding of the potential role of gut microbial communities on psychological disorders, most particularly in the field of psychological comorbidities associated with functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and should present new opportunity for interventions with pro- and prebiotics.”

IBS is very often comorbid with CFS and thus neurological (a.k.a. psychological) disorders of CFS falls into this potential scope.  This connection is why I advocate (strongly) that CFS patients should add a weekly rotation between

Both have had studies that showed a significant percentage of remission from IBS. There have been no studies on the impact on IBS that is comorbid with CFS.  With IBS there is a simple one step association, CFS is two steps away often.

A 2012 article is available in full text for free  Gut microbial communities modulating brain development and function. We know that stress can cause CFS flares, this article states “stress induced secretion of norepinephrine favored overgrowth of non-pathogenic isolates of Escherichia coli as well as the pathogenic E. coli0157:H7″, we do not know which other species are impacted by norepinephrine.

We know that B12 is typically low, the article states “Gut microbiota also synthesize vitamins that are essential for human survival such as vitamins K2 and B12. Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is produced mainly by Lactobacillus reuteri and is important for development of the nervous system.” L.Reuteri is almost always found to be very low or almost non-existent for CFS patients.  This low level may be a significant contributor to neurological issues.

Bottom Line

There is significant evidence that microbiome may be the cause of some of CFS neurological issues. There are three probiotics that are commercially available that have studies backing their use,

Do not take these at the same time, rotate them in isolation (and cut out the yogurt and other fermented products containing lactobacillus acidophilus while taking them].

Unknown's avatar lassesen 10:13 pm on August 17, 2013  

Checklist of atypical CFS recommendations

Probiotics:

Note: Do not take any of the above together, rotate them in a 7-10 day cycle.

Probiotic Helping Food

Spices

  • Neem
  • Tulsi
  • Haritake
  • Tumeric
  • Olive Leaf

These may be taken in combination — but do not take with probiotics (which could have greatly reduced efficiency)

Unknown's avatar lassesen 2:45 pm on August 14, 2013  

Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 – a demonstrated probiotic

A recent study found that this specific strain had significant improvement of IBS LAB MEASURES. Since IBS is co-morbid with CFS, it should also cause improvement of CFS.

There is an updated summary in 2018, recommended reading.

There are 10 studies on this and IBS on PubMed

“There was not a clear positive effect of probiotics concerning the quality of life.Conclusions: some probiotics are an effective therapeutic option for IBS patients, and the effects on each IBS symptom are likely species-specific.” [2013]

There is a single study looking at CFS, Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 modulates host inflammatory processes beyond the gut which observed ” both gastrointestinal (UC) and non-gastrointestinal (CFS and psoriasis) patients had significantly increased plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared with healthy volunteers.  B. infantis 35624 feeding resulted in reduced plasma CRP levels in all three inflammatory disorders compared with placebo. “, the full research paper is available [here].

So where do you get this species? Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement appears to be a single species probiotic consisting only of this species (which I am very happy about it not being a mix).  For more information see http://www.aligngi.com/

See Comments: for items Bifidobacterium Infantis – Align If you got a FRESH BOX … the study dosage is 10 capsules per day (10 BCFU) if you want to repro a successful study
that is $7.50/day. While the strain is unknown, Epigenetics product may be a lot cheaper (at 5 bn CFU/serving) or  $0.95/day.

Histamine Reaction

A reader has reported a histamine reaction to this probiotic.
This is in agreement with published studies
““. He had taken the probiotic Infloran Berna (Berna Biotech) which contained Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis before he started to experience recurrent episodes of D-lactic acidosis”

Click to access 2006;11;246-254.pdf

Unknown's avatar lassesen 3:10 pm on August 10, 2013  

CFS Cognitive Issues may be caused by Gut Bacteria…

A recent article is in agreement with the model of CFS that I am currently advocating on this site. The article title almost says it all:: Consumption of Fermented Milk Product with Probiotic Modulates Brain Activity

“Changes in gut microbiota have been reported to alter signaling mechanisms, emotional behavior, and visceral nociceptive reflexes in rodents. However, alteration of the intestinal microbiota with antibiotics or probiotics has not been shown to produce these changes in humans. ”

and found:

“Conclusions: Four weeks intake of a FMPP by healthy women affected activity of brain regions that control central processing of emotion and sensation. ”

So what is FMPP?

  • Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis,
  • Streptococcus thermophiles,
  • Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and
  • Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis.

This does apply to CFS because IBS and CFS are often co-morbid. The researchers state ”

“The specific FMPP was chosen because of preclinical evidence demonstrating a reduction in reflex responses to noxious visceral stimuli, and reports of beneficial effects on gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy people and IBS patients. ”

We now have some more study-backed probiotics to add to our treatment-chest.

CAVAEAT: Danone Research funded the study. So expect a new offering on supermarket shelves!

Related Articles:

Unknown's avatar lassesen 2:32 pm on August 3, 2013  

High Vitamin 1,25D and the Microbiota

On a recent group post I speculated that the high Vitamin 1,25D levels seen in CFS and other autoimmune diseases may be caused by specific bacteria in the microbiota. Hence, the appropriate antibiotics or probiotic to muscle them out (L. Reuteri, Mutaflor, Prescript Assist)  may be the appropriate treatment.

Of course, when I speculate — I tend to follow it up with some searching of pubmed to see if there is evidence pro or contrary.

“Environment and genetic are both relevant in determining development of Multiple Sclerosis. Many epidemiological observations converge on indicating EBV infection and Vitamin D levels as major players among the environmental factors. Bacteria and bacterial products are however potent triggers of immune responses, and recent work from several laboratories indicates that the microbiota plays a prominent role in “priming” or protecting individuals for development of experimental autoimmune diseases.” [2011]

“Current evidence supports a role for gut colonization in promoting and maintaining a balanced immune response in early life. An altered or less diverse gut microbiota composition has been associated with atopic diseases, obesity, or both. Moreover, certain gut microbial strains have been shown to inhibit or attenuate immune responses associated with chronic inflammation in experimental models. …. Finally, there is emerging evidence that the vitamin D pathway might be important in gut homeostasis and in signaling between the microbiota and the host. Given the complexity of the gut micriobiota, additional research is needed before we can confidently establish whether its manipulation in early life can prevent or treat asthma, obesity, or both.” 2011

“However, other dietary factors affect the microbiota in different ways. Distinguishing cause from effect, and characterizing the relative roles of human and microbial genes, diet, age of onset, gender, life style, smoking history, ethnic background, environmental exposures, and medications, will require innovative and internationally integrated approaches.” 2012

“The current review will discuss this by comparing the intracrine, paracrine and endocrine metabolic systems that influence the interaction between vitamin D and the immune system.”  2012

In short, Vitamin D and probiotics may be both needed. It may be a significant component in signaling (controlling production levels). There were no studies on microbiota and 1,25D. 😦