The Fundamentals of PROBIOTICS

This basic article simply explains probiotics for you to take an informed choice about your health and wellbeing. Contained in this article:

·         What are Probiotics?

·         Foods Containing Naturally-Occurring Probiotics

·         What to Look out for When Buying Your Probiotic

·         How Often Should you Take a Probiotic?

·         Who should take probiotics?

·         Further Information

What are Probiotics?

Probiotic means ‘for life’ and is the name given to the ‘friendly’ bacteria that populate our gut. The World Health Organisation describes probiotics as ‘live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.’

The main probiotic bacteria are the Lactobacilli which alter the pH of the large intestine (making it more acidic), and therefore undesirable for disease-causing bacteria, moulds, mould spores and yeasts. It is a fact that without a healthy intestinal flora within our digestive system (the source and centre of all our nourishment) we are without a quality life. If we cannot get the essential nutrients we need from our food then our mental and physical digestion suffers causing disease.

Foods Containing Naturally-Occurring Probiotics

Fermented foods such as …

·         Cultured dairy products - yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, acidophilus milk, lebne (a spreadable cheese derived from yoghurt), and some sour creams and cottage cheeses with added cultures. Many types of cheeses contain probiotics. Be wary different brands of yoghurt vary in their potency and bacterial strain.

·         Fermented cabbage – for example sauerkraut (Germany), cortido (Central America) or kimchi (Korea). Please note that many commercial fermented cabbage products have been pasteurised which destroys the probiotics.

·         Unpasturised salted gherkins and brine-cured olives contain high concentrations of naturally occurring probiotics.

What to Look out for When Buying Your Probiotic

·         It’s all about community – bacteria work together in communities called colony-forming units (CFU’s). Some brands of probiotics will split the CFUs in order to increase the appearance of numbers (it’s a consumer-myth that the higher the bacteria count the more beneficial the probiotic). Splitting the CFU’s in this manner impairs probiotic function and misleads consumers i.e. you, the general public. Therefore, the only way to ensure the bacteria in your probiotic food/supplement are in their natural state is to go for an organic probiotic.

·         Ensure that you can clearly identify what strain of bacteria are in your probiotic and what research the company has taken to ensure that the bacteria are able to survive the manufacturing process, the bodies stomach acid and their ability to colonise successfully in the intestine. E.g. brands that split CFU’s will decrease the probiotic’s effectiveness in these areas.

·         Make sure that the packaging for your supplement keeps out moisture, light and heat (otherwise the probiotic will not be able to survive).

·         If you want to get further information on specific probiotic research search the PubMed database online http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed or google scholar http://scholar.google.co.nz/

How Often Should you Take a Probiotic?

Research has shown that probiotic cells last 3-10days in the human body so it is important that a live active probiotic is consumed regularly to upkeep intestinal health. Your local natural health professional will be able to advise you further.

Who should take probiotics?

If you suffer from ANY of the following you may have an imbalance in your intestinal flora and would benefit from a probiotic…

ü Suffer from allergies/food sensitivities?

ü Find it difficult to lose weight?

ü Constantly crave sugar?

ü Frequently suffer from fatigue/poor concentration?

ü Have frequent bowel problems (diarrhea/constipation/Irritable bowel Syndrome)?

ü Suffer from digestive problems?

ü Have acid reflux?

ü Experience poor quality sleep?

ü Have constant night sweats?

ü Suffer from joint inflammation/stiffness?

ü Have dental problems such as gum disease/bad breath?

ü Have recurring bouts of colds/flu/infections?

ü Endure chronic yeast infections?

ü Suffer from skin problems such as acnes, eczema, athletes foot?

ü Often have menstrual problems or menopausal symptoms?

It is recommended that you take a probiotic if you are exposed to or consume ANY of the following (as these substances destroy ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut, probiotic supplementation will maintain good health)…

·         Antibiotics

·         Birth control pills

·         Steroidal & hormonal drugs

·         Fluoride

·         Chlorine

·         Coffee/Tea

·         Carbonated drinks

·         Synthetic vitamins

·         Radiation

·         Stress

·         Preservatives

·         Additives

·         Pesticides

·         Fertilisers

Further Information

Click here for more details about probiotics and for you to make an informed choice about probiotics (this PDF also includes information about the wonderful In-Liven™ superfood product from Miessence™)

Miessence produces two organic probiotic products In-Liven™ and Fast-tract™ which for the whole of September have 20% off – click here for more information

If you would like any more information please feel free to message me.