Why Reducing Ruminococcus torques
May Be Desirable Introduction to Ruminococcus torques
Ruminococcus torques is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the human gut flora. It has the ability to break down mucin, a component of the protective mucus layer in the gut. Although this does not necessarily pose health problems for everyone, higher levels of Ruminococcus torques can be problematic for some individuals.
Scientific Evidence of the Issue
Several studies have shown that Ruminococcus torques can break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. (1-4) This can lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation in the gut, which in turn can cause symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Studies on IBS and Inflammatory Gut Conditions
Higher levels of Ruminococcus torques have been found to be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. (5-9) These conditions are often associated with chronic inflammation and discomfort in the gut.
Benefits of Reducing Levels
An interesting study showed that patients who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric bypass for obesity) had reduced levels of Ruminococcus torques, which was also linked to improved type 2 diabetes. (10) This suggests that reducing this bacterium may have broad health benefits.
Practical Tips for Reducing Ruminococcus torques
Dietary Changes
Fiber-Rich Diet: Fiber promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that can outcompete Ruminococcus torques. Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics that can help balance the gut flora.
Avoid Sugar: High sugar levels can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, including Ruminococcus torques.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit your gut health.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics.
Probiotic Supplements: Consult a doctor or dietitian before starting probiotic supplements.
Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and asparagus are good sources of prebiotics.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve gut health by increasing the diversity of beneficial bacteria.
Stress Management: Stress can negatively impact gut flora. Consider techniques such as meditation or yoga to manage stress.
Medical Treatments
In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to reduce levels of Ruminococcus torques. Antibiotics or specific probiotic supplements may be prescribed by a doctor based on individual needs.
Conclusion
Reducing levels of Ruminococcus torques can offer several health benefits, especially for individuals with IBS or inflammatory bowel diseases. Through dietary changes, probiotics/prebiotics, and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively balance your gut flora and improve your gut health.
Scientific References
Hoskins, L.C. et al. (1985). Mucin degradation in human colon ecosystems. Isolation and properties of fecal strains that degrade ABH blood group antigens and oligosaccharides from mucin glycoproteins. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 75(3):944-953.
Hoskins, L.C. et al. (1992). Mucin Glycoprotein Degradation by Mucin Oligosaccharide-degrading Strains of Human Fecal Bacteria. Characterization of Saccharide Cleavage Products and their Potential Role in Nutritional Support of Larger Fecal Bacterial Populations. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 5:4, 193-207.
Png CW et al. (2010). Mucolytic bacteria with increased prevalence in IBD mucosa augment in vitro utilization of mucin by other bacteria. Am J Gastroenterol, 105: 2420–2428.
Corfield, A. P., Wagner, S. A., Clamp, J. R., Kriaris, M. S., & Hoskins, L. C. (1992). Mucin degradation in the human colon: production of sialidase, sialate O-acetylesterase, N-acetylneuraminate lyase, arylesterase, and glycosulfatase activities by strains of fecal bacteria. Infection and Immunity, 60(10), 3971-3978.
Rajilic-Stojanovic M et al. (2011). Global and deep molecular analysis of microbiota signatures in fecal samples from patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 141(5):1792-801.
Delphine MS et al. (2011). Gastrointestinal Microbiome Signatures of Pediatric Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, 141(5), p. 1782-1791.
Lyra A et al. (2009). Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome distinguishable by 16S rRNA gene phylotype quantification. World J Gastroenterol, 15(47):5936-5945.
Kwak MS et al. (2020). Development of a Novel Metagenomic Biomarker for Prediction of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Involvement in Patients with Crohn's Disease. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11:1162.
Nishida A et al. (2018). Gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology, 11(1), 1-10.
Gurung M et al. (2020). Role of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. EBioMedicine, 51:102590.
