Probiotics 101

Probiotics and Refrigeration Requirements

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“Probiotic” is the collective term in naturopathic medicine which describes the living micro-organisms that are naturally present in the human intestine. The term colloquially refers to micro-organisms found in various supplements and food sources, which, in appropriate numbers, are known to promote health and wellness when correctly balanced.

Probiotics are the “good” bacteria that live in the intestines. They perform essential enzymatic processes at the cellular level, achieving a balance with other microflora in an ideal environment. These micro-organisms, when correctly balanced, can support the immune system, aid digestion, strengthen the skin and hair, and are believed to support more serious health problems as well, such as diabetes, for example.
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Origin of Probiotics

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probiotic-originsThe earliest possible consumption of probiotics was through the intake of fermented dairy and other food products. The people in ancient civilizations have made the habit of administration of the fermented food products due to the beneficial effects on their health. A good knowledge and thorough observation about their food was what made possible for such habits. The probiotic origin through dairy products can be traced back to the very beginning of the earliest civilizations. Their mention can be even found within the sacred books of Hindus and Christians. A large number of traditional fermented food products were routinely used by people all around the globe. Many of those foods were in use due to their potential therapeutic roles in humans even before the bacterial existence was discovered.

Probiotics in Ancient Times:

The great Greek physician Hippocrates had advocated the functional food concept a long time back through his theory, ‘let food be your medicine’. The historical association between Lactobacillus and fermented milk produces enough evidence that during that time the dairy product consumption was as good as the intake of probiotics. The preparation of dairy products through fermentation methods also presents one of the oldest methods of choice for preserving food for prolonged period of time. According to available literature the concept of fermented milk existed in Middle East a long time before the era of Phoenicia. During the early 7000 BC, the traditional foods of the Egyptians like Laban Khad and Rayeb were prepared through the fermentative action of bacteria what we now know as probiotics. They believe in traditional claims that even Abraham credited healthy habit of fermented milk consumption for his longevity.

Although the use of fermented milk products was initially practiced in the East and Middle parts of Asia, it was rapidly spread to Russia and Europe by the Mongols, Huns and Tartars when they raided these regions. Subsequently, a number of fermented milk products including kefir and yoghurt have found their origins in the Eastern Europe or Russia.
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When Should You Take Probiotics?

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Timing is everythingTiming is everything, and in the case of Probiotics, how and when you take it is the difference between absorbing the “friendly bacteria” and wasting away an entire supplement. If you’re not already familiar with probiotics, they are live cultures of “good bacteria” whose function resonates with the bacteria found naturally in our gut. Probiotics comes from the Greek words: support of life and for the most part, often refer to the dietary supplements of good bacteria that can be consumed in pill or powder forms.

Like all living things, probiotics consume and use resources; produce and excrete waste; reproduce and eventually die. The addition of probiotics to your body is also known as the maintenance of the microorganisms found in our gut. Introducing probiotics into our highly sensitive bacterial mix helps restore the proper levels of intestinal microflora to levels where the prevention and inhibition of an infection caused by harmful pathogens is ensured. The leveling out of your bacterial mix also guarantees the proper digestion and absorption of food as well as the inhibited overpopulation of common harmful microbials such as Candida albicans and Clostridium botulinum.

The benefits of probiotics are not limited to the aforementioned, instead its true effects still holds some ambiguity in the medical realm, but regardless it still holds favor and yields positive results to the human digestive and immune system. So if you’re looking to add this powerful supplement into your daily regime, chances are you’re probably wondering: when would be a good time to start?

When Should I Start Taking Probiotics?

The general consensus is that everyone needs “probiotics” added into your daily regime. But if you’re looking for a good reason to start taking probiotics supplements then consider the last time you took antibiotics and how terrible you felt afterwards. It’s no mystery that antibiotics are as harmful to our body as it is helpful. The problem with antibiotics is that when taken their intended purpose of eradicating bad bacteria in our body is not limited and the same medication will go forward and destroy many different colonies of beneficial bacteria in your body as well. This is why antibiotics comes with an array of side-effects such as nausea, upset stomach, irregular bowel movements and diarrhea. Studies have even found that some antibiotics are so potent that in some instances many of the beneficial bacteria that die off during treatment never repopulate. This results in a crippling blow to our digestive and immune systems and subsequently our overall well-being. Since we become incapable of rebuilding the community of live organisms in our stomachs, the next best step to take in restoring a healthy bacterial balance is adding probiotics into your system.

As aforementioned, probiotics are live organisms that are specifically grown to emulate the functions of our natural gut flora. By adding probiotics into your system you can help reintroduce the necessary beneficial organisms that your intestine needs for optimal function. During that time that your intestine is devoid of beneficial bacteria, probiotics also stand in as the major inhibitor of bad bacterial growth and help stave away the potential for worst infections that many people experience after taking antibiotics such as the overpopulation of the yeast Candida albicans.

If a course of antibiotics was never a problem for you, then consider the amount of external factors you undergo every day. Lifestyle habits, poor health, stress, exposure to chemicals in your food, water and the air you breathe are all examples of factors that cause a deficiency in the body. Any deficiency or offset that occurs to your body is often felt first in the intestine, which once again is not surprise whatsoever. The bacterial mix in the digestive tract is highly sensitive and any change, minor or major, can have everlasting or devastating effects on the equilibrium of your intestinal flora. Beyond the restoration of a depleted system, probiotics are essential for maintenance and prevention. Anytime the bacterial mix in your gut is compromised, your health is subsequently put at risk. Not taking probiotics is like not eating food, it’s important to always maintain a healthy balance in your system and if it’s the difference between getting a cold or enjoying the winter sniffle free, then starting probiotics today may well be worth it.

What is a Recommended Dosage?

There are many considerations that must be placed when implanting probiotics into our diet. Aside from picking the right supplement or getting a decently priced brand, the most common question when taking probiotics is how much and how often. Different brands of probiotics can contain anywhere from one to 10 billion colony forming units or CFUS. As it turns out, a daily dose of 1 billion to 10 or 15 billion organisms can constitute a good dose, the exact amount is based upon the severity of the situation. For example, individuals who are taking antibiotics or have just completed antibiotic treatment should take at least 10 to 15 billion CFUs daily to ensure the proper and swift transition to a healthy tract. Other individuals who have minor gastrointestinal problems or unusual bowel movements should consider taking around 8 to 10 billion CFUs a day. And finally, those who have a moderately healthy digestive system and don’t suffer from any particular ailment will do just fine on one billion CFUs a day. Everyone is unique and therefore should either seek a medical practitioner’s advice or use their best judgment when taking probiotics.

Quality of the probiotics are also a major factor to consider when considering dosage. This is because some probiotics brands will separate the 15 billion CFUs into a daily dosage that compromises of 6 capsules. While it does contain the necessary amount, it can also mean that you do not receive the proper balance between strains. If you are not experiencing positive results or are having problems with the current probiotic you are taking, consider looking into another brand that requires less capsules per recommended dosage.

Overdosing is very possible when taking probiotics, especially when your digestive tract is healthy and functioning at optimal levels. If your system receives more CFUs than it needs you may experience side effects such as gas, bloating, abdominal tenderness or even pain. While there are no prolonged and major side effects, when this happens it’s recommended to stop taking probiotics and begin reintroducing them in smaller doses. By using this method you can work your way up and reach a specific comfort threshold where the supplement and your body works in complete harmony for your general well-being.

First Thing in the Morning or the First Thing during a Meal?

Of all the people who take probiotics for its benefits, at least 80% of them do not know the best time to take their supplement. If you are obtaining your share of probiotics through food, then there is no exact time frame or situation that it is optimal. Since you are consuming it throughout the day it doesn’t necessarily make a difference. However, if you are taking probiotics in supplement form then you must take them at optimal times to ensure you receive the maximum bacterial strain.

The common misconception is that the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning and on an empty stomach. Probiotics are living organisms and very much like living organisms they need food, water and warmth to survive and multiply. In the morning there is water in the body, some food and it is warm – however these conditions are not optimal for probiotics simply because there is not enough of anything for the bacterial strains to flourish.

The absolute best time to take probiotics is alongside your meal. Right before or just after the meal is best for getting the most out of our probiotics. The journey through your digestive tract is a long and treacherous one, in the case of probiotics their biggest danger is the powerful acids in the digestive system meant to break down and disintegrate the materials that travels through its passage. If enough acid overcomes the enteric coating of a probiotic capsule it could kill the delicate strains and render your supplement completely useless since the probiotic is not delivered to its appropriate destination – the intestine. By consuming your probiotic with food you provide a buffering system for the supplement and ensure its safe passage through the digestive tract. Aside from protection, food also provides the friendly bacteria in your probiotic the proper food and nourishment to ensure it survives, grows and multiplies in your gut.

In short, the consumption of both a healthy meal and your supplement offers the optimal environment and situation to get the most out of your probiotics.

Timing is everything, so why not take charge of your health and introduce a dose of friendly bacteria to your body today?

How Do Probiotics Work And What Is Their Function?

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probiotics functionEating fast and processed foods that are usually sugary and fatty is harmful to the beneficial bacteria present normally in human intestine or gut. Similarly antibiotics taken for infectious diseases not only kill disease causing bacteria but also kill the beneficial or good bacteria present in the digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria in our body are also destroyed by pollutants and chemicals present in the environment and poor and unhealthy dietary patterns of people. All these factors can play havoc on the health of intestinal microflora and produce derangements in the functioning of the digestive system and the immune system and decrease body’s natural resistance to fight infectious organisms. By replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the gut by eating probiotics, the body’s ability to correct these derangements is supported.

Probiotics improve digestive health by improving digestion of foods and assimilation of nutrients. They do so by accelerating the metabolism and elimination of bile acids and also by increasing the production of digestive enzymes. Moreover, the bacteria present in the intestinal flora help in the metabolism of lipids and in the digestion of cholesterol. Another important function of these bacteria is to produce Vitamin K-an important factor that helps in blood coagulation. Probiotics also help in regulating the body’s immune system. The origin of 70% of the body’s immune response is in the intestines. A large number of lymphocytes of the immune system, B cells and T cells, are present beneath the mucus membrane lining of the intestines. Consuming probiotics or beneficial bacteria is associated with an increase of not only the immunity of  intestinal cell mucosa but also of the whole body. This happens as the phagocytic activity is stimulated and the production of lymphocytes and antibodies is increased.

Probiotics  may even provide protection against common infections of the respiratory tract.

Probiotics are available in various forms including foods such as yogurt, cheeses, powders, capsules and liquids. Each form contains numerous types of probiotics and each one is believed to have its own beneficial effects on the body. Let us discuss some of the benefits or functions of probiotic organisms.

Probiotics are beneficial in infectious diarrhea

Probiotics have been given A grade by an expert panel at Yale University in the treatment of infectious diarrhea occurring in children. It is suggested that giving probiotics to a child suffering from infectious diarrhea early on during the course of disease can shorten the duration of the illness by up to 24-30 hours. Though the amount of time may not look significant but for a child who is suffering from severe diarrhea, even a single hour is significant. The probiotic organisms that are beneficial in infectious diarrhea include Lactobacillus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus reuteri.

However, according to preliminary evidences, probiotics are not very effective in preventing the occurrence of infectious diarrhea.

Probiotics help in the prevention of diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics

It is found that at least 33 percent of children taking oral antibiotics develop diarrhea after their use. Diarrhea also occurs in many adults after the use of antibiotics. The reason for the occurrence of diarrhea after taking antibiotics is that apart from destroying the disease causing bacteria they also disrupt and destroy the populations of beneficial or good bacteria present in the gut. It has been demonstrated in several investigations that antibiotic-associated diarrhea can be prevented by taking probiotics before taking a course of antibiotics. The probiotic organisms that are helpful in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea includes Saccharomyces, boulardii, Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, the combination of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Probiotics help in fighting or preventing the risk of pouchitis

Pouchitis refers to the inflammation of the pouch that is created after removing the colon during bowel surgery done for severe ulcerative colitis. It has been shown in studies that pouchitis can be prevented by taking probiotics. However, once the inflammation of the pouch occurs, probiotics are not that effective in treating it.

Probiotics help in the prevention of eczema

Atopic eczema is characterized by an allergic reaction that manifests on the skin. It commonly occurs in children and infants. According to the review panel of Yale University, probiotics are effective both in preventing and treating atopic eczema in infants and children that occurs due to allergy to cow’s milk. The probiotic organisms that are helpful in preventing atopic eczema include Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Probiotics are helpful in relieving symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and bloating. According to some preliminary findings, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be relieved by using probiotics. A study conducted in the year 2010 demonstrated that VSL#3, a combination of eight different strains of bacteria reduced symptoms of IBS in children and teenagers.

The probiotic organisms that are useful in irritable bowel syndrome include VSL#3 and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Probiotics are useful in treating Ulcerative colitis

According to some studies there is evidence that probiotics helped in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis and improved its flare-ups. The probiotic organisms that are especially useful include Bifidobacterium longum and VSL#3.

Probiotics are helpful in fighting off common infections occurring during childhood

Evidence is provided by Yale University that probiotics help fight off common infections that occur during childhood by improving immune function. Some of these infections include common colds, infectious diarrhea and ear infections.

A study conducted by the Georgetown University and published in the year 2010 demonstrated that infections were 19% less likely to occur in children who drank a yogurt drink with probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei than those who did not consume the drink.

The probiotic organisms that are helpful include Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus LGG, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus johnsonii.

References:

http://www.biokplus.com/en-us/about-probiotics/mechanism-of-action

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/probiotics-10/probiotics-benefits?page=2
Photo Credit ralphbijker @ Creative Commons – http://www.flickr.com/photos/17258892@N05/

How Does Probiotic & Bacteria Work?

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probiotics-antibioticsThe human dietary profile currently seems to be incomplete without the inclusion of ‘probiotics’ due to their enormous health potentials. Accordingly, probiotic products-pills, drinks and yogurts have made it big in the corporate arena. In a recent report in The Week, in 2011 the global sales of probiotics had reached $28 billion and are expected to make $42 billion by 2016. The concept of probiotic was first proposed by Elie Metchnikoff in the early 20th century. Although, the definition of probiotics varied from time to time, the one approved by World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “live organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host” (http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/fsmanagement/probiotics2/en/).

Standard guidelines to be followed for the use of bacterial strains as probiotics:

A working group convened jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WHO has set up the following guidelines for manufacturers marketing a probiotic product:

1. Proper identification to the level of strain of all probiotics in the product, with deposit of all strains in an international culture collection. [Read more…]

How To Read a Probiotic Label Like an Expert and Get The Best Probiotic Possible

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Pick ProbioticsOur recent understanding of the health benefits of probiotics has lead to the phenomena of the overcrowding of probiotic foods and supplements on our store shelves. From fermented drinks, to various types of yogurts and even the introduction of unorthodox foods – it’s no surprise that every one and their mother is trying to get in on this new health craze. After all, Probiotics offer a plethora of benefits, from digestive problems, treating internal and external infections, diseases and even helping strengthen your immune system.

In order to gain the benefits of Probiotics, one must start at finding the right source. Research has confirmed that the most effective way of consuming Probiotics is in supplemental form. If you thought choosing the right yogurt was tough, then choosing the right Probiotics supplement is a whole other playing field. Purchasing the right – or any – Probiotic is different from buying other nutritional supplements. That’s because by definition, Probiotics are living organisms and you need these organisms to be alive and well to reap any benefit from them.

The efficacy of a probiotics supplement – or the well-being of these organisms – can usually be evaluated through its label. By looking for and identifying specific information, you can easily gain confidence in buying a product that is fully of healthy, living organisms that promise to provide you with the tools for optimal well-being.

When evaluating your label, look for the following pieces of information that should be included on the product:

  • CFU/ml or the number of organisms found in a single dose
  • Storage information
  • Expiration Date
  • The specific genus and species used in the probiotic

CFU/ml

The first step in choosing the right Probiotic is recognizing the value of CFUs. Colony Forming Units or CFU is the unit used to measure the number of active or live organisms in your Probiotic. This should not be confused as a measurement of the number of bacteria that is dead, inactive or alive under laboratory conditions. Instead, the CFU listed on the bottle is specifically designated for the viable organisms in the probiotic – or the micro-organisms that are capable of surviving the proper circumstances.

Probiotics can be found in both tablet or capsule form and sometimes you might find the CFUs listed on the actual supplement itself. However, if the recommeded serving size calls for more than one capsule or tablet, then the colony forming units will be visible on the package and will be listed in total serving size.

The indication of CFUs on your probiotics product is important because it stands as one of the best factors for comparison. When a product lists the CFUs, you are getting exactly that number of live organisms when you take your supplement. So when it comes to deciding between a probiotic that contains 8.6 billion CFUs to another that has 13.6, then you’re more likely to opt for the latter option. Additionally, companies that list their total number of good bacteria by weight (such as grams) cannot be easily evaluated because the number listed does not always reflect the number of live bacteria available in the supplement.

A reputable probiotics brand will also state the number of colony forming units at the time of manufacture of at product expiration. This is essential to your decision making process because it displays whether or not you are really getting the number of microbes marked on the label.

CFUs should be the first thing you look for in a label. It tells you a lot about the probiotic from the start such as how reputable or honest the brand is, the quality of the product and if it’s a product that’s actually work the money.

Storage Information

Your next deciding factor should be the presence of storage directions or information on the label. As aforementioned, Probiotics are full of live and active organisms and they therefore require proper handling to increase their longevity – or at least to remain alive until they reach your digestive tract. The general rule of thumb when storing probiotics is to keep your product away from heat,air and moisture. The reason for this is because as bacteria, probiotics will thrive and multiple when exposed to favorable conditions. Now that’s great when the bacteria is actually in your gut, but when they are active while still in packaging then they are multiplying and dying off before they even reach you!

Most probiotics should either be stored in a dark, cool place or refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth whilst in package. Your product should provide proper storage instructions for your supplement either when you get home or once the seal is broken.

Storage of the probiotic should also be an indicator of a good product. When you are purchasing in store, take note of where and how the probiotic is being displayed. If it is exposed to heat or moisture in anyway, stay away from it and consider another product or vendor. If you are purchasing online, try to contact the manufacturer to see how they are shipping the product. Some of the bacteria in probiotics can be killed or damaged when it is being shipped in a hot truck for too long, or even when it sits in your mailbox on a hot summer day while you’re at work.

Always make the effort to consider the storage instructions or directions of your probiotic. After all, would you buy or consume food without proper storage instructions?

Expiration Dates

Expiration dates are also important pieces of information when choosing a probiotic. A quality probiotic supplement should have an expiration date. Bacteria can’t live forever on a shelf even if they are stored properly. Checking the expiration date in relation to the cfu/ml is a good idea. Some probiotics tell you how many cfu/ml you can expect in the product at the time of expiration instead of just at the time of manufacture. Bacteria are going to be steadily dying once the product is made, even in the best probiotic supplement. A good probiotic should contain a healthy population of living bacteria for the product’s entire shelf life. You want billions of bacteria to be present in your probiotic supplement both at the time of manufacture and the time of expiration. If the probiotic has an expiration date, look for the freshest product available. Even if the product has billions of bacteria present at expiration, there will be even more of these healthy organisms present in a freshly made batch. Make sure to pay attention to the expiration date once you’ve brought the product home, and replace your probiotics as needed.

Probiotic Species

The last crucial things to look for on a probiotic label are the species included in the product. Don’t buy a product that doesn’t tell you what species are included. You have no assurance you’ll be getting any useful organisms. Clinical studies have shown that several types of bacteria make especially powerful and useful probiotics. Some of these are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus, though there are many other good species. You’ll notice that some of these bacteria have two names. The first name is the genus name, the second the species name. Looking at the three examples above, you might notice a couple of things. For one, Bifidobacterium does not have a species listed. That’s because many, many species in this genus are helpful. If you see Bifidobacterium, or “B. species”, you’re getting organisms from a group that’s going to be good for your gut. There are also lots of great Lactobacillus species out there. Sometimes genus names are abbreviated, so you might see L. acidophilus instead of Lactobacillus acidophilus. That is totally fine. If you see various “L.” species listed, they’re probably all in the genus Lactobacillus and will be helpful organisms. The third example, Streptococcus thermophilus, is a great gut probiotic that is found naturally in many healthy foods like yogurt. However, you might recognize the genus name from some less healthy bacteria. Strep throat, for example, is caused by a species of Streptococcus. If you see a bacterial name that you associate with a disease, don’t be scared. There is tremendous variety within some of the larger bacterial genera.

The four major tips above are the most important things you should look for when choosing a probiotic, but there are a few other concerns you might want to consider. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, check the other ingredients in the supplement carefully. It is not uncommon for probiotics to be processed with wheat, soy, or other potential allergens. Some probiotics also include potential animal byproducts, such as gelatin. There are a few probiotics out there that advertise particular methods of encapsulation, making claims that other probiotics will be killed by your stomach acid before they reach your intestines. You do not need to choose your probiotic based on this factor, though these specially encapsulated probiotics are not likely to be harmful. While it is true that many bacteria are killed by stomach acid, when you ingest large quantities of bacteria some will make it through the digestive system alive and well. Any good probiotic should have enough healthy, live bacteria for a strong population to make it into the gut. Once there, they will reproduce rapidly.

If after reading these suggestions you’re still a little apprehensive about picking your probiotic, then consider adding Probacto into your daily regime. With 13.6 billion colony forming units, easy continuous refrigeration and eight different strains, it is one of the most efficacious probiotic supplements that promotes optimal digestive health and comfort.

At the end of the day, Your goal is to obtain a probiotic that is filled with living organisms. The aforementioned suggestions will help you pick a great probiotic supplement that will improve your health.