Probiotics Information

Taken from "Probiotics" by Leon Chaitow and Natasha Trenev.

Probiotics help considerably to enhance bowel function. Where bowel bacteria are absent, the function of peristalsis is impaired, and the amount of time it take for food to pass completely through the system is much increased.
They manufacture B-vitamins, such as biotin, niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid.
They act as anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) factors, with powerful anti-tumour potentials.
They act as 'watchdogs' by keeping an eye on, and effectively controlling, the spread of undesirable microorganisms (by altering the acidity of the region they inhabit and/or producing specific antibiotic substances, as well as by depriving rival unfriendly bacteria of their nutrients). The antibiotics some of the friendly bacteria produce are effective against many harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. Not the least of the potentially harmful yeasts controlled by some lactobacilli is "Candida Albicans" now implicated in many health problems in people who are malnourished or whose immune systems are depleted.
They effectively help to control high cholesterol levels, thereby affording us protection from the cardiovascular damage which excessive levels of this nevertheless important substance can create.
They sometimes act to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
They play a role in protecting against the negative effects of radiation and toxic pollutants, enhancing immune function.

What Causes Loss of Probiotics?

Antibiotics can kill a significant percentage of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. The amount killed is largely dependant upon whether they are narrow-spectrum or wide- sprectrum antibiotics and how long they are used for. If you are forced to use antibiotics, use narrow-spectrum antibiotics for as short a time as possible and subsequently take probiotic suppliments
Unhealthy diet, especially a diet that leads to regular indigestion.
Poor digestion of food from various causes and/or poor elimination of wastes.
Chlorinated water used on a regular basis can kill beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Stress especially on-going stress negatively affects beneficial bacteria.
Other pharmaceuticals such as steroids and NSAIDS (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) can have a negative affect on the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Radiation (i.e., x-rays)

Negative Health Affects From Loss of Probiotics

Overgrowth of detrimental, disease-causing bacteria, and yeasts such as Clostridium dificile, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, etc.
Lack of reciculation of female hormones such as estrogen.
Production of endotoxins in the GI Tract contributing to lupus erythematosus, psoriasis and other skin conditions, and pancreatitis (to mention just a few).
Allows partially digested proteins to enter the bloodstream contributing to eczema, nervous system disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and a variety of immune system disorders.
GI tract problems such as leaky bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, IBS, etc. are contributed to by loss of probiotics and appearance of detrimental bacteria.
Specific strains of detrimental bacteria may cause health problems. For example, E. coli may lead to problems with insulin and blood sugar function. Yersinia enterocolitica produces substances which cause the over-production of thyroid hormone. This detrimental bacteria can also contribute to autoimmune diseases.

Method of Administration

Probiotics supplements are best taken with spring water *only* (except in the case of L. bulgaricus) Best not to take with juice or broth as this can stimulate more stomach acids to be released leading to fewer bacteria surviving in the stomach

What To Expect

During the first few days of supplementation, and possibly through about ten days of therapeutic dosing, you may experience cleansing symptoms. This is due to the dying off of yeast overgrowth (especially if taking products to combat yeast -- garlic, caprylic acid, Pau d'Arco, etc.) and dying off of detrimental bacteria. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, IBS, diarrhea are not uncommon. Be certain to consume warming, healthy foods and beverages when possible.

Probiotics in Food

Eating fermented foods is the normal way human beings can get and increase their beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Some of the more common fermented foods include:

Miso

Miso is a fermented product made from soybeans, various grains, koji (a starter), and sea salt. The koji is added to the mixture to break down the beans and grains into easily digestible amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars.

The strains of bacteria found in miso are ideal for persons eating a vegetarian or near-vegetarian diet. In addition, miso is believed to help neutralize environmental pollution, alkalinize the blood and block the effects of carcinogens.

It is important that you keep the following points in mind when purchasing miso:
i. Purchase from you local natural foods store and *not* an oriental grocery store. The products at oriental grocery stores are usually not naturally-aged and often worthless.
ii. The miso product must state on the label that it is *unpasturized*. Otherwise, it will lack the beneficial bacteria.
iii. The miso should be naturally-aged.
iv. It is preferable that only organically-grown ingredients be used in the miso.
v. The light miso (white or yellow) are high in simple sugars and have twice the niacin and ten times the bacteria as the dark, saltier miso (e.g., red miso). The dark miso are higher in protein and contain more fatty acids which have been shown to be anti-carcinogenic agents. I suggest using the lighter miso until you get used to it and then only use the dark, saltier miso in small amounts during the cold Winter months.

Miso Tips

i. Use only a 'small' amount of miso. Always err of the side of using too little as it is somewhat salty.
ii. Put the miso in the dish (i.e., soup) near the very end of cooking and be certain that the water is not boiling in the *slightest* way immediately before putting the miso in and after putting the miso in. Boiling water will destroy the beneficial bacteria.
iii. Try starting by drinking some broth made in the morning with a small amount of miso added at the end of cooking. Having a small amount of miso in soup or broth once per day is plenty.

B. Pickles/Sauerkraut

Pickles (pickled cucumbers) and sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) are common forms of fermented foods. In some stores, you may find other pickled vegetables. Please try to purchase these products at a natural foods store and check the labels for sugar, additives or other unhealthy ingrediants--otherwise they may be worthless as a probiotics supplements. The products that say "low-salt" are preferable. Do not eat *large* amount of these products.

C. Yogurt/Kefir

Yogurt is a fermented dairy product made traditionally from milk (unpasturized, unhomogenized) and a starter which contains the bacteria S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus. If you do decide to eat small amount of yogurt, please bear the following in mind:

Avoid products that have been pasturized.
Avoid products with fruit in them.
Some comercial brands do not even contain beneficial bacteria.
Purchase yogurt only at a natural food store.
It is better, by far, to make your own yogurt. Do not use L. acidophilus as a starter or any other bacteria meant for supplimentation. Use a culture-mix, preferably with a ratio of seven parts S. thermophilus to one part L. bulgaricus.

Kefir is a very healthy fermented dairy product traditionally made from goat, sheep, or cows milk (unpasturized, unhomogenized) and a culture containing the bacteria, Saccaromyces kefir, Torula kefir, Lactobacillus brevis, Streptococcus lactic and others. The yeasts in the culture lead to a slight alcohol content (approximately 3 percent).

There are substances which have a much more indirect method of increasing the number of friendly bacteria in the intestines including:

a. Inulin

Inulin is a fiber-like substance found in vegetables such as dandelion and Jerusalem artichokes which is food for bifidobacteria. Some authors recommend eating Jerusalem artichokes when taking probiotic supplements to increase the bifidobacteria in the intestines. Unfortunately, some people find that they have gas when eating Jerusalme artichokes.

b. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides are a fiber-like substance which feeds the bifidobacteria in the intestines. FOS can be useful for persons who are on a Candida Reduction Program as it is 1/2 as sweet as sugar and is much healthier than artificial sweetners.

c. Microalgae

Microalgae such as spirulina, chorella, blue-green algae, etc. has been show to to increase to population of Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in the intestines.