How do different dairy products affect intestinal health?

• A healthy intestinal microbiome is essential for a global healthy digestive system.
• Different foods have an impact on the intestinal microbiome in different ways.
• A new study has revealed that separate types of dairy products seem to affect the intestinal microbiome differently.
• Scientists have observed that drinking more milk was linked to an increase in two types of bacteria that can support intestinal health, while consumption of more cheese seemed to reduce the levels of another beneficial type of bacteria.

For some time now, the Intestinal microbiome took the front of the stage when it comes to improving the health of the digestive system.

We also know that different foods affect the intestinal microbiome in different ways. For example, high food food fiber support the microbiome, while some ultra-transformed foods may have a negative impact.

“We know that microbiota – including bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes – (which) naturally live in our intestine are important for our overall health, our immune function and various health problems”, ” Li jiao, md, ms, phdAssociate Professor in the Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine Medical news today.

“Our diet affects our health thanks to the intestinal microbiota, at least partially. If we fully understand how food has an impact on billions of bacteria in our intestine, we can better maintain intestinal health, overall health and provide food guidelines based on evidence. We would be able to use tailor -made nutritional approaches to prevent and manage diseases in the future. »»

Jiao is the main author of a new study recently published in the journal NutrientsProviding evidence that different types of dairy products affect the intestinal microbiome differently.

In this case, Jiao and his team found that drinking more milk was correlated with an increase in two types of bacteria that can support intestinal health, while consuming more cheese was linked to lower quantities of a third type of beneficial bacteria.

For this study, the final analysis of researchers included samples of 34 people who had a colonoscopy scheduled between August 2013 and April 2017.

The study excluded people with family history of colon or Mii diseases, Colorectal polyps In the previous 3 years, and those who have other conditions or taking medication that could affect the results of the study. People who had recently changed their eating habits were also excluded from the study.

Study participants provided information on their consumption of total dairy products, milk, cheese and yogurt via a self -declared questionnaire.

“We have decided to study dairy products and their impacts on intestinal bacteria for two main reasons,” said Jiao. “We think that fermented foods influence the intestinal microbiota. Many dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are fermented foods. Second, there is still a certain debate on the question of whether milk and cheese are good for our health. This study (was) intended to provide more biological evidence on (the) impacts on the health of milk and cheese. »»

During the analysis, scientists discovered that participants who consumed more dairy products and more total milk, and those who ate less cheese, seemed to have higher alpha-microbial diversity.

“The variety of species plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and stability of the ecosystem,” said Jiao. “Having a higher alpha diversity in the intestine means a healthier and more balanced community of intestinal microbiota.”

“A diversified microbiota is more resilient with external disturbances such as infections, changes in food and the use of antibiotics, allowing faster recovery. It is like a forest with many different types of trees (which) can recover more quickly from natural disasters, ”she explained.

Current research suggests that the Composition of the intestinal microbiomeOr the abundance of specific types of bacteria present, can be an even better indicator of intestinal health than alpha diversity.

Scientists observed that participants who ate quantities of higher cheese had a lower amount of bacteria Bacteroides in their intestinal microbiome.

Previous studies provide contradictory evidence on the health effects of Bacteroides. Some research suggests that this bacteria produces toxins that Promote the training of tumors and are associated with Development of colorectal cancer. However, low levels of Bacteroides were also linked to Mii.

“”Bacteroides Are among the common bacteria of our body and some of their species offer health benefits, “said Jiao. “In the big intestine, Bacteroides Help digest food, absorb nutrients and promote intestinal health. We have found that the middle ages (who) consumed higher amounts of cheese had less abundance of these beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which makes the consumption of cheese higher less useful in our studied population. »»

“Meanwhile, higher consumption of (reduced) cheese was linked to a lower diversity of intestinal bacteria in our study. However, some species of Bacteroides can have both beneficial and harmful effects. Therefore, the interpretation of the results is not simple. More research is necessary to understand the different strains of Bacteroides and their roles in the human body. »»

– Li Jiao, MD, MS, PHD

Jiao and his team also observed that those who consumed more newspapers and more total milk had a higher amount of bacteria Faecalibacterium And Akkermansia in their microbiome.

In animal studies, Akkermansia also shows potential to help prevent chronic conditions such as obesity And Type 2 diabetes.

“”Faecalibacterium And Akkermansia are two essential common bacteria for a healthy intestine, ”said Jiao. “Both can help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy intestine. Akkermansia, moreover, helps maintain and strengthen the intestinal lining. They are considered beneficial for our health according to current evidence. »»

“Milk and dairy products can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, supporting the idea that milk is good for our health,” she continued.

“For people who are not intolerant lactoseThe consumption of low -fat dairy products can stimulate these beneficial bacteria and the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. Those who have lactose intolerance problems can opt for yogurt, kefirDairy without lactose or dairy alternative. However, it is important to pay attention to how your body reacts to dairy products, “warned the researcher.

Mnt also spoke with Rudolph Bedford, MDA certified gastroenterologist at the Board of Directors at the Providence Health Center Saint John in Santa Monica, California, about this study.

“It makes sense in that the process of pasteurizer The cheese compared to what we do with milk is very different, and there are different potential bacteria that are involved in the two processes or what really remains once the process is finished, “said Bedford, which was not involved in the study.

Based on these recent results, Bedford said people who haveMIIIs or other intestine diseases may want to consider drinking more milk and eating less cheese.