Benefits of Probiotics: Friendly Bacteria
The intestine contains more than 400 species of bacteria that weigh almost 4 pounds (1.5 kilos). Live bacteria make up about 30% of the mass of feces. Some of these bacteria are potentially harmful and can cause illness. However, many are friendly bacteria and have a beneficial effect on our bodies. These beneficial bacteria are often referred to as ‘probiotics’, which literally translates to ‘for life’. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus are the “good” bacteria that normally inhabit our intestines and are responsible for keeping “bad” bacteria and fungi like candida albicans in check. If harmful bacteria dominate in the intestine, essential vitamins and enzymes are not produced and the level of toxins in the body increases. This buildup of harmful toxins can cause cancer, liver and kidney disease, high blood pressure, arterial disease, and poor immunity.
Lactobacillus, acidophilus, bifidus and other friendly bacteria can do the following.
- Weaken antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and ‘superbugs’ and infections in people who have a compromised immune system.
- Manufacture vitamins of group B (biotin, B3, B5, B6, folic acid and B12) and vitamin K.
- They inhibit bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrites and secrete carcinogens, thus acting as anticancer agents (especially in the intestine and bladder).
- It acts as a natural antibiotic against “bad” bacteria and viruses and yeasts such as candida albicans.
- Improve bowel function and elimination.
- Improve diarrhea conditions in irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, AIDS and in travellers.
- Soothes and prevents skin conditions like acne and skin infections.
- It can help in protection against the adverse effects of radiation and pollution.
- Helps reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
- Helps control high stress levels and food cravings.
- Helps eliminate bad breath.
- Helps balance sex hormone levels and improves fertility.
- Produces lactic acid and improves the digestibility of food.
- Helps in the prevention of osteoporosis.
- It can help in the treatment of:
- – allergies,
- – eczema,
- – Psoriasis,
- colitis,
- o Irritable bowel syndrome
- gastritis,
- or Duodenitis,
- or diverticulitis,
- o Urinary tract infections,
- or vaginosis,
- o Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, alopecia areata, scleroderma, etc., and
- o Other chronic infections.
Probiotics have also been shown to have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. It is a much safer prescription than antibiotics and probiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence of postpartum complications. Also, if the mother has a healthy gut population, the beneficial bacteria are transferred to the baby at birth (even when delivered by C-section). This means that the baby is less likely to develop fungal infections such as candidiasis and cradle cap.
How do probiotics work?
There are several different ways that probiotics work.
- They produce antimicrobial substances: organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. These inhibit adhesions of pathogens and degrade toxins produced by “bad” microorganisms.
- They compete with “bad” bacteria for binding sites as well as nutrients.
- They secrete various proteins that stimulate the immune system both locally and throughout the body.
- They can prevent the movement of harmful microorganisms through the intestinal wall and into the lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, liver, and blood.
Adverse effects of probiotics Probiotics are generally considered to be very safe and well tolerated in usual doses. Very sensitive individuals have reported occasional indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. Very rare cases of liver abscess due to L. acidophilus have been reported in cases of chronic pancreatitis undergoing surgery.
Dose The safe and effective dose for most people is 1 to 10 billion viable organisms of L. acidophilus, L. casei GG, or B. bifidum daily. Doses greater than 10 billion can cause intestinal disorders.
Factors That Suppress Probiotics There are a number of things that will negatively affect probiotics. These include:
- a diet high in sugar and refined foods,
- caffeine,
- alcoholic beverage,
- chlorine in drinking water,
- tobacco,
- prescription antibiotics,
- steroids,
- vaccinations and
- X-rays.
It has also been found that casein and antibiotics found in most commercially available dairy products will also negatively affect probiotics. Probiotics are a natural part of the healthy bowl and have many beneficial effects on the body. In particular, they are able to counteract the effects of harmful bacteria and yeasts such as candida albicans. Taking a friendly bacteria supplement that contains lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus, and other beneficial bacteria can be beneficial in many conditions and may help improve health.
References
Appleton, N. 1995, Secrets of Natural Healing with Food. Rudra press.
Chaitow, L. 1998, Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics. Thorsons.
Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pop.
Hoffman, D. 1990, The New Holistic Herbal. Element.
Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, Nature’s Ultimate Guide to Health. Astrology publication.
