Bel Marra Health Reports on Recent Research Revealing a Link Between Intestinal Bacteria and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Toronto, ON (PRWEB) November 20, 2013 -- Bel Marra Health, who offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, reports on a recent study revealing a surprising link between certain gut bacteria and rheumatoid arthritis.
As Bel Marra Health reports in its article, (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/general-health-2/what-your-gut-has-to-do-with-the-development-of-arthritis/) the gut is where most bacteria can be found, and thus, the immune system is constantly busy trying to suppress the spread or growth of any harmful bacterial strains. Now, a link has been found between this immune activity in your gut and rheumatoid arthritis, a common autoimmune disorder. This lends more evidence to a growing body of research highlighting the vast importance of maintaining a healthy, strong community of "friendly" gut bacteria in your body, in order to maintain good health and fight off disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body treats its own cells and tissues as harmful pathogens and attacks them. This immune attack on the synovial fluid and cartilage around the joints leads to painful swelling, reduced joint mobility, and a reduction in joint cartilage. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis isn't caused by wear and tear -- it's caused by the dysfunction of your own immune system.
Scientists and researchers at the NYU School of Medicine have found a connection between a species of gut bacteria and rheumatoid arthritis. The connection lies in the Prevotella copri bacteria, which lives in the intestines. The presence of this bacterium usually indicates the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, and the bacteria grow exponentially once the autoimmune disorder sets in. The reason why the bacterium grows so much is still unknown, as is the exact way that this bacterium is connected to rheumatoid arthritis.
Although Dr. Littman stated "we cannot conclude that there is a casual link between the abundance of P. copri bacteria and the onset of rheumatoid arthritis," he and his team are certain that there is a link.
The P. copri bacteria found in the stool samples of healthy individuals are genetically distinct from similar bacteria found in stool samples of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Seventy five percent of stool samples from those with rheumatoid arthritis had P. copri present, while only 21.4 percent of stool samples from healthy patients contained these bacteria.
The team plans to continue their research outside of New York, using this new information about gut bacteria and arthritis to further their search in development a treatments for this and other autoimmune diseases.
(SOURCE: J. U. Scher, et al. Expansion of intestinal Prevotella copri correlates with enhanced susceptibility to arthritis. eLife, 2013; 2 (0): e01202 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.01202#sthash.b3jK5FW4.dpuf)
Bel Marra Health is the maker of “Stomach Rescue,” a high-quality nutritional supplement that helps shield stomach lining, eases gastric discomfort, and helps relieve bloating. All ingredients are backed with scientific evidence. Every product is tested for safety, quality, and purity at every stage of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, Bel Marra Health products are produced only in Health Canada approved facilities, going the extra mile to ensure that our health-conscious customers are getting top quality products. For more information on Bel Marra Health visit http://www.belmarrahealth.com or call 1-866-531-0466.
Health Editor, Bel Marra Health, Inc., http://www.belmarrahealth.com, +1 905-851-9966 Ext: 231, [email protected]
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