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Alive Magazine May 1, 2001

Probiotics may well become the miracle drugs of the 21st century. These friendly flora—whose name aptly means “for life”—actually function as a second immune system. Unfortunately, we all too often overlook them as the vital key to our good health and well-being.

The Probiotics Heros

There are over 100 trillion bacteria and around 400 different strains residing in the GI tract alone. Not all of them are bad. In fact, many are beneficial and essential to bodily functions. The trick is to have enough of these good guys in a balance of 85% friendly bacteria to 15% unfriendly bacteria to sustain well-being.

The body relies on probiotics to transport nutrients, displace pathogenic bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, produce enzymes such as lactase to help with milk sugar (lactose) digestion, and manufacture vitamins A, B (such as biotin, niacin, folic acid, and pyridoxine), and K. Mounting studies, however, show probiotics do much more:

Digest food, especially fats, proteins, carbs

Manufacture natural antibiotics

Control excess LDL cholesterol levels

Prevent cancer-causing substances forming

Actively fight certain types of tumors

Hinder pathogenic bacteria and virus growth

Increase nutrient absorption

Produce antibodies and anticarcinogens

Break down toxins

Bolster the immune system

Improve digestive processes by eliminating gas and putrefying wastes

Prevent urinary tract and vaginal infections, inflammatory bowel disease

Control yeast infections, such as athlete’s foots, thrush, Candidiasis

Maintain regularity, fights diarrhea and food poisoning

Balance sex hormones, which aids fertility levels

Maintain radiant, healthy skin

Two of the most important friendly flora necessary to protect the system and maintain a healthy pH balance are:

Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Flourishing in an acidic environment, this friendly bacteria has over 200 strains and produces the enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into glucose and galactose. L. acidophilus, originally discovered in yogurt by the Russian Nobel Prize scientist Élie Metchnikoff, breeds and works primarily in the small intestine and, in a smaller degree, the mouth and colon. It is thought to encourage IgA, an immunoglobulin secretory that helps prevent infection. L. acidophilus has shown helpful in reducing vaginal and lower urinary tract infections as well as suppressing H. pylori growth. It is found in various natural cheeses and acidophilus milk products.

Bifidobacterium. Vital for good health, this friendly flora resides in the large intestine, stomach, mouth, and vagina. It is the predominant flora in newborns, children up to seven years old, and vegetarians. Bifidobacterium takes nearly two weeks to make its way through the GI tract, where it is critical to the health of the digestive system. Bifidobacterium is especially necessary for the production of B vitamins as well as lactic and acetic acid. In addition, it is helpful in eradicating yeast overgrowth, such as Candida albicans, and is regarded for its antiherpes qualities. Bifidobacterium is found in some yogurts and quality supplements.

Probiotics Assailants

Probiotics are becoming increasingly important nowadays for a number of reasons. Everywhere you look, we are being inundated with elements that alter the optimal balance of bacterial flora or destroy it outright. These seemingly unrelated factors include antibiotics; diets high in fat, meat, sugar, and refined foods; alcohol, stress, and drugs (the Pill, steroids); a reduction in stomach acid (typical with aging); poor health or chronic diseases (constipation, spastic colitis, diarrhea, immune system deficiency, cirrhosis of the liver); the chlorine in drinking water; the pesticide and herbicide residue on produce; and X-ray/radiation exposure.

Compounding this is the rise of food-borne pathogens. According to a January 2001 series of articles in the NY Times, at least a dozen new harmful pathogens confront us. Among them are the potentially deadly E.coli 0157:H7, known to infect produce and meats, and the sometimes fatal Listeria monnocytogenes, which flourishes in the refrigerator and is found in soft-ripened cheeses, raw milk and ready-made meats. Making matters worse, the rampant overuse of antibiotics on chicken ranges has caused another pathogen called Campylobacter jejuni, to take a new antibiotic-resistant form.

How to Restore Balance

Without a doubt, we need to make probiotics our second multi supplement. They are our best defense to treat, control, and protect against uninvited guests from the environment. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to recolonize the intestinal tract with beneficial bacteria. There are many high-quality probiotic formulas available on the market today in powder, capsules, or liquids. Most contain at least five billion viable organisms. Probiotics are best taken on an empty stomach. The majority of commercial products lose their potency within four to ten months, so be sure to use up them within that time frame.

Having a cup of acidophilus-containing yogurt every day is also helpful, according to a report appearing in the Journal of Immunotherapy. Eating it over a several-month period showed a decline in the inflammatory responses in the gut and an elevation in gamma-interferon, a protein that hinders virus reproduction.

However, many people do better with products containing a combination of strains. In fact, research scientists in Japan—a longtime leader in the use and development of probiotics—have found that using several strains of naturally developed organic acids encapsulated with live lactic acid bacteria, vitamins, minerals and amino acids works best for intestinal health. They have also dispelled the myth that a product should contain tens of billions of live lactic acid bacteria, since much of the high bacterial count dies before consumption. Having a lower beneficial bacteria count also appears to work better with the immune system response, allowing more of the friendly bacteria to become implanted in the colon.

One such product from Japan has recently reached our shores. Created by the award-winning microbiologist Dr. Ohhira, Ph. D. and his team of research scientist, the new probiotic product contains 12 strains of live lactic acid, 10 vitamins, 8 minerals and 18 amino acids. The most vital element of his product is E.faecalis TH 10, a strain of lactic acid bacteria developed from the Malaysian food delicacy, tempeh. It is 6.25 times stronger than any other lactic acid bacteria and guaranteed to kill and remove bad bacteria living in the colon as well as eliminate toxins produced by these potential killers. University-sponsored in vitro studies demonstrate the TH 10 strain’s efficacy against E.coli 0-157 and the Methicillin-resistant superbug Staphylococcus aureus, and even the ulcer-causing H. pylori.

Whichever probiotics you choose, add them to your diet gradually and don’t be alarmed if you initially experience some intestinal gas, bloating, or even cramps. These discomforting symptoms are temporary and actually a good sign that the friendly flora are raging battle against undesirable organisms and transforming your gut to a more beneficial acidic environment. That not only helps friendly flora continue to thrive—it also helps you regain vibrant health.