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HOW TO STRENGHTEN YOUR GOOD BACTERIAS

Irish researchers from the University College of Cork revealed that exercise can increase the percentage of good bacteria in a person’s gut, which might help in keeping obesity at bay. Obesity chances increase due to decline in gut bacteria and also lead to weaker immune system. Athletes were found to have lower levels of inflammatory markers and better metabolic profile than the men in the comparison group. The presence of wide range of gut bacteria was higher. The number of different bacteria types was also higher. They particularly had much high proportions of Akkermansiaceae, a species of bacteria that are associated with lower rates of obesity.

Takeaway: Exercise!


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PROS ON PROBIOTICS FOR YOUR KIDS

Is Probiotics a hype?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that are similar to organisms that occur naturally in the digestive tract. Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in our gut. We have trillions of bacteria in our colon, including over 1,000 different types, with most of them being beneficial. “As long as we maintain a high ratio of good to bad, the bad bacteria behave,” says Dr.Shekhar Challa. “The problem occurs when this ratio gets out of whack.” He adds, “probiotics have long been used in Japan, China and India and it is new buzzword in the United States.

“In societies with very good hygiene, we have seen a sharp increase in autoimmune and allergic diseases,” Guandalini tells. “That may be because the immune system isn’t being properly challenged by pathogenic organisms. Introducing friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics is believed to challenge the immune system in healthy ways.”

Benefits of Probiotics

In 2011, the experts at Yale University reviewed the research on probiotics. They concluded that probiotics are most effective for:

· Treating childhood diarrhea.

· Treating ulcerative colitis.

· Treating necrotizing enterocolitis a type of infection and inflammation of the intestine mostly seen in infants.

· Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea.

· Preventing pouchitis, an inflammation of the intestine that can follow intestinal surgery.

· Treating and preventing eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy.

· Helping the immune system.

The Yale University panel experts concluded that probiotics may be helpful in other ways although evidence is less convincing. These include,

· Treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

· Treating vaginitis.

· Treating diarrhea caused by C.difficile bacteria.

Probiotics may also be useful in unexpected ways. A study published in 2010 suggested that probiotics may lower the risk of common childhood illness such as ear infection, strep throat and colds. Certain types of probiotics have been linked to helping with irritable bowel syndrome to traveler’s diarrhea to boosting the immune system. They’re sometimes used in antibiotics to combat the diarrhea that may result from taking antibiotics.

Research in Probiotics

Reviewing the current medical literature, the authors report that:

· Infants and children who ate probiotic foods — mainly yogurt experienced a shorter duration of diarrhea.

· Probiotics were modestly effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in healthy children.

· There is no conclusive evidence to suggest probiotics treat intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or constipation, as well as colic, and allergies in children.

· Infant formulas enhanced with probiotics or prebiotics do not appear to cause harm in healthy infants, but there is insufficient evidence to suggest any benefits.

· Prebiotics may help reduce atopic eczema in healthy children.

· It’s unclear if probiotics or prebiotics offer any long-term protection against allergies.

What is better: Probiotic foods or supplements?

Probiotics are considered dietary supplements, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Probiotics come in many forms, including powders, tablets, capsules and foods such as, yogurts and dairy drinks. The forms you take them in don’t matter, experts say, as long as it contains enough organisms to grow in the intestines. Experts say the effective dose varies, from as little as 50 million to as many as 1 trillion live cells per dose.

What is also important is the type of organisms they contain. Specific probiotic organisms appear to be useful for particular illnesses. The bacteria Lactobacillus G, Lactobacillus reuteri and the yeast Saccharomyces boulcardii have been shown to be helpful for infectious diarrhea in children, for example.

Your best bet, choose a low-fat, low-sugar Yogurt with live, active cultures. Personally, we use a lot of probiotics in our kid’s diet. We make our own yogurt at home. If you want to know how you can make your own, ask me on your next visit.


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NEWS FLASH: PROBIOTICS AND BEAUTY

Humans have more than 10 times the number of bacteria in their body than they have cells – about 100 trillion, representing more than 500 different species. When in proper balance, a delicate and precise ratio of 85 percent friendly bacteria to 15 percent "unfriendly" bacteria, the human organism quite naturally heals itself. But when something upsets that delicate balance, be it general lack of nutrition, exposure to certain or numerous toxins (depending on the individual) or a medically prescribed course of antibiotics, problems can arise. Under these desperate conditions, the body shifts into survival mode (sympathetic nervous system), bringing its own innate healing abilities (parasympathetic nervous state) to a slow or full stop.

But the miracle of probiotics can help restore us to optimal health. As the antithesis of antibiotics, which kills bacteria indiscriminately (both unfriendly and friendly) while still allowing other harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast to proliferate unchallenged, probiotics work to rebuild and rebalance this intestinal flora so critical to our health and our absorption of vital nutrients. In fact, probiotics are quite necessary in the aftermath of any course of antibiotics, and when taken properly, in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle, it can help improve health dramatically. Their many benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

Relief from gastrointestinal disorders

With gastrointestinal conditions on a steady rise in recent years, improving overall gut function may be the most appropriate and obvious application for probiotics. Common signs of intestinal imbalance – meaning the "bad" bacteria have taken over – include diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches, gas and bloating, nausea and cravings for sugars and refined, carb-heavy foods. Instead of reaching for the nearest over-the-counter symptom quick-fix, incorporating probiotics into your diet may be a better and longer-lasting alternative, as they can repopulate your gut with more "good" bacteria.

Better digestion and nutrient absorption

An unhealthy gut does not digest foods properly. That means the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for survival may be greatly impaired. Probiotics change that by keeping harmful organisms in check and allowing for improved overall digestion and nutrient uptake.

Increased immune function

A healthy bowel is critical to immune function. The friendly bacteria of probiotics assist the immune system in recognizing harmful pathogens, like those that lead to cold and flu. Probiotics may be especially helpful for those with autoimmune diseases, who have a tendency for infection and who may be taking medications which actually suppress immune function, on the condition that a more gentle probiotic is chosen. One containing too many species or particularly strong yeast, for example, may pose a potential risk of overgrowth for an already compromised immune system.

Reversed metabolic syndrome and encouraged weight loss

Research indicates that obese people have more harmful bacteria in the gut than lean people, while lean people have more friendly bacteria in their guts than those who are obese. Studies show that these unfriendly gut bacteria may actually cause low-grade inflammation in the body, contributing to obesity and making losing that weight more difficult. Probiotics may help on their own for a short time, but as always and especially in this case, they should be taken as a complement to a healthy diet. Processed foods and a diet high in sugars and unhealthy fats will only encourage the growth of unfriendly bacteria, insulin resistance and weight gain.

Clearer, better nourished skin

Studies indicate that probiotics may help to heal the systemic inflammation associated with certain skin disorders, such as eczema and acne. A Norwegian study has found that babies born to pregnant women taking probiotics had only half the risk of developing eczema, and in those children who did develop it, the severity of symptoms was greatly reduced. A separate study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science indicated that probiotics may also inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with acne.

Improved urogenital health in women

Similar to the intestinal tract, the ecosystem of the vagina is one of delicate balance, often challenged not just by antibiotics, but by spermicides and birth control pills too. Probiotics can help rebuild the microflora to a balance necessary for the prevention of yeast infections, urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Beneficial probiotics are available in the form of dietary supplements, and they are also found in fermented foods and organic cultured milk products like yogurt. When it comes to choosing those best suited to your own health, be sure to do your homework. Research the product you’re considering thoroughly before use, as it is possible that not all bacteria listed on the label will be effective for your condition. Because they’re present already in a naturally functioning, normal digestive system, probiotics are generally considered safe; however, it may be wise to consult with a health professional regarding the mixture of certain probiotics, as well as preferred applications for specific medical conditions.

Remember too that a well-balanced lifestyle and a non-toxic, nutrient-rich diet is necessary in order to ensure maximum gain from any probiotics routine. Reducing all types of stress is also particularly important, especially during the holiday season. Good daily habits are the foundation of health, after all, and probiotics can assist in supporting that foundation.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml

http://drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/FLORA.htm

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/46/Supplement_2/S96.short

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/041092_probiotics_radiant_health_skin.html#ixzz2YSzMgDIg