Your daily bacteria
April 7, 2010
The health of the gastrointestinal tract appears be deteriorating with the increase in symptoms such as diarrhoea, heartburn, bloating, constipation and much more. We have also seen a large increase in more chronic issues such as colitis, and bowel cancers
The human gut is said to contain 10 times more bacteria than all the human cells in the entire body. Of this bacteria (or microflora) some of them are there to offer us the protection from pathogens and to keep the ‘unfavourable’ bacteria which live symbiotically with us under control.
When the unfavourable strains of bacteria are allowed to flourish and proliferate we can then find symptoms of digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, bloating etc) fungal infections, local and systemic inflammation, weight gain, halitosis (bad breath), skin disorders, IBS and much more.
In the early 1900′s Nobel prize winner Laureate Metchnikoff reported the health effects and improved longevity from consuming fermented milk products and he suggested the ingesting live friendly bacteria may improve the balance of our human gastrointestinal microflora. He particularly noted the longevity of the Bulgarians who on a daily basis would eat live bacteria from fermented milk.
Our diets are now more refined and are higher in sugar and alcohol, and lower (in some cases zero) levels of fermented foods which should provide the healthy microbes we need. In addition we have seen an increase in the use of medical drugs (some necessary for life of course) in particular the over use of antibiotics which wipe out all our bacteria and allow for the unfavourable to take control. Stress can also affect our microbes as can smoking and other undesirable habits
Humans thrive on pre and probiotic foods but most of use do not take our daily dose which you find in live natural yoghurt and fermented foods. Soluble fibre from inulin and oligosaccharides are classed as prebiotic (found in vegetables – unpeeled) as they feed the probiotic bacteria and help them to thrive. Other sources include bran, berries, unpeeled apples, legumes and more
The word probiotic is said to be a ‘viable microbial food supplement which can beneficially influence the health of humans’. some of the known benefits are -
promoting the correct pH in the large intestine
enhancement of mineral absorption
production of some vitamins including B & K
reduction in cholesterol
vaginal dysbiosis
Anti-carcinogenic activity
management of inflammatory bowel disease
immune modulation which may support allergies and food intolerance
anti-inflammatory …..and much more
A new probiotic drink launching in the UK called Vita Biosa is an excellent way to boost your daily levels of bacteria in an easy to take drink. Can be mixed into a little fruit juice or made as a dressing with some oil and poured over salads
It is free from sugar, made from 19 different types of organic herbs and has 3 probiotic bacteria giving around 1 billion friendly bacteria per 50ml serving (you can take more)
The UK lauch takes places at the Natural & Organic produce Europe in London on April 11th and 12th. I am pleased to endorse this product so why not come down to the Europe’s largest Natural and Organic show. Global foods network are giving away a free ticket to the event. To down load this ticket go to http://devinedetox.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=50
for more information on health, nutrition and detoxification go to my websites
Karen
