Probiotic
The human body is made up of an estimated 100 trillion bacterial cells from at least 500 species, not including viruses and fungi. These bacterias (probiotics) are referred to as “friendly” bacteria and are responsible for several important biological functions. Some of these functions include assisting with digestion, keeping other harmful bacteria at bay and stimulating the immune system.
Researchers found that probiotics hold the answer to the growing number of cases of antibiotic resistance and abuse. This has caused consumers to search for other natural alternatives to treating various health conditions.
Certain studies have proven the many health benefits of probiotics such as the prevention or control of:
Food and skin allergies in children
Bacterial vagniosis
Premature labor in pregnant women
Inflammatory bowel disease
Recurrent ear and bladder infections
Chronic diarrhea
Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”
Probiotic bacteria, which are living microorganisms that have beneficial effects on human health, have mostly been studied as treatments for different gastrointestinal diseases and allergies. However, not much is known about what kind of effects they have on the immune system in healthy adults.
A new study shows that probiotics can modulate immune responses via your gut‘s mucosal immune system.
It was found that probiotics have an anti-inflammatory potential. They caused a decrease in serum CRP levels, and a reduction in the bacteria-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines.
December 12th, 2009
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A new study has found a possible ulcerative colitis treatment. Researchers say mice that were given the probiotic. Bacillus polyfermenticus during the non-inflammatory stage of the disease showed reduced rectal bleeding, less inflamed tissue and gained more weight than the mice that did not receive it.
The study also found that the colon tissue of the treated mice had greater angiogenesis, a process that is necessary for wounds to heal.
Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in which the inner tissue of the colon becomes inflamed and damaged and can result in painful sores. It’s estimated that as many as 3.3 million Americans suffer from the disease.
Healthcare practitioners have recommended probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, as an alternative treatment for the disease. Researchers involved with this study say further studies are necessary before it is known whether these results can be applied to humans.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other alternative therapies believed to help treat colitis include probiotics, acupuncture and nutritional supplements containing fish oil and aloe vera. Reducing stress and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms from the diet is also believed to be beneficial.
For more information on alternative supplements containing aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides and probiotics, please visit us at www.serovera.com
November 24th, 2009
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Consuming healthy bacteria, or probiotics, can improve your body’s overall balance of good versus bad micro-organisms, boosting your general health. But be careful — not all of the probiotic-containing products found on store shelves provide the health benefits they claim.
Some regular foods contain healthy bacteria naturally, such as yogurt and naturally fermented pickles. But pasteurization has eliminated many of the probiotics that should be found in modern foods. The recent boom in probiotic products reflects an effort to re-introduce bacteria that promote good health.
When choosing a probiotic, look for products that list a specific strain of bacteria on their label, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG — the final two letters identify the strain. A product that simply uses the first two names may include a similar, but not identical, bacterium that doesn’t have the same scientific testing behind it. It’s best when the actual product — not just the bacterium — has been tested in humans. Don’t be afraid to do a bit of research, especially when a simple Web search can yield a lot of information.
Some additional tips: Look for the word “live” on the package, since organisms killed by processing won’t be helpful. The expiration date may be particularly important, because even if a product still tastes good the bacteria may no longer be alive. For maximum benefit, try to consume a variety of different bacteria, as each may contribute something slightly different.
Sources: Wall Street Journal January 13, 2009