The third and final ingredient in our recipe for healthy digestion, are probiotics. The study of probiotics is fairly new. Your professor in Biology 101,would define probiotics as a “live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance”…, translated into real talk, means to us that probiotics are simply live microorganisms that are beneficial to us.
Digestively, probiotics are usually a type of microbial bacteria similar to the beneficial bacteria called flora which is found in our own digestive systems. Further… a prebiotic is a form of indigestible carbohydrate that feeds and stimulates the growth of probiotic organisms.
Bacterial imbalance
It can happen that the balance of different types of bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract, or elsewhere in the body, can become disturbed due to infection, inappropriate antibiotic exposure, or alcohol misuse. Normally the beneficial microbial colonies found in or on the body maintain themselves in a balanced harmony. When the balance is disturbed, the off-balance state is called Dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis is most prominent in the digestive tract, and may underlie such signs and symptoms as bloating, gas, nausea, constipation, bad breath and body odour. Dysbiosis has been associated with many other conditions such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, digestive problems, IBS, some immune disorders, liver dysfunction, chronic fatigue, malaise, and more.
Benefits of probiotics
Probiotics appear to play a role in modulating immune system activity related to the gut-related lymphoid tissue (GALT) which is embedded in the gastro-intestinal tract. Probiotics are currently being credited with restoring many health benefits including alleviation of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, prevention and treatment of pathogen-induced diarrhea, urogenital infections, and atopic (hyperallergic ) diseases.
Probiotic supplements
If you choose to start taking a probiotic supplement, look for a supplement that provides more than one type of microorganism; choose a supplement that guarantees to provide billions of live cells; carefully follow the label instructions for storage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, unless instructed by your health care practitioner.
Supplements or no, it is always a healthy choice to include foods in your diet that naturally enhance the body’s microfloral balance; foods such as yogurt, buttermilk or kefir, sauerkraut, miso soup, tempeh, and believe it or not…pickles. bon appétit.
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Summing up
Our healthy recipe is complete, simple yet delicious it can be: try a serving of plain yogurt with chunks of fresh fruit, a sprinkling of bran, oats or granola, and remember Mom’s advice… chew your food well.