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What Makes A Probiotic Super?
Probiotics are very popular these days! You will find them added to all kinds of foods, as manufacturers hop onto the bandwagon.
Probiotic is the term used to describe the billions of “friendly”
live bacteria that grow naturally in the intestinal tract. In
order to perform its many functions, the GI tract
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relies upon the complex ecosystem of bacteria or “flora” that makes up more
than 95% of the total cells in the human body. These friendly
microorganisms colonize the gut early in life but they can be
destroyed or depleted as we age, as well as by changes in diet,
antibiotics, stress and other lifestyle shifts.
The Role of Probiotic Bacteria
Nutrition: Probiotic bacteria synthesize vitamins such as Thiamine
(B1), Folic Acid (B9), Pyridoxine (B6), and Vitamin K. They also
produce digestive enzymes that help with absorption of nutrients
such as calcium, magnesium and iron.
Immunity: It is estimated that 70% of our immune system response
is located in the intestinal tract. Probiotic bacteria in the gut work
to prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing in the GI tract by
competing directly for space and crowding out pathogens. They
also produce a variety of substances that can inhibit, or even kill,
potentially harmful bacteria.
Protection: The lining of the colon, or mucosal lining, is the
human body’s largest (4000 sq ft) contact area with the external
environment. When the lining is compromised, it can lead to serious
digestive health issues. Probiotic bacteria help to maintain the
integrity of this lining by converting unabsorbable dietary sugars
into short chain fatty acids, providing a major source of energy for
the epithelial cells to regenerate themselves.
Isn’t Yogurt Enough?
Rarely does commercial yogurt contain the right strains or enough
probiotic bacteria to have any real therapeutic effect. In addition,
yogurt is primarily made up of “starter cultures” which will not
colonize the intestines and improve your health. While yogurt is
a healthy and delicious food, it should not be used in place of a
quality probiotic supplement.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine if a probiotic is therapeutic.
Guaranteed potency through a printed expiration date. If
the product states potency at time of manufacture instead
of expiration, there is no guarantee of potency at time of
consumption;
Potency listed in live colony forming units, not milligrams.
Products listing bacteria in milligrams (weight) do not
differentiate between live and dead bacteria;
Of human origin;
Resistant to stomach acidity and bile salts;
Colonization (even transiently) of human intestine;
Antagonistic towards pathogenic bacteria;
Production of antimicrobial substances;
Immune modulation properties;
History of safe use in humans.
Before you spend your hard-earned money on foods that may, or
may not, meet these criteria, read the label. If it does not give you the
information you require, check with our Supplement Advisors.
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