Probiotics

See also :

• fermented food
• Gut Flora
• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacteria
• Streptococcus Thermophilus
• Saccharomyces Boulardii
• Prebiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be helpful. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; such as in yogurt, soy yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, or any other fermented food you can purchase or make yourself. Milk kefir and water kefir are excellent sources of probiotics that can be consumed daily as dietary supplements.

Special Precautions of Probiotics

Probiotics should not be used by people with impaired immune systems, such as patients with HIV/AIDS or who are taking medications that weaken the immune system. Probiotics can cause dangerous infections in people with compromised immune systems, including sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The benefits of Probiotics are

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a group of probiotics known to improve digestion, nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, colorectal cancer and other diseases linked to an unhealthy colon microflora.
• Enhance immunity : a double-blind clinical test involving patients in intensive care proved that viable (alive) probiotics prevented multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), the number one cause of mortality among intensive care patients. (Source 5 below). If probiotics can do this, what can they do to prevent chronic flues and colds and allergies?
• The immune protection of mother's milk is enhanced if the mother takes probiotics during or before pregnancy. If breast feeding is impossible, then adding probiotics and prebiotics (what probiotic bacteria feed on) to a baby formula free from fluoridated water and sweeteners can be tried.
• Probiotics can reverse ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gut inflammations that occur from a lack of sufficient probiotics.
• Cancer : Probiotics help to strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases. By improving gut health, probiotics boost the body's immune defenses, which in turn fight infections. The intestinal tract is home to between 70 and 80 percent of the body's immune cells. If the immune cells are functioning well the body is more resistant to infection. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Helicobacter pylori are the four primary infections linked to cancer.
• Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity (GS) symptoms are handled by adding probiotics.
• candidiasis : When pathogenic bacteria upset the 85/15 balance of probiotic to bad bacteria, yeast infections such as Candida flourish.
• A healthy gut flora balance helps prevent cancer by nourishing enzymes that inhibit tumor production throughout the body.
• Sufficient probiotic intestinal flora prevents radiation damage from X-rays and CT scans to the large and small intestines.
• GMOs are used in many processed foods and antibiotics are in lots of our non-organic meat and dairy products. They both destroy probiotic bacteria, making it necessary to add probiotic materials back if you've had any of those foods.
• Autism : Dr. Natasha Campbell-Mcbride discovered how to cure her son of autism through a diet that restored his probiotic levels and heal his inflammatory conditions. She developed GAPS, gut and psychology syndrome, confirming the connection with gut health and mental health.

To Avoid

• Antibiotics - These destroy bacteria in the body, both good and bad. If you take antibiotics, supplement your body with new probiotics immediately afterwards to rebuild your reserves.
• Birth control pills/steroidal/hormonal drugs
• Chlorine - Another reason to avoid drinking tap water, or even bathing in chlorinated water. Get a water filter and shower filter to limit your exposure to chlorine.
• Fluoride - This is also found in much of the world's tap water. Be sure you have a drinking water filter that removes this substance to limit your exposure to it so as to spare your good bacteria from it.
• Coffee - Coffee drinkers will surely be disappointed to learn this. Limit your intake of coffee, or just up your regular supplementation of probiotics to help compensate.
• Carbonated beverages - Limit your consumption of these.
• Radiation - Avoid sources of radiation, such as chemotherapy, x-rays, and microwaves.
• Additives/preservatives - Eat organic, pure foods as much as possible. Avoid processed foods.
• Pesticides/herbicides/fertilizers - Buy and eat organic foods whenever possible.
• Stress - While you can't completely eliminate stressors from your life, you can limit and reduce the amount of them.