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Gut Bacteria |
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Whenever we mention the word bacteria we automatically think of nasty germs
which are harmful to our health. This is only partially true because there are
two types of bacteria, good ones and bad ones; the major concern for achieving
good health is that the body has a balance between the two.
The battle between good and bad bacteria is most prominent in the digestive
system. An average day consist s of around several billion at war within our
digestive system. In a healthy individual a proportion of these bacteria have
the ability to cause illness and diseases, however the bad bacteria are
counteracted by the good bacteria , which work in harmony with the body helping
the digestive system to function properly. Problems arise when the balance
between good and bad bacteria becomes disturbed. The good buys, principally two
families of bacteria called Lactobacillus and Bifido-bacteria to a large extent
keep the bad guys under control. As we age, the proportion of Bifido-bacteria
and Lactobacillus gradually falls even further. This is one reason why we seem
to suffer from bowel disorders when we get older.
Many factors can upset the balance. For instance pharmaceutical antibiotics,
while killing off any troublesome bacteria also kills off the good bacteria.
Stress, changes of diet, travel, drugs and even weather changes can also
undermine the digestive bacteria in our gut.
The theory: Pro-biotic bacteria is a 'live microbial feed supplement that
beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal balance' (BNF,
1999). Roughly translated, this means pro-biotics are able to improve the
balance of bacteria in the gut, thereby reducing the risk of disease.
A pre-biotic, on the other hand, is a food that isn't digested by the body
but stimulates the growth of certain bacteria in the colon, thereby improving
health. Pre-biotics include ingredients such as inulin or
fructo-oligosaccharides - complex carbohydrates which are added to certain
yoghurts.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidum Bacteria Complex -
helps balance the intestinal flora within the intestines, which is essential for
good health. Friendly bacteria can easily become compromised due to illness,
certain medications or poor dietary habits, which can lead to bowel disorders.
Fructo-oligosaccharides - found in fruit and vegetables can help support the
growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They cannot be digested by the body
and only act as food for the friendly bacteria. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
are naturally occurring carbohydrates found in onions, garlic, leeks, chicory
root, artichokes and asparagus. The presence of healthy microflora keeps the
lining of the intestines healthy and allow the optimal adsorption of nutrients
from our food.
The microflora consists of an estimated 400 species of microorganisms such as
the well known bacteria, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, and the Bifido-bacteria.
Clinical studies have linked increases in Bifido-Bacteria population in the gut,
due to FOS supplementation which increases the bio-availability of calcium,
lowers cholesterol and improve glucose tolerance. FOS also increase transit
time, which helps to reduce constipation.
Lactobacillus Acidophillus and Lactobacillus Bifidum Bacteria are pro-biotic
- they are known as the friendly bacteria and are important for the health of
the gut. Beneficial bacteria, when supplied as a supplement, crowd out the
unfriendly bacteria restoring balance. Pro-biotics produce their own natural
antibiotics that are able to kill pathogens (disease causing micro-organisms).
Pro-biotics produce organic acids that inhibit the production of many harmful
bacteria. Beneficial bacteria may also help enhance digestion and absorption,
and also boost the immune system
Dr Anton Emmanuel states "I strongly urge anyone who has gut symptoms
that are new, or have worsened, to seek medical advice. Usually a GP can
reassure you about the symptoms, but occasionally specialist referral is
required to exclude a more worrying condition. Finally, the possible therapies
for IBS are rapidly evolving and it is hoped that within the next few years
specific interventions will be available for the commoner symptoms."
Men suffering with IBS may experience symptoms for decades. Women are
relatively more fortunate in that a significant proportion experience remission
around the menopause.
People often suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and never even know
what the signs are. Typically the signs are abdominal pain and bloating
associated with alteration of bowel frequency (constipation or diarrhea). The
pro-biotics that are available at the moment in this country in some basic
products do not always have a high concentration of living bacteria in them.
Studies are in advanced development to ensure that the high-dose pro-biotics,
which are dealt with as medicines, will soon be available as prescribable drugs.
Alternatively look to see the statement upon the nutritional supplement you are
purchasing for the highest cultivation of living bacteria.
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