Pro Biotics

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.