The pros of probiotics: the good bacteria - wellness

Most people can accept that yogurt is good for you because it contains "living microorganisms" that aid in digestive health. We may be less comfortable, however, with the notion that the organisms in question are actually bacteria--those oh-so-sinister microscopic devourers.

But while the phrase "You really need to get some more bacteria in you" may be a little, well, hard to swallow, it's still true that the potential health benefits of certain kinds of bacteria--those known as probiotics--have been ignored for too long.

deeper understanding

"We've had a very simplistic, Dark Age view of bacteria," says Natasha Trenev, founder of Natren in Westlake Village, California, and author of two books about the benefits of probiotics.

"We've been slow to recognize just how complex and necessary their health interactions are," Trenev says. But while it may have lagged behind, the scientific establishment has begun to undertake serious research into the area of probiotics, with new findings about the role these organisms play in human health occurring fairly steadily.

"Probiotics"--from the Greek, meaning literally "for life"--is the term most often applied to a group of "friendly bacteria" or "microflora" that work to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and help fight illness and disease.

supplemental insurance

While these organisms do occur naturally in the body, there are a number of reasons why probiotic supplementation may now be necessary.

"Antibiotics are the main culprits," says Jordan Rubin, NMD, author, researcher and founder of Garden of Life in West Palm Beach, Florida.

"The problem isn't just medical use by humans, but also the consumption of commercially raised animal and dairy products. Farmers use antibiotics on animals." Some 30 antibiotics--such as tetracycline, penicillin and streptomycin--are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on food animals.

In addition to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, other factors are believed to contribute to an imbalance in proper levels of good bacteria in the lower and upper intestines--including chlorinated water, processed flours and sugars, chemical additives and preservatives, even the increased stress levels of modern life.

Rubin argues that changes in farming and manufacturing processes--procedures designed to increase efficiency and remove all bacteria, good and bad, from the soil--also play a role in reduced levels of probiotics in our bodies. "Because of this, vegetables don't contain the probiotics they did 50 or 100 years ago," says Rubin, noting that this is one case where ensuring that foods are clean or sterile may actually be hurting us.

useful organisms

Currently, 60 to 80 million Americans suffer from digestive ailments. Maintaining proper levels of probiotics can play a role in alleviating most of these problems--ranging from mild constipation and diarrhea to more severe illnesses.

Probiotics also protect against E. coli and salmonella, enhance synthesis of vitamins, reduce or prevent vaginal and yeast infections, improve immune function and aid in cancer prevention--colon cancer, in particular.

"The problem is, these microflora are very difficult to replace in the current environment," says Trenev. "So what you have is a situation where, while the organisms in our food supply have become smarter and deadlier--working to adapt and develop resistances--our natural defenses are also weaker. We try to kill them the same old ways, but they adjust and get stronger, and we're painting ourselves into a corner."

label lore

So what's someone looking to boost levels of friendly bacteria supposed to do?

The most common probiotic supplements available include Bifidus infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus longum.

According to Trenev, consumers should avoid supplement "labels that look like spilled alphabet soup, like everything under the sun was thrown in there," and focus instead on products that offer carefully selected, single strains of bacteria.

The approach should be similar to starting a program of exercise or diet--find what works best for you, she says.

"You should be able to feel results relatively quickly, at least in terms of general digestion. If you don't, simply adjust your regimen," says Raj Dash of UAS labs in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Dash also notes that these organisms are self-regulating.

"The body excretes what it does not use, so over-supplementation isn't a concern." When searching for a quality probiotic supplement, look for products packaged in non-permeable, glass containers.

And be sure to inspect expiration dates. All probiotic supplements need to be kept continually refrigerated. Even then, consumers should be careful: These organisms typically don't last any longer than 18 months.

And supplements may not be the only means of building up probiotic levels. "Look for condiments and pickled foods that don't contain vinegar in your health food store," suggests Rubin, as a way to add these friendly microorganisms to an already healthy diet.

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