Could it be possible that a bacterial imbalance is what causes food intolerances?
Bacteria, that normally don't get attached to the colon walls, can do so and as a result manage to grow in excessive numbers in bio-colonies enshrouded in a mucosal-layer. Once inside this layer of protection they start producing toxic bi-products that they weren't able to before. These toxins can result in inflammation and other ill feelings. I read the details of this in a text on Microbiology.
I know what I have described does occur as there is a lot of scientific evidence to back it up. However, what I am speculating on is whether these imbalances are what result in food intolerances.
The reason for my speculation is I am trying to reconcile why people all of a sudden develop food intolerances they never had before. Bacterial imbalance could be an answer to this question as it can occur for all kinds of reasons. If so, knowing this may help in trying to resolve the symptoms.
Food Intolerances Possibly Caused By A Bacterial Imbalance?
Moderators: Rosie, JFR, Dee, xet, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh, mbeezie
Hi,
Welcome to the board. Sure, it's suspected that bacterial imbalances are a primary cause of MC, but they don't necessarily cause food sensitivities directly, due to their productions of toxins and other byproducts, (though this may occur in some cases). It is known that bacteria, (and viruses), are capable of changing our genetic responses, by altering epigenes. Dr. Fine, a leading microscopic colitis researcher, demonstrated roughly a decade ago, that when the genes that predispose to microscopic colitis are triggered, genes that predispose to gluten-sensitivity are typically triggered at the same time. That doesn't happen in 100% of cases, but it definitely seems to occur in a large majority of cases.
As I recall, his research shows that over 65% of patients with MC are also gluten-sensitive, but among the membership of this board, for example, at least 95% of us are gluten-sensitive, so apparently the incidence is much higher than expected, based on research data.
So basically, we become sensitive to certain foods because of genetic changes, but gut bacteria activity connected with biofilm ecosystems may well be the mechanism by which the genetic changes are triggered.
At least, that's the way I see it, based on the evidence.
Tex
Welcome to the board. Sure, it's suspected that bacterial imbalances are a primary cause of MC, but they don't necessarily cause food sensitivities directly, due to their productions of toxins and other byproducts, (though this may occur in some cases). It is known that bacteria, (and viruses), are capable of changing our genetic responses, by altering epigenes. Dr. Fine, a leading microscopic colitis researcher, demonstrated roughly a decade ago, that when the genes that predispose to microscopic colitis are triggered, genes that predispose to gluten-sensitivity are typically triggered at the same time. That doesn't happen in 100% of cases, but it definitely seems to occur in a large majority of cases.
As I recall, his research shows that over 65% of patients with MC are also gluten-sensitive, but among the membership of this board, for example, at least 95% of us are gluten-sensitive, so apparently the incidence is much higher than expected, based on research data.
So basically, we become sensitive to certain foods because of genetic changes, but gut bacteria activity connected with biofilm ecosystems may well be the mechanism by which the genetic changes are triggered.
At least, that's the way I see it, based on the evidence.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.