Taurine: A Potential Ally in Battling Bacterial Infections
Natural Substance Akin to Antibiotics: Taurine and Beyond
Taurine, an essential amino acid naturally present in the body, is gaining attention for its potential role in combating bacterial infections. Overuse of traditional antibiotics has led to bacteria developing resistance, making it increasingly necessary to discover alternatives.
Researchers are now investigating taurine's potential to harness beneficial bacteria in the body to combat pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn). By triggering these beneficial gut bacteria, taurine could help the body target and remember disease-causing pathogens more effectively.
For years, the role of microbiota living inside the gut in protecting people from bacterial infections has been known, yet the mechanisms have remained elusive. Scientists are particularly interested in enhancing natural treatments to replace antibiotics that harm microbiota and become less effective as bacteria develop drug resistance.
In a recent study by scientists from five National Institutes of Health institutes, they observed microbiota that had experienced prior infection. When transferred to germ-free mice, this microbiota helped prevent infection from Kpn. The researchers identified a class of bacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, involved in fighting these infections. Subsequent investigations revealed that taurine was responsible for triggering the protective activity of these bacteria.
Scientists found that low levels of taurine allowed pathogens to colonize the gut, while higher levels produced enough hydrogen sulfide to prevent colonization. They also discovered that the liver and gallbladder can develop long-term infection protection after a single, mild infection, preparing the microbiota to resist subsequent infections.
However, when mice drank bismuth subsalicylate, a common over-the-counter drug used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach, the infection protection waned because bismuth inhibits hydrogen sulfide production. In another development, taurine given to mice in drinking water also prepared the microbiota to prevent infection.
Peak Golden Oil: Support for Inflammation and Optimal Immune Balance!
Buy Now! "SPONSORED"
Taurine is abundant in meat, fish, and eggs. Individuals following a strict vegetarian diet may need to consider whether they are getting enough taurine to reap all its benefits.
Taurine plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including promoting healthy metabolism, protecting the eyes, heart, and muscles, and slowing brain aging. In addition, taurine supplementation has been found to improve markers of diabetes in animal studies.
A 2017 study investigated the benefits of taurine supplements and exercise in people with heart failure, revealing lower blood cholesterol and inflammation levels in those who ingested taurine before and after exercise for two weeks, compared to placebo. Future research is needed to establish if taurine provides the same benefits in humans with diabetes.
While the direct role of taurine in fighting bacterial infections remains unclear, its antioxidant properties, cardiovascular benefits, and other health advantages make it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Editor's Note
For more information on natural ways to reduce the risk of blood clots, read about the 25-cent vitamin, the nutrient acting as a natural blood thinner, and the powerful herb clearing plaque from arteries. Click here for *Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!
Sources
- How does taurine affect the body
- NIH scientists identify nutrient that helps prevent bacterial infection
- Taurine supplementation has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects before and after incremental exercise in heart failure
- Taurine ameliorates hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia by reducing insulin resistance and leptin level in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rats with long-term diabetes
- In the health-and-wellness world, the antioxidant properties and cardiovascular benefits of taurine supplementation make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
- The study on taurine supplementation and exercise in people with heart failure showed lower blood cholesterol and inflammation levels in participants who ingested taurine before and after exercise.
- While science continues to uncover the potential of taurine in battling bacterial infections, it's also gaining recognition for its role in inflammation, nutritional support, and therapies-and-treatments for health conditions like diabetes and heart failure.
