Digestive System

Overview: The Digestive System & Biomunity™

The digestive system plays a central role in immune system homeostasis. Oxidative stress, bacteriophage induction (the induction of bacteria-focused viruses), and the secretion of bacterial toxins can trigger rapid shifts among intestinal microbial groups that can result in dysbiosis.

Because the digestive system is the primary route of contact with the external environment, a huge number of immune cells reside within it. [1] A multitude of diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, are associated with intestinal dysbiosis. [2]

 

Biomunity™ Can Help

Lactobacillus bacteria (a probiotic) ferment carbohydrates in the gut, which produces lactic acid.  Lactic acid is important to creating an acidic environment in the digestive tract that blocks harmful microorganisms.  Biomunity™ contains four scientifically validated strains of lactobacillus bacteria.  Probiotics have been found to be effective in restoring normal function after use of antibiotics, which as a class of medications, are well known for causing diarrhea.  The efficacy of probiotics has been tested in antibiotic associated diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to other disorders. [3]

Biomunity™ may also provide relief from symptoms of irregularity associated with diet, stress, and medication induced side-effects (including diarrhea and constipation). The addition of functional fibers can improve bowel regularity, stool formation, and comfort. 

The Science

There is a relationship between mucosal immune dysfunction and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Both Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are associated with a reduced complexity of commensal microbiota, and characterized by the outgrowth of inflammatory phyla proteobacteria (a variety of pathogenic bacteria).

Belkaid Y, Hand TW. Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell. 2014;157(1):121-141. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011

The microbiome in patients with IBD is altered compared with that in healthy individuals. There is evidence to support a role for the microbiome in disease development and progression, and as a target for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment of IBD.

Glassner KL, Abraham BP, Quigley EMM. The microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Jan;145(1):16-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.11.003. PMID: 31910984.

Specific Ingredients that Help

Bifidibacterium lactis improves bowel function, and reduces gastric side effects of antibiotic treatment.  [4]

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus is effective in the treatment of acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, and anti-biotic associated diarrhea. [5]

 

Lactobacillus rhamnosus acts to significantly reduces the frequency and severity of abdominal pain in children with IBS.  L. rhamnosus is effective in preventing travel-related diarrhea.  [6][7]

 

AppleActivDAPP reduces OxS and inflammation, two pivotal processes involved in inflammatory bowel diseases. [8]

 

Vitamin D3 may be effective in improving symptoms of Crohn’s disease. [9]

References:

  1. Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F.  Allergy and the gastrointestinal system.  Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep; 153(Suppl 1): 3-6.  DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x
  2. Weiss GA, Hennet T. Mechanisms and consequences of intestinal dysbiosis.  Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017 Aug;74(16):2959-2977.  DOI 10.1007/s00018-017-2509-x.
  3. Verna EC, Lucak S. Use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders: what to recommend?. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2010;3(5):307-319. doi:10.1177/1756283X10373814
  4. Jungersen M, Wind A, Johansen E, Christensen JE, Stuer-Lauridsen B, Eskesen D. The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12(®). Microorganisms. 2014 Mar 28;2(2):92-110. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms2020092. PMID: 27682233; PMCID: PMC5029483.
  5. María Remes Troche J, Coss Adame E, Ángel Valdovinos Díaz M, et al. Lactobacillus acidophilus LB: a useful pharmabiotic for the treatment of digestive disorders. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2020;13:1756284820971201. Published 2020 Nov 24. doi:10.1177/1756284820971201
  6. Francavilla R, Miniello V, Magistà AM, De Canio A, Bucci N, Gagliardi F, Lionetti E, Castellaneta S, Polimeno L, Peccarisi L, Indrio F, Cavallo L. A randomized controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG in children with functional abdominal pain. Pediatrics. 2010 Dec;126(6):e1445-52. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-0467. Epub 2010 Nov 15. PMID: 21078735.
  7. Hilton E, Kolakowski P, Singer C, Smith M. Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG as a Diarrheal Preventive in Travelers. J Travel Med. 1997 Mar 1;4(1):41-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.1997.tb00772.x. PMID: 9815476.
  8. Denis MC, Furtos A, Dudonne´ S, Montoudis A, Garofalo C, et al. (2013) Apple Peel Polyphenols and Their Beneficial Actions on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. PLoS ONE 8(1): e53725. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053725.
  9. Jørgensen SP, Agnholt J, Glerup H, Lyhne S, Villadsen GE, Hvas CL, Bartels LE, Kelsen J, Christensen LA, Dahlerup JF. Clinical trial: vitamin D3 treatment in Crohn's disease - a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Aug;32(3):377-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04355.x. Epub 2010 May 11. PMID: 20491740.