The POWER of PROBIOTICS To Improve Health

PART 1:

Every so often I attend a seminar or find some research that becomes a light bulb moment for me. That happened a few days ago when I heard a lecture by Professor Kerry Bone (herbalist, author, university lecturer, researcher) with the latest information on the Power of Probiotics and what a difference it can make to so many areas of your health.

First of all what are Probiotics?

Probiotics (from the Greek ‘for life’) are living bacteria that provide beneficial effects to the human body and in particular to the gastrointestinal tract. While it has been estimated that there are trillions of bacteria in the human body (they outnumber cells by 10 to 1), it is the balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ that is the key to good health. A ratio of 85% good to 35% bad provides a healthy balance.

The beneficial bacteria are absolutely necessary for:

• The functioning of your immune system - by producing antibiotic compounds and by changing the way the white cells and antibodies work.
• Preventing disease causing pathogens from becoming dominant in your body – they crowd out yeast and parasites.
• Helping with the digestion and absorption of nutrients in food - they synthesize the B-complex vitamins.
• Helping regulate blood cholesterol levels

Why do we need probiotics?

Unfortunately just the stresses of day to day living can affect the gut microflora. Their numbers can be depleted by stress, drugs, alcohol and especially when we take antibiotics. They'll come back eventually – but just a supplementary dose may bring them back to healthy levels faster and ward off infection or diarrhoea.

As well, the processed nature of many of our foods upsets the balance of good and bad bacteria. Additionally, many food products are pasteurized or sterilized in the production process, due to strict food safety regulations, which effectively destroys these helpful bacteria right along with the disease-causing ones.

Finally many sources of live bacteria in fermented foods such as Kefir, Kimchi, Natto, Sauerkraut, Lassi and natural yoghurts are no longer a traditional part of our western diets and so supplements become necessary.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

The majority of probiotic products contain the bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. When they are taken regularly, Probiotics provide a range of health benefits including a positive effect on digestion, constipation, vaginal infections, atopic eczema and diarrhoea from different causes such as rotavirus diarrhoea, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and traveller’s diarrhoea.1

Studies have also shown Probiotics to be effective in other areas including the ability to reduce the risk of colon tumours, to lower the level of cholesterol and to boost the immune system.2

When I should take probiotics?

If you are experiencing any of the following:

• Bloating and wind
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Sugar cravings and cravings for processed carbohydrate foods eg chips
• Headaches, fatigue, nausea

then most likely your gut is out of balance with too many ‘bad’ bacteria. Apart from not feeling wonderful, you can also develop longterm health problems which can severely impact your quality of life.

What are the diseases are linked to altered gut flora?

Studies have shown that Intestinal Dysbiosis or imbalance of gut flora have been linked to

1. Gut Disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Flatulent dyspepsia
• Certain types of food sensitivities eg lactose and gluten intolerance
• Chronic diarrhoea and constipation
• Diverticular disease
• Gastrointestinal infections and intestinal overgrowth eg candida

2. Autoimmune Disease
• Crohn’s disease (CD)
• Ulcerative colitis (UC)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Graves disease
• Chronic active hepatitis

3. Other Disorders
• Allergies such as asthma and hay fever
• Poor immunity
• Chronic skin disorders
• Breast and colon cancer
• Lack of well-being, low energy and poor digestion
• Possible Neuropsychiatric problems especially autism
• Obesity? Hypertension? Depression?

It is the sheer number and variety of diseases and conditions linked to Dysbiosis or altered gut flora that is significant.

Therefore as research shows more clearly how important your gut flora are to your wellbeing, it is exciting to think that with just the addition of a simple supplement of living bacteria to your diet you can make such a difference to your health now and into the future.

In Part 2 I will discuss particular health conditions and the specific strains of probiotics that have been successful in treating them.


1. WHO & FAO. Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Foods including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria, 2001. Online: www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/fs_management/en/probiotics.pdf, Accessed Feb 2006.
2. Heller KJ. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 73(Suppl):374S


 

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