The gut is generally only attended to when digestion becomes upset, yet many don’t realize the gut serves far more than digestion. Research into the gut microbiome is revealing startling results, showing its effects on the immune system, obesity, allergies, and mood. Nutrition plays a firm role in gut flora quality and quantity.
In fact, certain foods contain “prebiotics” that feed beneficial gut bacteria. The more beneficial bacteria we have, the greater likelihood our health will benefit. On the flipside, a diet high in refined sugars and trans fats may hinder our gut microbiome and influence practically every aspect of our health.
The Many Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics have wide-ranging benefits, but many of them are still poorly understood. Here are some of the many researched effects of probiotics.
Probiotics and Colon Health
Undigested polysaccharides, or carbohydrates, are commonly consumed in the human diet. These carbohydrates are metabolized into short-chain fatty acids by the gut microbiome. This, in turn, leads to production of compounds that downregulate cytokines in the colon. [1] This could possibly explain why some research shows fiber may support colon health. The question is, could probiotic bacteria possibly reduce the risk of colon cancer? Perhaps, but it may also be related to the other components in fiber-rich foods that could be providing benefit. More research is needed to determine the answer.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel
Probiotics have shown some positive effect for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. [2] Animal models show supplementation with probiotics may reduce the incidence of colitis, for example. [3] The aryl hydrocarbon receptor facilitates detoxification in the gut, and one source of AHR ligands is tryptophan. This amino acid is metabolized by gut Lactobacillus bacteria, thus protecting the gut from bacterial translocation. Can increasing your tryptophan and probiotic intake influence IBS or IBD? Potentially, but the research in that regard is not yet conclusive.
Probiotics and Obesity
The effect of probiotics on obesity is an interesting one. In fact, some experts believe probiotic administration should be essential for patients with obesity. [4] Bacterial degradation in the gut of indigestible carbohydrates produce specific metabolites that are responsible for regulating satiety hormones. [5] One silent threat that may be influencing obesity rates around the world is artificial sweeteners. It’s been said that artificial sweeteners alter gut bacteria and induces glucose intolerance. Research has shown that antibiotics may reduce this effect generated by artificial sweeteners, possibly showing that gut bacteria may play a role.
Probiotics and Fatty Liver
Fatty liver disease is an issue that is becoming more widespread, particularly the non-alcoholic form. Probiotics may provide some benefit in this regard, potentially reducing irritation associated with the disease as well as decreasing disease duration. [6] Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by choline- and methacholine-deficient diets have been reversed upon administration of antibiotics, again revealing the role of bacteria in the disorder. Again, this is where we need to see increased scientific scrutiny to determine the roles of probiotics.
Probiotics and Respiratory Disease
Asthma, allergies, and general respiratory disorders have risen dramatically in recent years, with research showing probiotics may provide improvement in these conditions. [7] It’s theorized that by introducing Bacteroides and dietary fiber into the diet, activation of antigens promoting asthma may decrease. With this evidence, we can no longer blame asthma on simple external factors, like pollution.
Are You Getting Enough Probiotics?
If you’re eating a typical modern diet, chances are you’re not getting enough probiotics daily. Even if you are following a healthy lifestyle, it can be difficult getting enough good bacteria in your diet due to the limited food sources. You can supplement, like with our probiotic supplement FloraTrex™, and also consume fiber-rich foods to help supply the probiotics with plenty of “food.” In addition, you want to make sure you are consuming little refined sugars to ensure you’re keeping a good balance of good and bad bacteria. Read more
There’s a lot of confusion out there about what makes a good probiotic, so let’s take a closer look at one of the most important around: Bifidobacterium bifidum. This bacterial strain is one of the most popular, commonly added to commercial yogurts and probiotic supplements. Its effectiveness for supporting digestive health could explain its popularity. Let’s discuss more about this powerful, beneficial bacteria.
Bifidobacterium bifidum: Health Benefits of Probiotics
After years of bacteria-bashing by the mainstream medical establishment and the push toward excessive use of antibiotics, it can be challenging to understand how bacteria can actually provide benefit. [1] You’ve probably heard how probiotics aid digestion, and it’s true, they do. But, they also do a whole lot more. High levels of good probiotic bacteria in your gut breakdown fiber, coat the inner lining of your intestines, and even stimulate your immune system. [2] Bad bacteria, like C. difficile or E. coli, suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
70%-80% of your immune response occurs in your gut, because that’s where antibiotics attack most germs and it’s where the majority of your immune cells go to fight off germs when you’re sick. [3] Probiotic bacteria actually attach to cells of the intestine and protect the physical lining of your intestine against damage from toxins or germs. This keeps toxins and germs out of your blood and prevents them from making you sick or disrupting cellular function. On top of all this, probiotics like B. bifidum also produce important vitamins like B12, biotin, and K2. [4]
Why You Need a Healthy Gut
Unfortunately, today it’s tough to keep probiotic levels in your gut stable. Antibiotics, illness, artificial sugar, and pesticides can kill off those friendly gut bacteria and let killer germs like C. diff. take up residence, leading to a common illness called ‘antibiotic-associated diarrhea’ (AAD). [5] When that happens, you’ve got trouble. Increasing levels of probiotic bacteria, like through a probiotic supplement, is essential in this case.
Bifidobacterium bifidum: A Strain You Want
When you were born, the B. bifidum strain was already present in your intestines, protecting you from germs. In fact, it made up nearly 95% of your intestinal bacteria! B. bifidum attaches to your intestinal lining and helps digest sugar. It also keeps germs and toxins away from your blood while it stimulates your immune system. Recent research even shows that Bifidobacterium bifidum reduces the incidence of cold and flu. [6] Read more
Are probiotics really that good for you? Is yogurt the best source of probiotics? I regularly hear these and many other questions about probiotics. Probiotics is a subject that is pretty straightforward, but confusion still persists regarding these beneficial microbes. The fact that there are so many different types of probiotic strains doesn’t help. Let’s start by discussing Lactobacillus gasseri, one of the beneficial microorganisms that assist with digestive health and against harmful organisms.
The Benefits of Probiotics
There are many benefits of probiotics you probably already know, and some that may surprise you. Your digestives system depends on microorganisms called “probiotics” to work properly. [1] Probiotic bacteria helps the body get the nutrients it needs, stimulates your immune system, and protects your intestines from harmful toxins and organisms. [2] When you have a healthy balance of bacteria in your system, metabolism, digestion, and your natural detoxification process all run smoothly. The cardiovascular system, bones, blood sugar, and mental health are also connected to probiotic status. [3]
These wide-reaching effects stem from your digestive tract’s role as a gateway to the rest of your body. The healthier your gut, the more it can withstand the assault from today’s most common germs and toxins. These include pesticides, herbicides, and the artificial sweeteners found in many processed foods.
Your Gut and Your Health
When your gut is imbalanced, so is your health. With 70-80% of your immune response occurring in your gut, illness begins. [4] But I’m not just talking about a cold or flu. Probiotics affect more than just your immune system. In fact, some research suggests it may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mood. [5] If you suffer from IBS, irritable bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, you’re not getting all the nutrition you need. These diseases starve your body and create serious health complications.
Nutrients enter your body through the lining of your intestines, and when your gut’s not working right, many pass right through. In a healthy gut, nutrients are absorbed and toxins are excreted. A sick gut does capture some nutrients; however, toxins are allowed into the bloodstream. Often, a sick gut has an overgrowth of germs, the “bad” bacteria that causes illness. Some germs, like E. coli and C. difficile, can cause diarrhea and more serious conditions of dehydration.
Scientists have determined the gut-brain axis–the nervous system connection between your gut and brain–plays a large role in mental health. [6] When your gut isn’t working right, neither is your brain. And this means trouble with focus, concentration and many people suffering from IBD report frequent feelings of depression. Read more
