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GOOD BACTERIA

  • RAVI@RS NUTRITION
  • Feb 1, 2016
  • 6 min read

Nature’s Helpers

They have been known to impact our health for centuries, unfortunately arrogant medical science does not want to recognise it healthier benefits. First spotted down the microscope in the 1670s.

These good Micro gut beneficial bacteria live on the surface of the skin, inside the mouth, nose and genital area and most notably in the digestive tract- probably around in billion. Some are good and helps in breakdown food, helps with immune system and in the production of B Vitamins and K.

There are some bad guys and they always try and overpower the good one, and they do succeed that if the whole condition becomes hostile by feeding wrong food to the body like sugars, fats and alcohols and if immune system is under weather. So if the environment is ideal for the bad bacteria they overpower the good under acidic environment thus create candida and UTI, IBS etc. and many more!

So my advice would be have plenty of fruits and vegetable with high fibre and inulin, lots of fermented foods and occasionally taking Probiotic supplement with CFU at least 5 to 10 Billion- which you can get from good health food store or may be ask for help, if not sure with the staff-

Fore more information about Probiotic from head to toe find the information below-

PROBIOTICS

Gut | Antibiotic | IBS | Travel

Our human gut is host to a highly complex ecosystem of microorganism; their function, interaction and various other functions are still a big mystery to modern science. Gut flora alone comprises an astonishing 95% of the total number of cells in the human body.

While much yet remains undiscovered, we do have a developing understanding of some of the main bacteria existing in both the large and small intestine. There is a growing body of evidence that the therapeutically supplementation of probiotics may be helpful in various specific condition. I will explore the science, their uses and various benefits.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Probiotics are the “good” or “friendly” bacteria that are normal inhabitants of the intestinal tract. Although the word bacteria are usually associated with germs and illness, friendly bacteria help the body to function, maintain well-being and fight infection and supports and maintain our digestive system and Immunity. “Bad” or “pathogenic” bacteria on the other hand, can cause intestinal micro flora imbalance and results in ill health.

Probiotics such as L. acidophilus are friendly bacteria that live in our intestine and support digestion, Immunity and energy levels.

Did you know?

“ Your body only has around 70 trillion cells of its own- meaning probiotics outnumber them 3 to 2!”

WHY DO WE NEED PROBIOTICS

Human’s gastro intestinal tract consists of over 400 different species and more than 100 trillion total bacteria. Friendly and bad bacteria form a delicate and constantly changing balance, as they compete to take hold and remain ahead in the game.

We are born with relatively very healthy intestinal tract. After that age, lifestyle and environmental factors such as:

  • Method of childbirth

  • Poor eating habits

  • Chlorinated water

  • Stress!!!!!!!!

  • The use of antibiotics in food production as well as in medical treatments (e.g. antibiotics & contraceptive pills)

  • Bacterial infections

  • Additives and preservatives

  • High sugar levels

  • Ageing

  • Traveller’s bugs

  • Alcohol consumption and many other factors can greatly affect this balance.

THE PRINCIPAL FRIENDLY BACTERIA

The right kind of bacteria for our gut is known as “intestinal flora” or “probiotics”. The principal friendly bacteria include the families of Lactobacillus and Bifidus bacteria. The Bifidus family of bacteria generally makes up a quarter of the total flora in the digestive tract. There are many different strains of Friendly bacteria, some of them actually live in the Gut, while others simply “pass through” and are useful only when they are there. Have a look few of them:

______________________________________________________________

Children Adults

Resident B. infantis L. acidophilus

B. bifidum B. bacterium

L. salivarius

Enterococci

_______________________________________________________________

Passing through L.bulgaricus L. casei (from cheese)

S.themophilus S. themophilus

L. salivarius

L. bulgaricus

_______________________________________________________________

B= Bifidobacteria L= Lactobacillus S=Streptococcus

Resident sometimes also called the “Human strain”, are usually better at fighting infection because they can multiply and colonize the digestive tract. Others “passing through” are available in fermented foods such as Yoghurt, miso, tempeh and sauerkraut.

Resident strains can stain in our gut for few weeks, whereas the passing through we need it on the daily basis through fermented foods.

WHY USE PROBIOTICS?

As per the research the importance of supplementation with Probiotics.

  • They help support the immune function of the gut.

  • Produce antioxidants

  • Aid nutrition through the enhanced breakdown and absorption of Vitamins, minerals and Amino acids.

  • They help in the synthesis of certain B- Vitamins like Biotin, B12 and

  • Vitamin –K in the gut.

The Fundamental of good health depends on how you Absorb, Assimilate and eliminate your food and nutrient. All these process reliant upon the friendly, symbiotic bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract.

“ As we all know 80% of our Immune system starts from Gut, and our gut is the largest organ of the Immune system.

WHO SHOULD TAKE PROBIOTICS

One can take Probiotics everyday, and there is no harm! All the negative publicity and wrong press is all hoax- there are lot of scientific studies and medical Journal, which are backs with research and lot of Clinical trials over the years.

Over all people with an imbalance of good and bad bacteria may experience following symptoms and should take Probiotics:

  • Low Energy levels

  • Poor Immunity

  • Food intolerance or Allergies

  • Acne or Eczema

  • Indigestion, Heartburn

  • Constipation or Diarrhoea

  • Candida overgrowth/ Thrush

  • IBS

  • IBD

“One average strength probiotic capsule is equivalent to 40 cups of sugary supermarket yoghurts”- The choice is up to you!

ARE ALL STRAINS OF PROBIOTICS THE SAME?

NO! Research continues to show that different probiotic strains have unique properties, and exert their beneficial effects in different parts of the intestines. It is therefore important when choosing a Probiotics to select a potent formula that supports your specific needs and health requirements.

Here are few general guidelines about which strain is good for what condition:

Lacto bacillus acidophilus combine with Vitamin C/ Echinacea/ grape seed extract/green tea. This strain will help to absorb antioxidant quickly and better.

L. acidophilus & L. rhamnosus probiotic. These strains are safe to take while on antibiotics, but take it couple of hours away from antibiotics. Eases the side effects of Antibiotics like diarrhea, constipation and thrush.

Lactobacillus casei Rosell Naturally supports the digestion of protein in the stomach and a lighter feeling.

Saccharomyces boulardii Bowel calm and controls the above symptoms and Doesn’t interfere with medicines or supplements for candida, IBS or diarrhea.

L. acidophilus & S. boulardii Helps to maintain good digestion whilst abroad and prevents travelling bugs, Take prior to, during and after your trip.

Well-researched Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 strain Help you maintain bowel routine regularly. Gentle enough for pregnant women, elderly, and children from 1 year onwards. Bifidobacteria Infantis suitable for the immunity of child and mother and helps to prevent from infection and any allergies.

ARE PROBIOTIC BACTERIA SAFE

According to the European food Safety Authority, Probiotic bacteria have a long established research history of human consumption, which is also supported by many studies all over the globe.

Clinically reported complications caused by probiotic supplementation are rare and mostly involve mild abdominal discomfort and flatulence. Generally probiotics supplement are not recommended in the case of individuals with suppressed immune system (e.g. with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant patients, premature infants), due to low risk of infection.

ARE PROBIOTIC RECOMMENDED AND SAFE FOR CHILDREN

Probiotic supplementation is highly recommended for infants and children. The intestinal micro flora develops in the first few years of life. Once this development stage is over, the intestinal micro flora is essentially set, playing an important factor in the health for the rest of the life of a child. Probiotic supplementation helps in the healthy development of the intestinal micro flora in infants and children.

Children are particularly susceptible to potential “bad” bacteria from food and the environment. Probiotics plays a key role in protecting children, including from stomach bugs. Probiotics bacteria have also shown to be beneficial for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and antibiotic-induced diarrhea in children.

There is a significant emerging research on the benefits of probiotics for infant health. Research has shown probiotics can reduce infantile colic and may also increase infant weight growth in the first 6 month of life.

SHOULD PROBIOTICS BE REFRIGERATED

Refrigeration is one technique used to increase the stability of the product, but for the highest quality probiotic products, refrigeration is not always necessary. Only live probiotic bacteria can have a positive effect on health and well being by colonizing the gastrointestinal system and exerting positive influence in the body. As a result, it is of critical importance that probiotics products are stable through out their shelf life and contain live bacteria

PROBIOTIC REDUCE RISK OF ANTIBIOTIC SIDE EFFECTS

“According to the American college of Gastroenterology 76th Annual Scientific Meeting, 31st Oct 2011, Washington”

Long-term use of antibiotics is associated with a greater chance of diarrhea as well as an increased risk of various infections. As a consequence, recent research has focused on the role of probiotics in treating and preventing these complications, but the contrasting nature of the trials has made it difficult to draw a firm conclusions.

Dr. Shamah who was leading the research and findings said-these finding suggests that all patients who are at high-risk for these infections demonstrated by recent antibiotic usage, old age, recent hospitalization, low albumin and immunosuppression should be considered for probiotics therapy.

He further added that studies are now needed to determine the best duration, dose and specific species of probiotics for preventing antibiotic associated diarrhea and infections.

_______________________________________________________________________________

For further information or any advice please visit www.rsnutrition.co.uk or email at rbsnutrition@gmail.com

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