'Good' Bacteria Help Keep Your Digestive Tract Running Smoothly
Do you think of bacteria as something bad? If so, you're not alone. Most of us are not aware that some bacteria can actually be beneficial to our health – particularly for our digestive system.
The "good" bacteria that I am talking about are called probiotics. Probiotics generally fall into the class of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria organisms, which include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria bifidum and others.
Unfortunately, the good bacteria in your body are under constant attack by harmful organisms. Modern American diets that are high in red meat, fat and high-glycemic carbohydrates (ones that are quickly absorbed in the body) promote the growth of pathogenic organisms, like yeast and bad bacteria. As these organisms proliferate in the intestinal tract, we begin to experience heartburn, fatigue, bloating and nausea after meals. Even worse, we may be increasing our risk of developing diseases like colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction and even common cancers like colon, breast and prostate.
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PROBIOTICS FIGHT DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS & MORE
In a study in the Journal of Nutrition, Texas Tech University researchers found considerable scientific evidence that probiotics help fight digestive problems. They also found that probiotics reduce many cancer-causing compounds in the intestinal tract.
Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that probiotics combat allergies and boost the immune system as they help prevent cancer. Even bladder and vaginal infections have been found to decrease in women taking supplements of probiotics In fact, Israeli researchers reportedly found a 50 percent reduction in bacterial colonies in the urogenital tracts of women who increased their probiotic intake.
Evidence of the benefits of probiotics doesn't stop there. Studies in the British Medical Journal showed that beneficial bacteria can actually fight and overcome harmful bacteria like E. coli – one of the leading sources of food poisoning – and the ulcer-causing H. pylori. Still yet, a study reported in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer found that probiotics not only helped with colon and intestinal problems, but the rate of colon and breast cancer actually decreased – these good bacteria actually blocked breast tumor growth.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
One of our generation's major problems is the widespread overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics can be lifesaving in certain circumstances, but they are far overused and greatly weaken the good bacteria in your body. Also, inappropriate use of antibiotics actually encourages antibiotic resistance. For instance, some doctors prescribe antibiotics for the common cold; but since colds are caused by viruses, not by bacteria, the symptoms don't respond to the prescribed treatment. The cold sufferer doesn't feel better and the antibiotics create resistant strains of harmful organisms in the body.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as ampicillin, can wipe out literally millions of both good and bad bacteria. Even short courses of antibiotics devastate the probiotic bacteria in the body and open the door to digestive disorders, intestinal infections, allergies, and possibly more serious diseases. Even if your doctor doesn't over-prescribe antibiotics, you can still be exposed to them if you eat meat and poultry since many producers "spike" their animal feed with antibiotics in an effort to contain infections in their cattle, pigs and chickens.
FEED THE GOOD BACTERIA
We all have some good bacteria in our colon; we just don't have enough. A good strategy to combat this deficiency is to ingest these organisms. This may sound strange, but it's a proven concept. Yogurt, for example, is teeming with beneficial organisms that promote digestive and overall health.
You can also consume nutrients that feed probiotic organisms and help them thrive in your intestinal tract. Such nutrients are called prebiotics. Indigestible starches and certain types of fiber provide a feast for beneficial bacteria. Many fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes are rich in these prebiotic nutrients. Finally, I recommend taking a high quality nutritional supplement for your digestive tract. Supplements contain much higher concentrations of probiotic organisms and prebiotic nutrients than do foods. Look for a supplement that contains a combination of pro- and prebiotics. My Digestion Support, for example, contains two of the most beneficial types of probiotic organisms, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum. I selected special strains of these organisms that are more resistant to heat, light and stomach acid than other probiotic organisms. Digestion Support also contains broad-spectrum prebiotic nutrients like fructooligosaccharides (FOS), arabinogalactan, glucomannan and a unique fiber complex.
God designed our digestive tract to function smoothly. But too many aspects of our modern diet, lifestyle and environment upset the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria in our intestines. As a result, our health suffers. To get your digestive system – and your health – back on track, I encourage you to follow the few simple steps I outline above. You'll be glad you did!
