| 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. | Probiotics help us to: Strengthen the immune system Guard against cancer Combat yeast overgrowth and fungal infections such as Candida Albicans Prevent constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and bloating Protect against osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis Overcome skin problems Lower cholesterol levels 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.
|
| The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor by any equivalent organisations around the world. To prevent products from being classified as drugs under Section 201(g) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, we are required to inform you that 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. |
