The Naturopathic Co.
Your body is full of bacteria which is called the microbiome. Strain diversity in the bacteria in our gut is considered one of the pillars for good health.
Trillions of bacteria throughout the body work together to help regulate our body so that it functions optimally; our immune system, heart, weight, moods, and even how we sleep.
Healthy beneficial bacteria in the digestive system compete with potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeast along the digestive tract for the limited space that is available.
How do probiotics help us?
Probiotics antagonise against pathogenic microorganisms in the gut. They produce anti-microbial substances that kill off potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeast, and also inhibit the effects of bacterial toxins.
Bacteria interact with our immune cells. Healthy bacteria balances the immune system, as well as dampens allergy & hypersensitivity reactions.
Healthy bacteria produce beneficial compounds in the gut such as short chain fatty acids, and also work to create a healthy gut ecosystem by encouraging a healthy pH.
Healthy bacteria help to upregulate digestive enzyme function.
Healthy bacteria in the gut help to restore a healthy gut lining and decrease gut wall permeability, and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
Healthy bacteria in the gut have anti-inflammatory activity, and secrete compounds with anti-inflammatory
properties.
Healthy bacteria in the gut help to modify gut transit time. Particularly bifidobacteria have been found effective in helping people with a slow digestive system and delayed elimination.
Healthy bacteria in the gut can beneficially alter metabolism.
What makes a good quality probiotic?
In order to assess the quality of the bacteria in a probiotic, we need to look at the species of bacteria as well as the strain.
The other important factor to consider is the number of bacteria in the probiotic. A probiotic with ‘billions’ is much better than ‘millions’!
We can now prescribe probiotics in a similar way to how we prescribe herbal medicines or supplements. That is, that we can be strain-specific in our choice of probiotic, based on the type of bacteria strain we need for treatment.
The characteristics and actions of the strains contained in the supplement. Probiotic strains that can demonstrate the action that is required for the condition being treated (or has research/clinical trials to support its effectiveness in treatment of a specific health issue).
The probiotic has been tested to show sufficient numbers of bacteria are viable at the point of consumption (having fat intake or grain-based meal with the probiotic helps to optimise survival of the bacteria).
Yvette is a qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist, MINDD Practitioner, member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia.
Yvette specialises in the treatment of gut health and digestive complaints, skin issues, mood disorders, hormonal concerns, fatigue, and more.