Probiotics, according to WebMD, are live bacteria and yeasts beneficial to health, especially the digestive system. Regarded as helpful bacteria that keep the gut healthy, they help move food through the gut. Found naturally in the body, probiotics are also found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha, as well as in supplements. The word “probiotic,” derived from Greek, means “for life.”
There are different types of probiotics. The lactobacillus may be the most common. It is found in yogurt and other fermented foods. It may help with diarrhea and digesting lactose, the sugar in milk. The bifido bacterium, found in some dairy products, may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are 30 species of bifido bacteria, which make up most of the healthy bacteria in the colon. They have been shown to help people with dental cavities, in addition to improving blood lipids and glucose tolerance.
For people with digestive problems, probiotics are a boon. They aid in nutrient absorption by helping the body to mine the vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids from consumed foods. Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles discovered a connection between healthy gut bacteria and the optimization and function of neurotransmitters, leading to a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress. They also may improve learning, sharpen focus and enhance memory, benefits of special interest to the middle-aged and elderly.
When and Why to Take Probiotics
Chalkboardmag.com lists six reasons to take probiotics for various health reasons:
1. After taking antibiotics, which prevent probiotics from living in the body.
2. After food poisoning, especially when traveling in a foreign country. Probiotics increase healthy bacteria as a defense against potential invaders.
3. When digestive disturbances occur. In conjunction with taking probiotics, it is recommended to be mindful of one’s diet. That means eliminating processed, packaged and fried foods, along with dairy products, gluten, and soy.
4. To strengthen the immune system. If you are prone to the flu every season or get colds with depressing regularity, arm your body against illness by ingesting probiotics.
5. To improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rashes, hives and psoriasis. The culprit for these conditions is likely poor digestion and out-of-balance gut bacteria.
6. If you suffer from asthma and allergies. Probiotics reduce symptom severity and the need for medication in people with asthma. They also may help with allergies, especially food allergies. Often the root cause of food allergies is a leaky gut, which can be improved by restoring proper flora levels in the gut.
There are additional reasons to take probiotics, which can crowd out the bad bacteria associated with yeast infections, or Candida. They also may prevent urinary tract infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Improving oral health is another benefit. Probiotics have been shown to have positive effects in people on the autism spectrum disorder by decreasing anxiety-like and communication behaviors.
Good bacteria need to comprise 85 percent of intestinal flora, according to www.naturalnews.com. A healthy digestive tract filters out and eliminates harmful bacteria, toxins, chemicals and other waste products.
Probiotics are so powerful that they can reverse ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (as concluded by researchers from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They help prevent cancer by nourishing enzymes that inhibit tumor production in the body. Sufficient probiotic intestinal flora can prevent radiation damage from X-rays and CT scans to the large and small intestines. In perhaps the most remarkable result from probiotics consumption is the case of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, who claims to have discovered how to cure her son of autism through a diet that restored his probiotic levels and healed his inflammatory condition. More research needs to be done.
But there seems to be consensus around the benefits of Greek yogurt. Gerard Mullin, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Integrative GI Nutrition Services and author of The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health, recommends the product for palatability, satiation and protein content. He writes: “Yogurt is also great for feeding the good bugs that live in your intestine, which improves the health of your microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in your body. More and more research is pointing to probiotics as an effective treatment for weight management and obesity. It’s amazing that feeding the good bugs actually helps people lose weight.”
What to Consume
The Food and Drug Administration regulates probiotics like foods, not medications. Ask your doctor about the correct product and dose to take. While generally safe, probiotics may cause mild side effects in some people. These include upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and bloating in the first few days of taking them.
Successful results from probiotics, come from ingesting 5 to 20 billion viable bacteria daily, says Michael T. Murray, ND, director of product development and education in natural health and author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.
However, MedicineNet.com recommends that the dosage you take should be decided after a consultation with your doctor to determine the type and amount of probiotic microorganisms you need for your condition. A voluntary certification program can help consumers who visit ConsumerLab.com, a leading provider of independent test results. It’s a way for buyers to feel confident about getting the amount and type of probiotic as promised by the manufacturer.
For more information, visit http://www.usprobiotics.org with information and documentaries about probiotics, articles, webcasts and podcasts.