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More and more people are becoming aware
of the benefits of using 'friendly' bacteria, and there has been a rapid
rise in bacteria products (probiotics) over the past few years.
Research has shown that probiotics help
prevent the growth of 'unfriendly' bacteria (pathogens) in the gut.
The various strains of bacteria include
the popular lactobacillus acidophilus, which have the ability to break
down sugar molecules, such as lactose (the sugar naturally found in
milk). They produce lactic acid as a by-product of this sugar breakdown.
It is the lactic acid which prevents
the build up of the harmful pathogenic bacteria. The reason for this
is simple. All bacteria need optimal conditions before they can grow
and multiply, and one of the most important conditions is the correct
pH of the environment in which they are trying to live.
The lactic acid lowers the pH (makes
it more acidic), and the pathogenic bacteria cannot thrive in this acidic
environment.
If these friendly bacteria were not
present in the gut in sufficient quantity, then unfriendly bacteria,
fungi and viruses would be allowed to grow and populate the intestines.
This would cause a variety of conditions such as candida, lowered immune
function, diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, and, according to recent studies,
even autism.
For these reasons, it is imperative
that a baby's gut is populated by friendly bacteria from the beginning,
in order to help prevent such conditions. Newborn babies' intestines
are sterile, and the first contact the baby has with bacteria is via
the mother when it passes along the birth canal.
Therefore, if the mother's bacteria
balance is compromised, then any unfriendly bacteria and toxins will
be passed to the baby.
For this reason, it is important, if
at all possible that the mother breast feed the baby for at least six
months (and this isn't always possible for a variety of reasons). In
these ideal conditions the harmful bacteria which cause the conditions
mentioned above, will not be able to thrive in the gut.
If it is not possible to breast feed
for at least six months (or in the unhappy event that the baby needs
to be given antibiotic treatment), then it is imperative that the baby
be given probiotic in supplement form.
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Probiotics help us to:
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Strengthen the immune system
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Guard against cancer
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Combat yeast overgrowth and fungal infections such as Candida
Albicans
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Prevent constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and bloating
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Protect against osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
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Overcome skin problems
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Lower cholesterol levels
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Enhance nutritional status
Two forms of infant probiotic
which can be recommended are
Bifidobacterium
infantis (INT B1) by BioCare, and
Udo's Choice Infants Blend Probiotics, by Flora.
BioCare
Bifidobacteriuminfantis
Udo's Choice Infant's Blend Probiotic
BioCare Bio-acidophilus (Adults)
References:
Bernet MF, Brassart D, Neeser JR, Servin AL. Lactobacillus acidophilus
LA-1binds to cultured human intestinal cell lines and inhibits cell
attachment and cell invasion by enterovirulent bacteria. Gut 1994; 35:483-489.
Bernard Rimland PhD. Autism Research Review International 1988 Vol.2,
No.2, p.3. Autism Research Institute.
- Roberfroid MG, Bornet F, Bouley C. Colonic microflora: nutrition
and health. Nutr Rev 1995;53:127-130.
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There is no intention,
implied or otherwise, that represents or infers that these products
or statements be used in the cure, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment,
or prevention of any disease. Any references, studies or testimonials
on this website do not imply that similar results will happen with your
use of products referred to. Our web pages are not intended to
recommend any supplement as a drug, as a diagnosis for specific illnesses
or conditions, nor as a product to eliminate diseases or other medical
conditions or complications. We make no medical claims as to the benefits
of any of the products to improve medical conditions.
We always recommend that you work in conjunction with your primary
medical advisor, particularly if you have an existing medical condition,
and that you do not take any products during pregnancy or breast-feeding
without first referring to your primary medical advisor.
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