Probiotics Probiotics: In the gut are approximately 11 trillion bacteria, weighing over 3lbs. These bacteria are called probiotics and play a vital role in intestinal health, immunity and general health and wellbeing. There are around 400 to 500 different types of bacteria in the gut but 20 types make up 75 per cent of the total with two of the most common being lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These bacteria are ‘good bacteria’. We also have bacteria in our gut which don’t generally cause problems unless things ‘bad’ get out of balance. An ideal balance should be 80% good bacteria and 20% other bacteria such as E. Coli. Although E. Coli is undesirable it is the balance that’s important; keeping the 80% and not allowing the 20% to increase and take hold. Why are our friendly gut bacteria so important? They help us to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients. They aid digestion, helping to breakdown undigested fibre allowing for easier and more regular bowel movements. They pre-digest our food, enhancing the absorption of minerals and manufacturing some B vitamins. They produce acids and antibiotic-like substances that help us fight infection and resist the colonisation of harmful bacteria therefore stimulating the body’s natural immune defences. – They help with the elimination of toxins research has shown that good levels of beneficial – bacteria can help guard against certain types of colon cancer. They help control antibiotic-induced and travellers’ diarrhoea. They help control cholesterol levels. They help prevent vaginal and urinary infections. What can disrupt our bacteria balance? There are many factors which can disrupt the balance between desirable and undesirable bacteria (this imbalance is known as dysbiosis). They include: Antibiotics antibiotics certainly have their place in medicine, but the problem is, they don’t – target just the unwanted bacteria, they destroy the good and bad. Low levels of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) Gastro-intestinal infections Poor immune function Stress Oral contraceptives Poor diet (high fat, sugar and alcohol intake)
Probiotics Probiotics: In the gut are approximately 11 trillion bacteria, weighing over 3lbs. These bacteria are called probiotics and play a vital role in intestinal health, immunity and general health and wellbeing. There are around 400 to 500 different types of bacteria in the gut but 20 types make up 75 per cent of the total with two of the most common being lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These bacteria are ‘good bacteria’. We also have ‘bad’ bacteria in our gut which don’t generally cause problems unless things get out of balance. An ideal balance should be 80% good bacteria and 20% other bacteria such as E. Coli. Although E. Coli is undesirable it is the balance that’s important; keeping the 80% and not allowing the 20% to increase and take hold. Why are our friendly gut bacteria so important? They help us to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients. They aid digestion, helping to breakdown undigested fibre allowing for easier and more regular bowel movements. They pre-digest our food, enhancing the absorption of minerals and manufacturing some B vitamins. They produce acids and antibiotic-like substances that help us fight infection and resist the colonisation of harmful bacteria – therefore stimulating the body’s natural immune defences. They help with the elimination of toxins – research has shown that good levels of beneficial bacteria can help guard against certain types of colon cancer. They help control antibiotic-induced and travellers’ diarrhoea. They help control cholesterol levels. They help prevent vaginal and urinary infections. What can disrupt our bacteria balance? There are many factors which can disrupt the balance between desirable and undesirable bacteria (this imbalance is known as dysbiosis). They include: Antibiotics – antibiotics certainly have their place in medicine, but the problem is, they don’t target just the unwanted bacteria, they destroy the good and bad. Low levels of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) Gastro-intestinal infections Poor immune function Stress Oral contraceptives Poor diet (high fat, sugar and alcohol intake)
ncn-patient-handout-probiotics-elite.docx