The authors of this article studied the types of bacteria found in the colon (microbiome) and how the types are altered when alcohol is a large part of the diet.  Some abnormal gut bacteria form toxins which cause tissue damage and alcoholic liver disease (ALD).  Alcoholism is associated with tissue and organ abnormalities which can lead to ALD and problems with the nervous system.  Also, toxins are produced which can cause tissue injury.

A group of people, including 48 alcoholics and 18 normal subjects, were tested for the types of bacteria found in their guts.  People with abnormal bacteria are said to have dysbiosis.  Eleven people were diagnosed as having this condition.  In that group two bacteria, Clostridia and Bacteroidetes, were found to be reduced.   Proteobacteria and Bacilli were found to be increased.   Microbiome abnormalities can continue in some even after an extended time of abstinence from alcohol.

There were high levels of toxins in the alcoholic subjects with and without ALD when compared to the normal subjects.  These toxins can cause damage to various parts of the body.  The toxins don’t always cause ALD.

CONCLUSION:  Alcoholics with and without ALD may have abnormal gut bacteria, which can form tissue-damaging toxins.  These toxins can damage distant parts of the body after they pass through the intestinal wall.

NOTE:  Some people who study gut bacteria believe that the microbiome should be considered a separate organ from other organs of the body.  Current treatment of dysbiosis includes probiotics, antibiotic products (such as berberine), dietary changes, multivitamins and minerals, and vitamin D.  All of which are available without a prescription.  Bacterial testing of feces specimens help guide the therapy decisions.

Rainbow Grocery sells the following products:  Berberine, multivitamins and minerals, probiotics, and vitamin D.

PMID:  22241860.

Summary #959. nutrientmedicine