Probiotics are the new buzz words nowadays, simply because we’re learning more about their amazing advantages to digestive health and applying the knowledge to ward off diseases and lead to longer, more productive lives. Probiotics are typically utilised in exactly the exact same sentence (or 2 ) with our immune system; the association between both are inextricably linked and they work together to maintain our internal systems in check.

Did you know?

This is primarily due to there being 70% of our immune system in the intestines, the health of which is regulated by . So how does this work? Medical Researchers are discovering that one of the unlocked keys to great health is right inside our gut, especially from the world of germs that live inside. It’s also where cells of the immune system reside. The quantity of research are mounting that “good” bacteria aren’t just beneficial for digestive health but can also be exceptional in stimulating immune system function.

Some researchers are already working on understanding new found advantages of probiotics as an important component in the relationship with obesity. The overall advantages for probiotic health just keep adding up. According to the World Health Organisation, probiotics could be described as live micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.

Natural probiotics

A diet rich in naturally occurring probiotics has become encouraged and advised. Before our comparatively recent discovery of bacteria that are good, all bacteria were outcasts and weren’t given the respect they deserved. Among the first probiotic strains which was found and used as an antibiotic therapy came from the bowels of a soldier during the First World War. He didn’t succumb to the spread of infectious bacteria that caused chronic diarrhoea (shigellosis) and killed many.

The bacterium, Nissle strain was shown to be an effective way of treatment, when antibiotics weren’t yet available, for those who have severe gastrointestinal ailments. An imbalance of favorable versus harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract or gut may result in digestive complaints that may cause a lot more serious health issues. Some researchers believe that symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome are directly associated with a bacterial imbalance.

Be aware

Harmful germs or microbes proliferate in states in which there is an imbalance; if there are insufficient good bacteria to keep good health. These symptoms may be mild to severe gastrointestinal complications and immune dysfunction. The interesting fact about germs is they are unique to every individual, starting at birth and extending through life. The GI (gastro-intestinal) tract of a human foetus is totally free of bacteria and fungi. But just before babies enter this world they ingest friendly microbes within the mother’s birth canal as they proceed through. Those born by Caesarean section acquire microbes from the environment. In actuality, we’re bombarded with 10 times more germs in our bodies than the amount of cells which exists within us.

Getting loads of probiotics has become an important part of a healthy immune system. Choices of probiotics in foods may seem small. One option you may use is to take probiotics in capsule supplements or the powder form to your favourite yoghurt to raise the quantity in your diet. Not all probiotics are created equal. Due to the popularity of probiotics nowadays, you will find questionable products on the market with fraudulent labelling. When picking a Brand of probiotics elect for one that shows the results of an independent assay.

Take note

Preparing your probiotic through fermentation is easy to do and can be equally as effective. The Lactobacillus bacteria are responsible for fermentation; they also inhibit the practice of putrefying bacteria that cause foods to rot. , , and are generally used for fermentation as well as individuals that are lactose intolerant can usually enjoy fermented dairy products, since the lactose is converted to lactic acid. When you eat homemade desserts use them as condiments and much less important portions of your meal, such as fermented berries used as “ketchup” and implemented modestly on foods.

  • Place cut pieces in a bowl, add sea salt and pound the pieces.
  • Gather all components, including the , and set in a wide-mouth jar leaving about an inch of space on top. Seal the jar tightly preventing air from getting in.
  • Store in a cool dark place, approximately 4 – 6 degrees Celsius.

Remember

Probiotics aren’t just nutrition, nor are they just food. They are living bacteria which exist in a symbiotic relationship with the human body. They secrete compounds that regulate cell function and there are lots of strains of bacteria that are beneficial for your health which help to resist the growth of germs and infectious agents. Also called intestinal flora, micro flora and gut flora, probiotics can reduce autoimmune diseases (cancer, allergy), improve nutrient absorption, decrease bloating, combat yeast , treat halitosis, cure diarrhoea and constipation.

Good bacteria can stabilise the digestive tract bacterial environment by enhancing gastrointestinal IgA antibody responses and closely controlling inflammation associated with infections. Allergic ingestion is associated with a selection of health benefits especially the of micro-flora inside the gastrointestinal tract. Numerous studies reveal that the body’s natural defence against infections specifically, lymphocytes and antibodies are improved with a diet which includes probiotic ingredients.

Their beneficial effects have gone full circle getting popular, waning, and then returning more popular than before. When antibiotics were first introduced to health clinics, it was at precisely the exact same time that probiotics became known in mathematics as a essential part of a healthy immune system. Probiotics couldn’t compete with the quick-acting, powerful antibiotic. This unfortunately pushed probiotics from the limelight and back to relative obscurity for a couple decades, although Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin himself, advised using a probiotic along with the antibiotic.

Conclusion

This is still good advice, just remember to take them in another time; the probiotic prior to a meal and the antibiotic some time after. Today we understand how damaging long-term use of antibiotics is to our immune system. Antibiotics work by destroying both friendly and harmful bacteria leading to a diminished immune system. The more we are exposed to antibiotics that the more dangerous are microbes which evolve to infect our diminished system. Also, any undesirable bacteria not ruined by the antibiotic are more powerful by nature and thus we’re left with a gut currently populated with a much stronger strain. This is the main reason for antibiotic-resistant pathogens.