Probiotics

[Guest guest]

Great article on probiotics

(acidophilus and bifidus)

Probiotics - Great Digestion for Life!

by Alison

Heath (This article was posted on

PlanetVeggie.com)

Natural and

man-made forces bombard our gastrointestinal tract. Each day, an internal war

is waged as the beneficial microflora in our intestines are

thrown out of balance. This carnage results from everyday living and various

medical treatments on which we depend and that we take for granted. Stress,

excessive alcohol, diets high in fat and meats, and large quantities of sugar,

chlorine and fluorine so often found in our drinking water, are lifestyle

weapons in this war. Bacterial dysentery and other forms of illness can also

wreak havoc on the delicate balance of our intestinal flora. Ironically,

pharmaceuticals, some medical treatments, and natural antibiotics that save our

lives, also act as trigger-happy hired guns, indiscriminately killing our

precious supply of beneficial bacteria. Radiation, anti-bacterial chemicals,

antibiotics and even antacids change the pH balance of the gastrointestinal

(GI) tract, neutralize probiotic activity, and leave a war-torn environment in

our intestines where pathogenic bacteria and yeast can flourish.

Fortunately, it is

possible to maintain a healthy GI tract. Lifestyle choices play an important

role. A conscious effort can be made to avoid the abuse and overuse of

pharmaceuticals and antibiotics. Research has shown dietary supplementation of

probiotics can help balance the friendly bacteria within our intestines.

The word probiotics

means " for life " . There are two kinds of probiotic bacteria:

transient and resident. Transient or non-native microorganisms must be obtained

from outside sources. Resident microorganisms are the organisms that live in

the GI tract. The balanced levels of resident bacteria prevent many harmful

substances like free radicals, pathogens, and undigested fats and proteins from

penetrating the intestinal wall and entering the blood stream. Replenishing our

supply of resident probiotics alleviates much of the stress on our immune

system.

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and bifidus (Bifidobacterium bifidus) are two probiotic

species naturally found inhabiting the GI tract. Acidophilus is essential for

the absorption of nutrients in our food and makes its home in colonies one cell

deep, along our small intestine, strengthening the intestinal wall. Acidophilus

inhibits the growth of Candida albicans,

reduces cholesterol, activates vitamin production, aids in lactose tolerance

and food digestion, helps reduce bad breath and provides a natural antibiotic.

Bifidus aids in the absorption of water from food, inhibits bloating and gas,

and promotes healthy and effective elimination of waste materials.

W. Sehnert,

M.D. wrote The Garden Within

- Acidophilus-Candida Connection, where he points out that it is

" buyer beware " when it comes to selecting the best product.

" Even now many people believe that if they eat yogurt they do not have to

take acidophilus. I wish it were true! The commercial yogurt which sits on the

grocery store shelves for days should not be considered as a source of

acidophilus. " He explains that homemade yogurt will provide acidophilus,

but not enough. He recommends supplementation of DDS acidophilus from a

vegetable source with 1 to 2 billion colony-forming units (CFU), and cautions

consumers to research carefully before purchasing. Freshness is a very

important factor.

Dr. Jeremija Lj. Rasic Ph.D., Novi Sad Institute, Yugoslavia,

provides the following guideline to selecting probiotic supplements:

" Incorporate only the declared species and desirable strains. Have a large

number of viable friendly bacteria in concentrations of at least 1 billion per

gram that are refrigerated in storage. " The highest quality probiotic

supplements contain live cultures and starter nutrients (prebiotics) so these

probiotics can be nourished and strong enough to establish a healthy population

of friendly bacteria. These are simple methods to stop the war, end the

skirmishes and maintain a peaceful digestive system.