Why You Need Good Probiotics Bacteria

What exactly are probiotic bacteria?

In 1907, a Russian researcher named Metchnikoff observed that the people living along the Russian steppes lived longer lives than most Europeans.

He noted they consumed milk products which had been fermented using a lactic-acid producing bacteria (referred to as a LAB).

Eventually, he introduced a theory that aging is caused by toxic bacteria which live in the gut and that supplementation of lactic acid producing bacteria can prolong life.

Metchnikoff wasn’t exactly right about the longevity aspect of probiotic bacteria, but modern studies continue to demonstrate that these microorganisms, which are referred to as probiotic, can have an effect on common digestive dysfunctions and even some chronic GI tract disorders.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What are Probiotic Bacteria?

Most probiotics bacteria species belong to one of two genuses: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

In the gut, a wide spectrum of bacteria and yeast compose the microflora and many of these are only now beginning to be understood through clinical trials and laboratory research.

Most people are familiar with the probiotic species Lactobacillus Acidophilus because it is commonly added to milk, juice, yogurt and even breads.

Another somewhat well-known species is Bifidobacterium bifidum, which is often simply referred to as bifidus. Both of these common microbes are found naturally within the body in great quantities.

Most probiotic supplement products contain at least one, if not both, of these well-known bacterial species.

Lactobacillus: Commonly used probiotics bacteria in the Lactobacillus genus include L. brevis, L. casei, L. helveticus, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and L. rhamnosus.

Lactobacillus bacteria make up a major portion of the lactic-acid bacteria because nearly all of these microbes convert lactose and other sugars from food sources into lactic acid. Though they only make up a small portion of the overall gut ecosystem, their work is important and necessary.

Recently, some of these bacteria have had their entire genome sequenced, prompting renewed attention to their probiotic properties and effects.

Bifidobacterium: Lesser known probiotic species in the genus Bifidobacterium are B. animalis, B. breve, B. infantis and B. longum.

Up until the 1960s, all of the Bifidobacterium species were referred to as Lactobacillus bifidus. Since that time, they have become recognized as separate and unique from the Lactobacillus genus.

Mother’s milk contains large numbers of B. infantis microbes which are used to colonize the sterile infant gastrointestinal tract. Bifidobacteria help to regulate the balance of intestinal microflora while also inhibiting the production and colonization of pathogenic bacteria which colonize and infect the mucosa of the gut.

Bifidobacterium are typically sensitive to oxygen exposure, making them most effective in environments without it.

Benefits of Probiotic Bacteria

Foods, like yogurt, tempeh and sauerkraut, are naturally loaded with these friendly bacteria, but most food products need to be eaten 3 or more times each day in order to have any real effect on the balance of microflora within the gut.

Most people choose to supplement with probiotic capsules, powders, pills, tablets or drops to assure a standardized daily dose of those bacteria which offer relief from their symptoms.

Reports from individuals who regularly take probiotic bacteria supplements include experiences of improved digestive health, decreases in diarrhea and constipation, elimination of flatulence (gas), less bloating and a decline in abdominal discomfort.

Individuals experiencing symptoms related to more serious intestinal disorders like IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Disease or Leaky Gut also report a reduction in some of their symptoms, particularly abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and discomfort.

Doctors often suggest probiotics bacteria to their patients who are taking antibiotics to fight infection or illness. Probiotics help to restore the gut flora to a healthy balance during periods of dysbacteriosis. This can occur after antibiotic drugs have killed off many of the good bacteria along with the pathogenic microbes.

The Best Probotic Bacteria

Health food shops and online nutritional shops provide a wealth of options for probiotics bacteria products.

When selecting a product, doses are often only effective when containing billions of living cultures, so reading labels carefully is imperative. Some probiotic products need to be kept refrigerated which limits their convenience factor but sometimes increases their viability.

Probiotics bacteria are considered generally safe for almost everyone.

Those who should not take probiotic products include those with HIV/AIDS, people taking immunosuppressant drug therapies (for transplant purposes) and individuals with artificial heart valves.

Review

Hundreds of studies are currently under way in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of these friendly, beneficial bacteria. New information becomes available each month regarding the specific health effects and the dosage required to achieve those effects.

Probiotic bacteria have been used around the world for millennia to aid in good digestion and bowel function. Through the use of technology and modern knowledge, it may now be possible to fine tune these helpful microorganisms to gain the full benefit of their offerings.

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