A lot of us may not know that when we have our meal, the food that gets digested into our large intestine results in release of Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), Hydrogen (H2) & Carbon Dioxide(CO2). Depending upon the composition of our meal plate, our body maintains a balance in hydrogen level. The more carbs & fibre we have in our diet, the lower is our luminal pH level, higher is our SCFA level & more balanced our H2 level.
Archaea, Sulphate Reducing Bacteria & Acetogens group of microbes compete for hydrogen. Low composition of carbs & fibre in our diet increases our luminal pH level, reduces production of Butyrate(SCFA) & leads to imbalance in H2 level. This lower consumption of carbs/fibre compensated by increased consumption of fats &/or protein, may make other opportunistic bacteria- Archaea & /or sulphate-reducing bacteria open up doors for chronic digestive disorders. Depending upon our acidic pH level in our gut, we may have varied concentrations of these two groups of opportunistic microbes. At mildly acidic pH level, there is overgrowth of Archaea which leads to release of methane gas & at alkaline pH level, our gut experiences overgrowth of sulphate reducing bacteria leading to conversion of sulphate into sulphur. In such a scenario these bacteria pick up H2 to release Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) which can create a situation of IBS-D & Ulcerative Colitis. Besides, having foods high in sulphur (discussed below) can increase the abundance of Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB).
Let us discuss Sulphur rich foods & how our gut microbiome plays a role in increasing the risk of Ulcerative Colitis.
Sulphur is found in foods such as eggs, Broccoli, cheese, high fat milk, Icecream, high fat, animal protein & fat & mayonnaise( to name a few). Sulphur is also present in protein through sulphur containing amino acids that stabilize protein structures. Besides, Sulphur is also used as food additives & preservatives in frozen foods such as poultry, fish, etc.
When we our dietary choices consist of low carb & fibre & high composition of these foods it,
- Increases our Luminal pH level from acidic to Alkaline(Alkaline pH level is perfect environment for growth of SRB)
- Create H2 Imbalance
- Metabolic environment that consumes NADH for H2 at expenses of Butyrate production
- Increases overgrowth of Sulphate reducing bacteria(SRB) which leads to release of sulphur
- This sulphur is combined with H2, leading to release of excessive Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S). This excessive H2S production leads to inflammation
This H2S production, a highly toxic product leads to foul odour & smell associated with watery stool & abdominal pain. Besides, this excess gas released impacts our gut lining cells & leads to intestinal permeability or leaky gut. This also inhibits Butyrate Oxidation making us feel low on energy, fatigue.
Low production of butyrate & excessive H2S production creates metabolic environment & leads to Ulcerative Colitis.
Therefore it is important to note here that consumption of high protein foods consisting of sulphur containing amino acids, preservative loaded foods, saturated fats & even vegetables high in Sulphur can lead to release of excess H2S & increases risk of Ulcerative Colitis. The current dietary recommendations floating in the market where you are told to consume less carbs or less milk or do not eat gluten etc. etc– are just generic recommendations without understanding your unique biology.
Carbohydrates & fibres are the most essential part of your diet since it aids in regulating your Luminal pH level & maintaining H2 balance, improving satiety level & aids in digestion & metabolism.These aspects go a long way in preventing bloating, digestive issues & serious IBD issues such as Ulcerative Colitis. However, which carbs & fibre gives your beneficial compounds depends upon your unique biology. Therefore it is important for you to learn about biochemical activity taking place inside your body & what your microbes are releasing when they are digesting the food you are eating to improve your H2 balance & gut microbiome balance & keep IBD-Ulcerative Colitis at bay.
We at Genefitletics uses multi-omics technologies to decode & analyse your microbial genes expression to provide you dietary recommendations based on your unique biology that minimises instances of inflammation & increases production of beneficial compounds such as Butyrate. If you have been suffering from bloating, constipation, Diarrhea , abdominal pain or blood stool, your dietary choices have probably been playing a spoilsport.Understanding your unique biology to use food as a medicine is best foot forward to keep these digestive issues at bay. For more details, give us a shout at www.genefitletics.com
