Probiotics
Probiotics: Good Bacteria
Probiotics
are strains
of good bacteria,
which help the
digestive system
work more efficiently.
There are over
400 different
species that
make their homes
in humans. Most
of these bacteria
are not harmful
to us, in fact
they contribute
to human development.
The most important
key is to strike
a balance between
the good bacteria,
and the bad.
Prebiotics can
be defined as
nutrients and
constituents
of food which
our gut flora
feed upon, thereby
increasing their
numbers. Prebiotics
include fructoligosaccharrarides,
which are found
in many plants
including leeks,
onions, wheat
garlic and artichokes.These
bacteria help
digestion and
the immune system
by increasing
microflora levels.
Probiotics,
on the other
hand (lactobacillus,
acidophilus
bifidus) are
foods which
provide the
actual good
bacteria. Therefore,
the effect of
a probiotic
may be enhanced
by having a
prebiotic as
a support medium.
Probiotics
Role in the
Healthy Lifestyle
With food processing,
pollution, and
antibiotic therapy,
the numbers
of these beneficial
bacteria that
occur naturally
in the gastrointestinal
tract are significantly
reduced. This
can lead to
a whole host
of problems
including poor
digestion, decreased
immunity, and
an inability
to properly
combat diseases.
There is also
the likelihood
to have a reduced
barrier against
infectious food
born pathogens
such as salmonella
or E.coli. Probiotics
also decrease
the duration
of certain diarrheal
illnesses, preventing
potential dehydration
and complications.
Both probiotics
and prebiotics
increase the
colony size
of the gut's
natural flora,
and more and
more people
are including
them in their
diet to promote
good health.
The bodybuilder
or fitness enthusiast
can also benefit,
as it becomes
easier to digest
food, which
provides a more
efficient influx
of energy and
protein, Pro
and prebiotics
also boost the
immune system,
so those who
workout regularly
can train harder
and recuperate
quicker.
How
to Supplement
with Probiotics
An individual
can obtain probiotics
by eating live
yogurts that
contain active
bacterial cultures,
special powders
or probiotic
supplements.
More recently,
sport supplement
companies have
recognized the
benefits, and
are adding probiotics
to their engineered
nutrition meal
replacement
powders.
Sources of
Probiotics
-Green Food
Supplements
(Progressive
Vege Greens)
-Probiotic Capsules
(at least 2-3
strains of bacteria,
non-dairy)
-Digestive Enzyme
formulas
-Meal replacement
powders
Summary
of Benefits
-Improved digestion
-Aids irritable
bowel syndrome
-Assists in
conditions like
inflammatory
bowel disease
,ulcerative
colitis, ulcers
-Prevents tooth
decay
-Helps heal
skin infections
-Diarrhea from
flu and other
gastrointestinal
issues
