The Role of Pasteurised Akkermansia in Maintaining Gut Health
Obesity has become a widespread concern in western societies and a contributor may be poor gut health. Pasteurised Akkermanisa muciniphila is a microbe in one’s gut microbiome that aids in promoting gut health. Although it is a fairly new discovery in the scientific and health communities, this good bacteria is receiving much positive attention as it plays a key role in enhancing gut health and, as a result, shows promise in aiding weight management among other health benefits. But what is the role played by this important microorganism in the gut microbiome?
How Does Live or Pasteurised Akkermansia muciniphila Aid in Gut Health?
The gut microbiome hosts trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, and a balanced gut microbiome offers several health benefits. As good bacteria, Akkermansia feeds on the mucin found in the gut lining. The mucin regulates the thickness of the gut lining. Akkermansia consumes this layer which encourages the production of more mucin by the epithelial cells in the intestinal lining. The mucin layer is rich in protein and this bacteria gains energy from feeding on it. The process thickens this layer along the gut barrier thereby reinforcing the strength of the intestinal wall.
This function produces nutrients that support other good bacteria in the gut microbiome. It does this by breaking down mucins into short-chain fatty acids that are beneficial to other microbes. A. muciniphila’s role is several-fold in the process of strengthening the gut microbiome. It also maintains a symbiotic relationship with our bodies as it fortifies the barrier that forms a boundary between us and other good and bad microbes.
It appears that the optimal functioning of the gut microbiota plays a role in maintaining good health. Studies have also shown that Akkermansia is more present in lean individuals than in overweight persons. Research is being done to determine the effect that this bacteria has on disorders and chronic conditions.
How Can Akkermansia be Increased in the Gut?
Healthy plant-based foods contain micronutrients naturally found in these foods, called polyphenols. Aside from containing anti-inflammatory properties and being rich in antioxidants, polyphenols aid in increasing Akkermansia in the gut. A polyphenol-rich diet may consist of fruits, such as oranges, apples and grapes; berries, including strawberries, cranberries and blueberries; vegetables, like broccoli, spinach and carrots; whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
To further boost your Akkermansia intake, add a food supplement to your diet that contains pasteurised Akkermansia, Green Tea (EGCG) extract, Chromium and Vitamin B12, the combination of which aids in weight management* and glucose control**.
Encouraging Weight Management with a Food Supplement Containing Pasteurised Akkermansia
Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) holds various benefits for our health, and obesity can be a huge obstacle to achieving optimal health. However, many people struggle to lose weight when relying on diet and exercise alone. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, gut health is vital for weight control. Although a polyphenol-rich diet could aid in enhancing the abundance of Akkermansia in the gut, you can further increase the presence of this vital bacteria in the form of an innovative food supplement offered by The Akkermansia Company. Click here to learn more.