According to Dr. David Williams, the microflora that is present in the gut serves to benefit our health in many ways, such as helping with both the digestion and the absorption of food, helping us to digest dairy products, and even helping with the sorting out of bowel movements! But there is much more to probiotics than this.
Generally speaking, when an infection occurs, a round of antibiotics is prescribed to deal with the problem. The problem with these antibiotics, in most cases, is that it not only destroys the bacteria that cause the problem, but it also kills off the ‘good’ bacteria (probiotics) in our digestive tract. This lack of probiotics causes complications of their own such as bloating, nausea, and even diarrhea, not to mention other, less talked about side-effects. A deficit in probiotics can lead to a never-ending cycle where more drugs are prescribed to deal with a new problem that has cropped up, which then leads to another issue which is a side effect of the new drug, and so it goes on. Pretty soon you are wrapped up in a never-ending cycle of medications and symptoms due to side effects. All this, according to research, could have been anticipated by an appropriate use of drugs in the first place.
It is not, however, only medications that have an adverse effect on our gut bacteria – lifestyle and eating habits play their part as well. Today’s modern lifestyle which is fast-paced often results in our diet being less than what it should be. Fast and processed food has, in many cases, become the norm, leading to new problems such as obesity, heart conditions, and even, in many instances, diabetes.
What is interesting to note is that an imbalance in our intestinal flora is found in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), some cancers, allergies, heart disease, asthma, obesity, and even Alzheimer’s! But research, at this time, is only scratching the surface of the important role that probiotics play in the proper functioning of the human body.
The latest research has found that not only do probiotics have a calming, stabilizing effect on our guts, but they play a much larger role in our general well-being, too. They can as play a role in weight loss/gain, depression, skin problems, and even hair loss, to name but a few.
Women, with their unique hormonal cycle and hormonal combinations, are probably more at risk of the adverse effect of a decline in beneficial gut bacteria, as a definite link has been found between the hormone estrogen and gut flora. This link leads to a set of implications that is unique.
Probiotics and Weight Loss
A woman’s self-image is most probably the direct result of how she perceives herself, and her weight, of course, plays a large role in this. Studies have shown that the ‘good’ bacteria present in the stomach help with the breaking down and absorption of food. Certain probiotics, such as those from the Lactobacillus family, do play a role in preventing the absorption of too much dietary fat. What is of interest is that in a study conducted on women, it was found that those who were classified as obese had much less of these probiotics in their digestive tracts than women who were normal in stature.
Probiotics and Hormones
The ‘good’ probiotics in our gut play a role in recycling and metabolizing the hormones our bodies produce, such as thyroid hormones, estrogen, as well as phytoestrogens. Probiotics are thus necessary for keeping hormones in balance. They also play a role when it comes to the detoxification of certain drugs, while they have been shown to have an anti-cancer and anti-tumor effect, too. Probiotics, it is hypothesized, play a role in the prevention of cancer.
Probiotics and Cancer
Although significant, breast cancer is not the number one cancer killer in women. This distinction is reserved for lung cancer which claims the lives of about 70,000 women a year in the U.S., with breast cancer taking second place. The use of probiotics, interestingly enough, with patients undergoing chemotherapy, has shown to help negate the adverse side effects of chemotherapy drugs.
Probiotics and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is most probably the most talked about cancer in women out there. Interestingly, research done by scientists at MIT on mice has surfaced which shows an increase in T cell counts when their probiotic supplements were increased while it counteracted inflammation. Another study conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan showed a marked improvement in patients’ health with regards to the toxic side effects of chemotherapy once probiotics were administered. This bodes well for Breast Cancer (and other cancer) patients in the long run.
Probiotics and pH Balance
Women have long been told to eat yogurt to combat yeast infections. It seems that the ‘Old Wives Tales’ could be spot-on. The findings of a research study published in the Journal of Family Practice indicated that eating yogurt and the use of probiotic vaginal suppositories reduces the recurrence of certain yeast infections that are common in women of childbearing age.
It has been proven that these infections occur once the pH of the vaginal area becomes more acidic and thereby leading to infections to occur and that probiotics help to restore and keep the vaginal pH at a constant 4.2.
Among the factors that lead to a vaginal pH imbalance, are antibiotics, sexual intercourse, birth control pills and spermicidal contraceptives, obesity, cancer/cancer treatments, diabetes, and oral steroids.
Probiotics and Depression
We humans have a nervous system that tells the brain what is happening to our body and our brain responds by telling our body what to do. What most people are not aware of, however, that we actually have two nervous systems, and one is directly related to the gut. Problems occurring in the gut have a direct relation to the occurrence of anxiety, depression, and even autism.
A study conducted at the University of Toronto aimed specifically at patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), found that the use of probiotics during their research was not only beneficial to the gut, but that it addressed anxiety and depression as well due to the increase in ‘feel good’ hormones.
Their findings indicated that the change in mood was directly related to the administration of certain probiotics and a more balanced intestinal tract.
Probiotics and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is usually associated with aging. It is a problem whereby the bones become more brittle and could break due to a fall. Studies, however, have indicated that probiotics, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular, and a healthy gut, actually may have a beneficial effect with regards to increasing bone mass density.
They have also indicated a higher absorption percentage of calcium which is necessary for good bone health as well as magnesium.
Probiotics and Heart Disease
Coronary heart diseases, the primary cause of death in both men and women in the U.S.A. is a condition whereby the coronary arteries feeding the heart become narrowed. It is estimated that the majority of these deaths might have been prevented had a healthy lifestyle been followed. Certain factors, such as high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, inactivity, and obesity have all been targeted as contributors to this condition.
Studies have shown that probiotics assist in countering the production of cholesterol, play a role in the digestion of fats, and actually break down cholesterol for their own source of nourishment. There is good evidence that probiotics can play a role in the prevention of certain heart diseases.
Probiotics and Diabetes
People who are diagnosed with diabetes have either a lack of insulin, i.e. type 1 diabetes or their bodies either produce too little or cannot use it effectively (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is also referred to as acquired diabetes because it is, more often than not, related to poor lifestyle choices, although other factors can contribute.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for roughly 10% of those who are diagnosed with the diabetic condition. The body’s immune system targets and destroys the cells that are responsible for releasing insulin, thereby, stopping any insulin production; which means that no glucose, which the body needs as fuel, can be absorbed.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is most commonly linked to lifestyle practices and, although there is an increase in the number of children contracting it, can develop at any age. This type of diabetes accounts for roughly 90% of those who have the disease.
With type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin the way it should, and builds up a resistance towards it (insulin resistance) and ultimately, the pancreas produces less (insulin deficiency).
Whereas type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy diet, regular exercise, or by keeping to a healthy weight.
Recent research on probiotics proves promising for both those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A study entitled The Dynamics of the Human Infant Gut Microbiome in Development and in Progression toward Type 1 Diabetes studied 33 Finnish babies who were predisposed to developing Type 1 diabetes.
Four of the infants that developed type 1 diabetes showed that they had 25% less of certain types of bacteria in their intestines than other, healthy children did, as well has higher amounts of bacteria present that were the triggers to inflammation.
The hypothesis is that this could serve as a prelude to the onset of Type 1 diabetes which causes one’s immune system to attack and destroy the beta cells present in the pancreas which helps to produce insulin as well as check on glucose levels in the body.
At Cornell University, researchers have studied the effect of genetically engineered bacteria on type 1 diabetes using rats. Their research is titled Engineered Commensal Bacteria Reprogram Intestinal Cells into Glucose-Responsive Insulin-Secreting Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes.
When diabetic rats were given the probiotic for ninety days, they found that the upper epithelial cells present in the intestine started acting like pancreatic beta cells. Their next step in the process will be to conduct the same test using humans to see whether it has the same effect.
Similarly, research has indicated a positive effect when patients with type 2 diabetes were given probiotics – perhaps indicating a direct link between both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and probiotics in the gut.
Probiotics and Alzheimer’s
Research conducted in the United Kingdom estimates that of females currently being born, 10% stand at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to their male counterparts and that out of every three children born, one will get the disease later in life. Factors which contribute to Alzheimer’s include the following:
• The over-use of pesticides: Evidence has proven that there is a sharp incline in dementia which strongly correlates with an increase in certain pesticides.
• Injudicious use of antibiotics: Antibiotics are known to kill healthy flora in the gut, causing a weakened defense system.
• Pollution: Studies have indicated those living in high-level pollution areas have a decrease in brain size and are more at risk of developing dementia.
• Diet: Additives and sugar in the diet have been linked to an imbalance in intestinal flora. Research has also proven a definite link between diet and the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Evidence would suggest that the onset of dementia has to do with our intestinal tract. Research has, in fact, found that there is a direct link between one’s brain and gut flora combination, with gut bacteria playing an important role in early childhood brain development.
Furthermore, a study conducted at UCLA supports this, as their research on women had shown that when they consumed beneficial bacteria while in a resting state, they showed an improved brain function.
The positive findings of the study which was conducted on 33 women, shows that, according to Dr. Mayer of UCLA, “Now we know that this (i.e. probiotics) has an effect not only on the metabolism but also affects brain function.”
They believe that further findings will aid those suffering from a multitude of brain-related diseases, citing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and autism, amongst them.
Probiotics and Oral Health
New probiotic mouthwashes widely available at retail serve to target the cause of oral hygiene and not so much the symptoms. Containing S. salivarius K12 and M18, the probiotics create what are known as BLIS proteins that are capable of addressing most oral problems.
These probiotics are said to address issues such as sensitive teeth, tooth stains, bad breath, cavities, gum problems, and more.
Probiotics and Strokes
The occurrence of strokes in the United States alone accounts for 8% of deaths amongst women and is also a leading cause of long-term disability. Women, strangely, are more affected by strokes than men, as approximately 60% of deaths due to strokes are women.
In a study conducted on animals, it was found that probiotics showed a promising potential when it came to the prevention of strokes as well as recovery from a stroke in people.
This research ties in with other research that suggests a direct correlation between our gut and brain functions such as our response to stress and other emotionally charged behavior.
In short, it would seem that our gut health bears directly on our brain activity and implementation.
Probiotics and Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining tissue grows outside of it, usually on the fallopian tubes, the pelvic cavity, or on the outside of the uterus. It is a chronic and painful disease, known to affect approximately 6.3 million females in the U.S. alone.
The result of this disease, if not treated, includes internal bleeding, inflammation, and the breakdown of one’s blood and tissues. One of the primary effects of the illness is infertility in women.
Research indicates that female monkeys bred in captivity show a similar rate of endometriosis development as their female human counterparts. Also, their endometrial tissue is analogous to that of a human female.
Research on monkeys with endometriosis has shown that when compared to the healthy control group, they showed a significant lack of the probiotic Lactobacillus, a ‘good’ bacteria, and significantly more ‘bad’ bacteria such as Salmonella, E.Coli, and from the Klebsiella, Proteus, and Enterobacteria strains. Monkeys with endometriosis also showed a significant increase with regards to intestinal inflammation than their healthy counterparts in the control group.
Although research is not yet conclusive, there seems, so far, to be a direct link between gut health and the occurrence of the illness.
Probiotics and Female Fertility
Although the research is not so far conclusive, there does seem to be a correlation between female infertility and infections, implicating an imbalance in our gut flora. Dr. Dugoua, a naturopathic doctor, believes that to understand how the microbes in our system influence our fertility, the human body needs to be looked at as a symbiotic organism which relies on all parts of the whole to be in balance before it functions optimally.
While Dr. Dugoua does not imply that probiotics are a cure for infertility, he has, in the past, found that supplements containing Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifido breve, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Lactococcus lactis are all beneficial to the optimization of fertility as well as with the prevention of complications during pregnancy itself. His recommendation is that women should take probiotics throughout their pregnancy.
Probiotics and Aging
For many women, the first signs of aging show on their faces, with fine wrinkles developing at the corners of the eyes, or around the mouth. Many also complain of hair loss and brittle nails and a general feeling of ‘not being well’ in general. Many women, as they age, also tend to put on some weight around the waist and find they no longer have the energy they used to.
Research has proven that probiotics not only help with your complexion in that they contribute towards a reduction in the occurrence of unsightly acne but contribute towards healing the scar tissue and pores while leaving your skin glowing.
Probiotics have also been found to eliminate the damage that the sun has caused the skin which usually causes the first signs of aging while they help in the nourishment of your hair, improving its condition. They also contribute towards the building of the amino acids your nails need to keep them healthy.
As for a bulging waistline, the ‘good’ microflora present in out gut reduces cravings for sugar and carbohydrate-rich food.
The problem arises because, as we age, the bacteria in the gut changes, with the “bad” bacteria that cause disease increasing. When this balance is addressed, and “good” bacteria are added, the situation tends to balance out once more.
When the immune system is compromised due to the aging process, the judicious use of probiotics can help with restoring the gut’s balance, thereby enhancing the immune system once more.
Probiotics and the Thyroid
Many women get treated for thyroid related issues which play a significant role in the production of hormones and the regulation of the body’s metabolism. Several different disorders can arise when the thyroid gland either produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) of a hormone.
Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial when it comes to metabolizing hormones, including those manufactured by the thyroid, thereby facilitating hormonal balance.
Interestingly, Dr. Izabella Wentz states that ‘good’ bacteria can be beneficial to those who have a problem with lower thyroid activity, and this is supported by research done in this regard. It shows that there seemed to be a link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and studies have been conducted that actually list how the administering of probiotics helped with SIBO and thereby helped alleviate hypothyroidism.
For hyperthyroidism, interestingly enough, a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus is advised for maintaining gut health, which leads one to suggest that although the verdict is not yet in, it is believed that gut health can be linked to this condition.
Probiotics and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a term used to describe many lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema, amongst others. They are conditions which affect the airways and are responsible for approximately five percent of deaths in women.
The fact that the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems are so interrelated could account for one organ becoming ill due to a dysfunction in the other. Although the verdict is not out yet, studies so far would suggest that the administration of certain probiotics could, in fact, help with the different COPD diseases.
Utilizing Probiotics for Better Health
Our guts have good and bad bacteria, each playing its role. The ‘good’ bacteria, or microbes, have an important function when it comes to protecting our body against infections, supporting the immune system, and the detoxification process. Depending on the microbe, they also play a role in preventing weight gain (or assist in weight loss).
The ‘bad’ microbes, on the other hand, tend to have an adverse effect. They play a role in certain chronic illnesses, obesity, and even with regards to inflammation. It is thus, therefore, vital that you keep your gut flora healthy and in balance.
One of the first ways in which to boost an immune system is by exposing it to bacteria. Reducing the number of anti-bacterial cleaners and sprays in the home is one way to reintroduce bacteria to your immune system.
Antibiotics are a ‘good’ bacteria killer. All too often beneficial bacteria in the gut are killed off along with the problem the antibiotic is prescribed which leads to an imbalance which a body finds tough to rectify. The body also does not have a chance to build up a resistance to the infection, therefore needing more and more antibiotics continuously with each occurrence while more and more beneficial microbes die off in the process. Thus, by limiting your intake of antibiotics, you are doing yourself a two-fold favor: less helpful microbes found are being killed off, while your body builds up immunity.
Diet is also a major contributing factor. Lifestyle and diet, to a large extent, has changed over the years. The first-paced world we live in has meant that people exercise less, for example, and consume more ‘quick food’ or ‘fast food.’ Unfortunately, most of these solutions are made up of food that is unhealthy and heavily processed with many additives added. Although these foods may please the eye and the palate, they are major contributors to problems such as obesity, heart problems, and diabetes, to name but a few. Add to this the more sedentary lifestyle enjoyed by so many as opposed to that of our forefathers, and we have an unhealthy mix in the making, with more and more children being diagnosed with diabetes and obesity than ever before.
Many of these lifestyle-oriented issues start in the gut, and with that, the fact that the microflora present there has been severely compromised. Research has proven this. Add to this the number of toxins present in the air due to pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and even household sprays, the majority of which have an adverse effect on the beneficial bacteria that is present, and the situation worsens even more.
The only way in which to restore the balance in the intestinal tract is by taking measures to combat that which is causing the problem and by adding beneficial flora. This can be done by the oral use of probiotics, positive lifestyle changes, and correct eating habits.
The more beneficial bacteria you have in your gut, the stronger your immune system is. Of course, besides taking probiotics, one could also incorporate more food into your diet that contains these little microbes naturally. Not only are they beneficial to your overall health but help with the absorption of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, chromium, calcium and Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, amongst others.
For the most part, fermented foods are a great natural supplier of probiotics. Much of the fermented foodstuffs available were historically created to preserve them, but the fermentation process has allowed for the growth of beneficial microbes as well.
Among those with extremely high-beneficial probiotic counts are:
• Raw cheese made from a sheep, goat or cow’s milk (unpasteurized). They are rich in bulgaricus, acidophilus, thermophillus, and bifudus bacteria.
• Live cultured or Greek Yogurt, which probably ranks as the best and easiest available probiotic-containing food. When buying yogurt, however, ensure that it is organic and made of either a sheep or goat’s milk and that the animals are grass fed.
• Kefir – Like yogurt, this dairy product is a blend of milk and fermented kefir grains. Records show that for more than 3000 years, Kefir was consumed in parts of Turkey and Russia. The term literally translates to “feel good”. Kefir has acidic and tart flavors and includes from 10 to 34 probiotic strains.Sauerkraut (cabbage) and Kimchi (vegetables) are fermented vegetables. They do not have the quantity and range of probiotics that you find in fermented milk products. They are, however, extremely high in the organic acids which serve to support the growth of the good bacteria in our gut. Added to this, the high enzyme count present in them helps with the digestive process.
• Other possibly less-known sources are Kombucha, which is fermented black tea, and Kvass, which is a ‘beer’ made of rye or barley.
Generally speaking, by adding beneficial microbes or probiotics to the gut, and thereby getting your digestive system back in balance, not only does one have a long-term health benefit, but it would seem you succeed in building up your immunity while at the same time feeling good and looking younger.