bodykind - natural health and beauty blog » probiotic

Probiotics to support regular bowels

katieguest — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:00:11 +0000

Thanks to much focus on probiotics over recent years you may be familiar with the concept that having a good balance of friendly bacteria in your gut is related to healthy digestion. One of these factors is of course bowel regularity. Constipation (bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass) can indeed be caused by a lack of good bacteria in the intestines, meaning that your body does not have the suitable means to efficiently break down and digest foods.

The Secret is in the Strain

So what sort of probiotic can you take to help maintain more regular bowel movements? Rather than worrying too much about the form or strength of a probiotic, the secret is actually in the ‘strain’. A probiotic ‘strain’ refers to the exact classification of a micro-organism and it tells you where the probiotic comes from, where it will work in the body, and most importantly, which clinical trials and tests have been carried out on that probiotic.

B. lactis BB-12®

Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® is probably the most researched strain of the ‘lactis’ species; and has been especially tested in individuals looking to maintain bowel regularity. A number of reliable double blind, placebo-controlled studies (1, 2, 3) have shown this precise probiotic strain to help individuals maintain regular bowel movements.

OptiBac Probiotics - For Maintaining Regularity contains the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12

For maintaining regularity Probiotic & Prebiotic

The B. lactis BB-12® strain can be found in OptiBac Probiotics For maintaining regularity which can be taken on a daily basis as a maintenance or alternatively as and when required. For maintaining regularity also contains prebiotic fibres for a longer lasting effect. Prebiotics are a food source for your body’s probiotics and these natural fibres are found in foods such as onions, garlic and leeks.

For maintaining regularity is a natural & gentle supplement, and unlike some medicines, will not cause dependency or a lazy gut. It is also suitable for pregnant women, infants from 1 year+ and provides a perfect gentle formula for the elderly.

If you’re looking to maintain your bowel regularity, trying a supplement containing B. lactis BB-12® whilst combining it with some positive health habits could be a good place to start. Ensure you eat plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables, beans and pulses, drink lots of water and take regular exercise – which all encourage more regular bowel movements.

Written by Lou Bowler, BSc (Naturopath)

References

(1.) Matsumoto, M. et al (2001) Effect of Yoghurt with Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 in improving fecal microflora and defecation of healthy volunteers. Journal of Intestinal Microbiology; 12(2): pp-97-102

(2.) Pitala, K.J et al (2007) Fermented cereal with specific Bifidobacteria normalises bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomised, controlled trial. Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging; 11(4): pp. 305 – 311.

(3.) Nishida, S. et al. (2004) Effect of yoghurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 on improvement of defecation and fecal microflora of healthy female adults.

Probiotics for the Common Cold

katieguest — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:40 +0000

During winter, the common cold strikes 930,000 Britons on average. We probably catch more colds during this season because we spend much more time indoors, in close proximity. New Year’s Eve parties, January sales and family gatherings mean that we’re coming into physical contact with more people, leaving us susceptible to catching and spreading the common cold.

Probiotics may help prevent Infections such as the Common Cold

While there is still no cure for the common cold, a recent analysis has found evidence for taking probiotics as a way of preventing the risk of infection (1). It seems that probiotics may improve health by regulating immune function.

The systematic review, conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, analysed 10 studies involving 3451 participants. The study examined the evidence for probiotics as a way to prevent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).

In studies where probiotics were taken for more than a week, probiotics reduced the number of individuals who had at least one acute upper respiratory tract infection by 42%.

Side effects reported were minor, such as digestive discomfort, and were not any more common in those taking probiotics than in the control groups.

Probiotics may support the immune system by bolstering the health of the gut wall and boosting activity of phagocytes, white blood cells that fight infection.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, be sure to opt for one that uses well-researched strains. It is important that the probiotic strain that you use is capable both of surviving stomach acidity and ‘sticking’ to the gut lining.

I often recommend Optibac ‘For daily wellbeing EXTRA strength’ as this contains one of the most well researched strains, L. acidophilus NCFM. It is also FOS free, which can be useful for those who are worried about side effects such as bloating. Udo’s Choice Super 8 Probiotic also provides the strain L. acidophilus NCFM at an effective dosage.

Written by Nadia Mason, BSc MBANT NTCC CNHC

References

(1.) Hao Q, Lu Z, Dong BR, Huang CQ, Wu T. Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Sep 7

How can probiotics support your immune system?

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:35 +0000

It is generally accepted nowadays that probiotic microorganisms are helpful for digestion, but people are just beginning to understand that these ‘friendly microorganisms’ can support the immune system as well. For example, one great way to maintain your children’s health in the back to school period is by supporting their gut with a high quality kid’s probiotic.

The gut can be seen as the gateway to a healthy body. When we have good numbers of friendly bacteria in the gut, we perform our digestion with ease, effectively absorbing vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. But that is not all probiotics help with!

Probiotics in the gut provide a ‘Barrier Effect’ against pathogens.

Probiotics in the gut provide a ‘Barrier Effect’ against pathogens.(1) When the body has a healthy balance of ‘friendly bacteria’ or probiotics, these can help to protect the body from ‘bad bacteria’ or pathogens, by coating the gut wall lining and competing with pathogens for space. When probiotics limit the ability of pathogens to adhere to the gut wall lining, this automatically limits the bad bacteria’s ability to grow, as bacteria need to bind before they can multiply and proliferate.

Probiotics also stimulate both the body’s innate immune response & acquired immune response. Statistically over 70% of the body’s immunity is based in the gut, and our friendly bacteria play a significant role in the gut and in working with the body’s immune system. Specific strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 have been shown in-vitro to stimulate the growth of white blood cells such as macrophages and in turn lymphocytes, which attack foreign microbes and cancer cells. Probiotics have also demonstrated abilities to stimulate the production of useful antibodies such as Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA);(2) which plays a critical role in the mucosal immunity.

Prebiotics (the food source for probiotics) such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria as well as to significantly inhibit the growth of cancerous colon cells.

So in a nutshell, probiotics & prebiotics help to support your immunity by fortifying the body’s natural defences, out-populating harmful bacteria, and by promoting the production of immune cells in the body.

OptiBac Probiotics For your child’s health (For children from 6 months to 12 years) is a probiotic & prebiotic made especially for children, and has been clinically trialled for its benefits in immunity. This supplement was found in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to decrease the risk of common childhood infections by 25%.(3) The study was conducted only on children who had suffered recurring digestive and immune infections throughout the previous winter; hence showing even greater potential for supporting immunity in children. Three month daily supplementation with For your child’s health was found to significantly lessen the risk of infections, and reduce days missed from school. It is also worth noting that the types of infections reduced were not only gastrointestinal, but also ear-nose-throat (ENT).

It’s also important to support your own gut health as well as your children’s. OptiBac Probiotics For daily immunity is a blend of both super antioxidants and probiotics. Vitamin C, Grape Seed, Green Tea and Pine Bark Extract are all natural & organic ingredients which help support your immunity by inhibiting the production of free radicals which can harm body cells & compromise immunity. Additionally, the probiotics help the body to absorb the antioxidants into the bloodstream.

Alternatively For daily wellbeing EXTRA Strength provides a high strength daily probiotic dose, containing 20 billion micro-organisms per capsule. The daily wellbeing EXTRA Strength and the daily immunity can be safely taken together throughout the winter months for added immune support.

Looking after your gut means looking after your immunity too – Easy!

Written by Lou Bowler, BHSc (Naturopathy)

References

1. Isolauri, E., et al. (2001) Probiotics: Effects on immunity. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol.73, No. 2, 445-450s, February 2011.

2. Perdigon, G., Alvarez, S., Rachid, M., Aguero, G & Gobbato, N., (1995) Immune System Stimulation by Probiotics. Journal of Dairy Science. Vol 78, Issue 7. Pp 1597 – 1606.

3. Cazzola, M. et al. (2010) Efficacy of synbiotic supplementation in the prevention of common diseases in children: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study; Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease 0ctober 2010 Vol. 4 no. 5 pp.271- 8.

Top 4 tips for holiday health

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:41 +0000

As we roll into the holiday season, many of us will be looking for natural ways to keep our bodies in tip top condition whilst in a new environment. Whether you are looking for ways to enhance your immune system, avoid the dreaded holiday tummy, protect yourself from bacteria or look after your skin, bodykind is here. With our top 4 tips for holiday health you cant go wrong and you will be sure to be able to enjoy your holiday, soak up the sunshine and return fit, healthy and raring to go.

Natural ways to keep our bodies in tip top condition whilst in a new environment (1)

Number one – Grapefruit Seed Extract

What’s the first thing you check when you arrive at your hotel room?….. The bathroom. But that’s not where the germs are. It gets cleaned every day.

Instead, it’s the door handles, TV remote, plugs, bedside tables, the hire car steering wheel and money that carry the bugs that can cause the holiday cold or, worse, holiday tummy. Grapefruit seed extract is derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. It can be used as a super-powerful; all purpose cleanser for all those areas and even wash fruit and veg with it by putting a few drops in water. Grapefruit seed extract may also help support and maintain a healthy digestive system and immune system.

Number two – Take a probiotic

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that many people take on holiday to ward off tummy bugs. These days, most are stable up to around 20°C, so will survive the flight and a short journey to the hotel. But if you don’t have access to a fridge, you’ll need hardier bacteria called L-Sporogenes. Because it is in a spore form, it survives any holiday heat wave and once taken, changes the environment of the intestines to promote the growth of the friendly bugs and inhibit the bad. It’s the SAS of bacteria! Try a product such as Probio-Daily by Higher Nature.

Colloidal Silver serves a multitude of uses. It's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic.

Number three – Colloidal Silver for immune support

For those off on a more intrepid trip, Colloidal Silver serves a multitude of uses. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic, spray it into walking boots to stop the pong, then onto any athletes foot as hot, damp feet provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Use it under the arms to kill the bugs that lead to body odour and on the inevitable skin grazes to keep them clean.

Heard the phrase “born with a silver spoon in their mouth”? Rich people ate and drank from silver cutlery and tankards in past times, so replicate the protective effect by spraying Colloidal Silver onto eating utensils, pans, crockery and into drinks bottles.

If you’re really travelling, 1 teaspoon left in 250ml water for 6 minutes will render it safe to drink.

Number Four – Natural Sun Protection

Natural sun creams work by reflecting UV radiation off the skin like a mirror. They protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, without the risk of your body absorbing chemicals which are often present in many mainstream products. Keep an eye open for the most popular natural certifications such as Soil Association, NaTrue, BDIH and EcoCert. These certifications require a product to meet certain minimum organic and natural standards.

Natural sun care products often contain an array of natural extracts like hemp and coconut oil, shea butter, carrot seed oil and aloe vera, all of which have natural sun protection. Natural antioxidants from extracts of acai, grape seed and green tea help to protect skin from sunburn and reduce harmful free radical damage and many incorporate gentle, natural botanicals to soothe and moisturise. Natural materials also help with cell repair – and don’t interfere with the body’s absorption of vitamin D.

Written by Mike Pye

References

1. Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane.

Udos Choice spotlight part 2 – 30 billion reasons to choose Udo’s Choice Probiotics

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:07 +0000

Hippocrates, wrote "let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”.

Even back in ancient Greece, it was known that the gut played an important role in our health. Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Modern Medicine” wrote “All diseases begin in the gut”. He also said, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”. It seems he knew a thing or two about the fundamentals of optimal health which remain true to this day.

Probiotics, or “Beneficial” bacteria, pathogenic “bad” bacteria and yeast should balance each other out in the intestines but the balance can be disrupted by our modern diets, lifestyle, stress and medications. When this happens ill health can arise in the form of allergies, leaky gut syndrome, IBS, candida and a weakened immune system.

A properly functioning immune system is our main internal defence and it is estimated that 84-86% of our body’s immune function is carried out within the wall of our intestines; the surface area of which if laid out flat would cover the size of a football pitch. A healthy balance of bacteria is around 85% “good” bacteria versus 15% “bad” bacteria.

Udo’s Choice Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotics has been specially formulated to help sustain this balance.

What to look for in a Probiotic

By supplementing your diet with enough of the appropriate bacteria strains for your age and lifestyle you can expect to achieve the best results.

Udo’s Choice Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotics provide 30 billion active bacteria in every one of the 30 capsules.

Udo’s Choice Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotics provide 30 billion active bacteria in every one of the 30 capsules. This compares with around just 10 billion or less contained in a typical daily yoghurt drink. Super 8’s therefore provide better value for money per billion bacteria than leading yoghurt drinks.

Each capsule also contains 8 different probiotic strains compared with 1 to 3 strains contained in yoghurt drinks.

All the bacterial strains in Udo’s Choice Super 8 Probiotics have been specially developed and tested for their gastric resistance. Therefore, when taken as recommended on a full stomach, the micro-organisms in Udo’s Choice Probiotics will reach the intestinal tract safely and at full potency without being destroyed by harsh stomach acids.

The specific strains used in Udo’s Choice Super 8 Hi-Potency Probiotic have been specially chosen for their value to upper bowel health:

Lactobacillus acidophilus 45%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus 25%
Streptococcus thermophilus 10%
Lactobacillus plantarum 7%
Bifidobacterium bifidum 6%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus 3%
Bifidobacterium longum 3%
Lactobacillus salivarius 1%

Super 8’s are formulated as high strength in order to tackle such health issues as yeast imbalance and symptoms of leaky gut syndrome as well as to optimise gut health.

Each capsule also contains 8 different probiotic strains compared with 1 to 3 strains contained in yoghurt drinks.

Francesca Boers, a top UK fitness model is a big fan of Udo’s Choice Super 8 Probiotics. “I have suffered with IBS since I was a child and therefore have struggled with my digestion. Since taking Super 8’s along with maintaining a healthy diet I barely even notice that I have it any more. I no longer suffer with stomach cramps and never feel sluggish or bloated”

Make sure your probiotics are refrigerated

As is the case with all probiotic products, refrigeration ensures maximum potency and stability. Should any probiotics be kept out of the fridge for more than a few days then the number of viable bacteria decreases. Udo’s Choice Super 8’s are manufactured and stored refrigerated and have one of the largest number of live bacteria of any probiotic product in the UK.

Content and Images provided by Udos Choice

Healthy skin spotlight – Our top 5 supplements for skin health

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:15:38 +0000

This blog post looks at some of the key nutritional supplements for supporting and maintaining healthy skin. Follow our top five tips and your skin will be looking healthy and radiant all through natural choices and healthy diet without the need for beauty products that contain harmful chemicals.

Support your skin care through nutrition and a healthy diet (1)

1. Fish Oils

Fish oils are essential fatty acids which means that they are not made by the body and have to be consumed (either eaten or supplemented) in order to provide the body with their fantastic benefits. Fatty acids have been recognised for their ability to improve the skin through their anti-inflammatory activity which may also reduce the development of eczema psoriasis, acne and rashes. They can also help to firm the skin and potentially reduce lines and wrinkles. Read more about the power of fish oils for skin health in previous blog posts here. Overall a top skin care provider!

2. Antioxidants:

Oxidative damage from free radicals (unstable molecules) is the primary cause of premature skin aging as they can interfere with DNA and breakdown collagen which contributes to the formation of those dreaded wrinkles. Antioxidants have been found to help prevent this damage and protect the body from their harmful effects. Antioxidants, such as alpha tocopherol, beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein, have also been identified to protect against UV damage (photoaging) which causes the most harm to the skin (3).

3. Multivitamin

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and wholegrains helps to provide the body with vitamins, minerals, fibre and other essential components to help the body to function optimally and keep the skin in its best condition. Adding a multivitamin (which are natural nutrients that are essentially consumed as the body can not produce them itself) to this regime can offer a great boost to your body’s balance of health and support the health and appearance of the largest organ in your body, your skin. Again multivitamins that include the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E are great skin supporters, and also B3, D and K have also been identified as protecting against the biggest skin ager, photoaging (4).

Having a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C, can help to encourage collagen production

4. Collagen

As we age, our collagen stores steadily decrease which reduces the elasticity in our skin and causes lines and wrinkles, so supplementing collagen may help to limit these effects. Also having a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C, can help to encourage collagen production and its use within the body, which may assist in keeping the skin bright and youthful.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics are non digestible foods that can promote health by stimulating the activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They have been found to assist with the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract which then allows the nutrients to fully benefit the skin. Additionally, probiotics have also been recognised for stimulating the microflora of the skin and protecting the skin through the immune system (6). Therefore these friendly bacteria are perfect little protectors of youthful skin so make sure you include them in your daily routine.

A top tip for supplementing would be to include probiotics with your supplements to ensure that your digestive system is optimal and you are absorbing the necessary nutrients from the supplements you are taking.

P.S. You may also wish to consider using light therapy as an alternative to help keep skin beautiful, as they have been found to kill the bacteria that causes acne and also to reduce the inflammation in the skin caused by acne. They do this through the combination of wavelengths which also assist facial lesions, scars and many other conditions. They have also shown to be very effective at brightening the skin tone (7,8). Therefore they may be worth considering if you are suffering from a skin complaint.

Written by Lauren Foster

References

(1) Image courtesy of photostock.

(2)De Spirit s et al. (2009) Intervention with flaxseed and borage oil supplements modulates skin condition in women. British Journal of Nutrition, 101:440-445.

(3) Evans, J.A. & Johnson, E.J. (2010) The Role of Phytonutrients in Skin Health. Nutrients, 2, 903-928.

(4) Zussman, J., Ahdout, J. and Kim, J. (2010) Vitamins and photoaging: Do scientific data support their use? American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 63, No. 3.

(5) Zouboulis, C.C., Makrantonaki, E. (2011) Clinical aspects and molecular diagnostics of skin aging. Clinics in Dermatology, 29, 3–14.

(6) Krutmann, J. (2009) Pre- and probiotics for human skin. Journal of Dermatological Science 54, 1–5.

(7) Babilas, B. (2010) Light-assisted therapy in dermatology: The use of intense pulsed light (IPL). Medical Laser Application, Vol. 25, 61–69.

(8) Lee, S.Y., You, C.E. & Park, M.Y. (2007) Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris in patients with skin phototype IV. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 39:180–188.

Probiotic pessaries: a new natural way to tackle chronic UTIs

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:03 +0000

A recent study offers women with urinary tract infections (UTIs) a natural way to tackle chronic symptoms for good (1).

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, investigated the effect of a probiotic pessary on recurrent UTIs. Adding healthy bacteria to the vagina and surrounding areas appears to keep more harmful bacteria at bay.

UTIs are common in women of all ages. These types of infections can be very troublesome as they can be fiercely stubborn. After treatment of a UTI, about a third of female patients will have a recurrence of the infection within 6 months.

Probiotic pessaries: a new natural way to tackle chronic UTIs

The most common cause of infection is a bacteria called E.coli. This bacteria can make its way up the urinary tract and into the bladder where it multiplies, causing symptoms such as bloating, lower abdominal pain, frequent urge to urinate and painful urination. Women are more likely than men to contract this sort of infection as the opening of the urethra is near to the anus, and they have shorter urethras, allowing easy access for harmful bacteria.

The study’s researchers enrolled a group of 100 women suffering with chronic UTIs. Half of the group were given a probiotic-filled pessary, to be inserted into the vagina. The other half of the group were given a placebo pessary. Each of the women used 1 pessary each day for 5 days, and then used weekly pessaries for 10 weeks. During this time, 13 of the women in the placebo group experienced a recurrence of the infection, compared with only seven of the 50 women in the probiotic group.

It is hoped that larger clinical trials will support the findings from this small-scale study. Previous studies have examined the effect of probiotic foods on UTIs, supporting their role in preventing recurrent infection. For example, consumption of fermented milk products – such as probiotic yoghurt – is found to reduce the risk of UTI recurrence (2).

Another natural remedy that can be recommended for UTIs is cranberry. It seems that some of the chemicals in cranberry juice can help prevent E. coli from sticking to the wall of the bladder (3). A sugar called d-mannose, which can be taken in supplement form, also shows promise in protecting from UTIs. Other simple ways to help prevent UTIs include drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep the bladder flushed.

Probiotic pessaries certainly represent a convenient way to support the health of the vagina and surrounding areas. Biocare (Intrafresh) and Higher Nature (Vagiclear) both provide easy-to-use pessaries with active strains of lactobaccilus bacteria.

Written by Nadia Mason

References

1. Stapleton AE, et al. (2011) Randomized, Placebo-controlled Phase 2 Trial of a Lactobacillus crispatus Probiotic Given Intravaginally for Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases. doi: 10.1093/cid/cir183.

2. Kontiokari T, Laitinen J, Järvi L, Pokka T, Sundqvist K, Uhari M, (2003) Dietary factors protecting women from urinary tract infection. Am J Clin Nutr. 77(3):600-604.

3. Di Martino P, Agniel R, David K, Templar C, Gaillard JL, Denys P, Botto H (2006) Reduction of Escherichia coli adherence to uroepithelial bladder cells after consumption of cranberry juice: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial. World J Urol. 24(1):21-7.

Beta Glucan- The Invader Defender!

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:00:25 +0000

With the peak holiday season now in full flow and the exciting prospect of travel abroad for much needed relaxation, adventure or indulgence, your thoughts may be naturally turning towards protecting your health while you are away. This may be through sun protection such as astaxanthin or natural sun creams or maybe you are thinking about some form of digestive support. However there is one special little polysaccharide that may be just what you’re looking for to help protect you and your loved ones from illness while in foreign environments.

Beta Glucans can function to create gut balance and provide an effective immune system boost (2)

Beta Glucan is a non-starch polysaccharide present in oats, barley, yeast, rye and mushrooms. A recently published (1) research study has found that Beta Glucans can function to create gut balance and provide an effective immune system boost, helping to increasing your immune system before your holiday and while away, which is a great way to support your body from new germs and changes in lifestyle. As discussed recently in the bodykind blog, supporting the gut is an important aspect when looking for ways to boost your immune system. Beta Glucans act to strengthen your body’s natural resistance to bugs through the digestive system, lowering the likelihood of contracting illnesses such as colds and flu. Furthermore, Beta Glucans could significantly enhance the survival of probiotics which have also been associated with increased immunity through improved ‘friendly gut bacteria’, reducing the dreaded ‘holiday tummy’ so many of us suffer from while away.

Additionally, Beta Glucans have been shown to increase immune activity through their ability to resist harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens (3) acting as a safeguard for your health. This makes them a great addition to your pre-holiday routine. They also have the amazing ability of sensing fungal infections and releasing the necessary defending properties to deactivate the infection and reduce inflammation (4). Moreover increased resistance through Beta Glucans have been shown against many different infections including Streptococcus, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics, especially useful while away on holiday.

There are numerous longer term benefits of enhancing your supplementation regimen with a Beta Glucan. They are reported to help reduce the risk of other illnesses and diseases such as tuberculosis and those that are septic and they have also been shown to promote anti tumour activity. (2) In addition to these health benefits, Beta Glucan has been found to potentially reduce cholesterol and the likelihood of contracting diabetes and can also improve the lipid and glucose profiles of those already suffering from diabetes and hypertension (5).

This means that although this may begin as a holiday protector, continuation of this ‘invader defender’ may bring fantastic benefits to your health all year round.

As well as in supplement form, Beta Glucan is naturally found in oats, barley, yeast, rye and mushrooms and can also be fortified to foods such as bread and cereals.

Written by Lauren Foster

(1) Stack, H.M., Kearney, N Stanton, C., Fitzgerald, G.F. and Ross, R.P. (2010). Association of Beta-Glucan Endogenous Production with Increased Stress Tolerance of Intestinal Lactobacilli. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 76, p. 500–507.

(2) Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono.

(3) Murphya, E. A., Davisb, J.M. and Carmichael, M.D. (2010) Immune modulating effects of b-glucan. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 13, 656–661.

(4) Kankkunen, P., Teirilä, L. Rintahaka, J., Alenius, H., Wolff, H. and Matikainen, S. (2010) 1,3 -b-Glucans Activate Both Dectin-1 and Inflammasome in Human Macrophages. Journal of Immunology, 184, 6335-6342.

(5) S. Liatis, P. Tsapogas, E. Chala, C. Dimosthenopoulos, K. Kyriakopoulos, E. Kapantais, N. Katsilambros. (2009) The consumption of bread enriched with betaglucan reduces LDL-cholesterol and improves insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes & Metabolism, 35, 115–120.

Probiotics for Digestive Health and Candida

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:22 +0000

Probiotics are a valuable part of a healthy diet (1)

Probiotics are a valuable part of a healthy diet, and may play an important role in sustaining overall intestinal health. Many people suffer from the effects of intestinal imbalances which makes a focus on probiotics essential. Prevention of imbalance before it occurs is clearly a better alternative to treating the often unpleasant symptoms. Using probiotics is a safe, cost-effective, “natural” approach that may help act as a barrier against microbial infection.

The importance of digestive health

Digestive health is an important yet often ignored factor for our overall health. If you haven’t been feeling yourself lately it is possible that this may be related to your digestive health. Many health professionals and nutritionists believe that to be truly healthy we need a healthy digestive system and yet it is not an aspect many usually concentrate on. If there is a problem with your digestive system, your body might not be able to absorb enough nutrients from your food, which can cause you to suffer from a number of different problems.

Friendly flora perform a number of constructive functions in the intestinal tract. One main function is to help prevent occasional good/bad flora imbalance. The “good” flora do this by crowding out the “bad” in the intestinal tract.

Candida

Each and every one of us carries Candida albicans in the digestive tract. Candida, a single celled organism, produces more than a hundred different toxins which can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and in turn cause your body issues. Provided these tiny yeast like organisms are kept under control by beneficial microbes and the immune system, they should do us no harm. However, if there is an imbalance in the intestine, this could lead to Candida cells growing at a rate that is out of control leading to a number of problems. This occurs when intestinal balance is disorientated by an impaired immune system, the use of antibiotics and stress or high carbohydrate diets, birth controls, diabetes and pregnancy. (2)

When Candida starts to proliferate, they become capable of penetrating the intestinal wall and leaking out into the body through the bloodstream, this can lead to a negative effect on our health and overall wellbeing. Some of the symptoms associated with Candida are:

•    Anger outbursts
•    Irritability
•    Headaches
•    Constant tiredness and exhaustion
•    Anxiety
•    Mood swings
•    Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
•    Intense cravings for sugars, sweets, and breads
•    Itchy skin
•    Frequent stomach pains and digestion problems
•    Skin problems (skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, acne)
•    Foggy brain / Trouble concentrating (3)

Treating Candida with probiotics

ThreeLac may alleviate the yeast overgrowth symptoms faster than other treatment methods.

You can adjust the amount of yeast in your body through diet however it is not as easy as many people may think. You would have to significantly reduce and even completely cut out sugar and high-carbohydrate foods. Although most people can do this, they can’t sustain it for long and depriving themselves of these foods can often result in binge eating behaviour which is counter productive. The more sugar you intake the more fuel you give yeast to grow in your body.

Although probiotics are naturally available in yoghurt, one of the most effective natural options for reducing yeast is a probiotic supplement such as ThreeLac as they are teeming with good live bacteria. Because probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of yeast overgrowth it is an easier method than adhering to a very strict diet regimen. Many women who suffer from thrush, “especially those who have undergone repeat antibiotic treatment, find probiotics to be really helpful in preventing recurrence and treating these conditions.” (4)

ThreeLac provides selected beneficial microflora for the purpose of replenishing needed friendly flora to promote intestinal health, a powerful probiotic formulation of three potent microflora in a lemon-powder base.

•    Bacillus coagulans: A probiotic organism that may help control occasional digestion and stomach problems.
•    Bacillus subtilis: A probiotic organism that may help crowd out “bad” flora in the intestines.
•    Enterococcus faecalis: The Enterococci constitute a major genus within the lactic acid bacteria group, and exists naturally in the human digestive tract. This effective probiotic bacteria is the result of formulation under strict laboratory conditions.

One of the benefits to using ThreeLac is that it may alleviate the yeast overgrowth symptoms faster than other treatment methods. Also for those people who are lactose intolerant, yoghurt is not always an option so a probiotic such as ThreeLac could be an effective alternative. A healthy digestive system directly relates to a healthy immune system and our overall wellbeing.

1. Image courtesy of Ambro.

2. http://www.ecandida.com/candida-albicans.

3. http://www.ghthealth.com/

4. Ani Richardson, “ Natural remedies for the treatment and prevention of vaginal thrush infection“, bodykind blog, 05/082009.

Written by Mike Pye

Tips for hay fever season

AniKowal — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:00:44 +0000

Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, is thought to affect around 25% of the UK population. Symptoms of hay can include sneezing, watering and itchy eyes, a runny nose, headaches and skin rashes. These symptoms occur when membranes lining the nose and eyes become aggravated and inflamed by airborne pollen. The pollen triggers a type of immune cell, called a mast cell, to release the chemical histamine in those membranes. The histamine then stimulates an inflammatory reaction in the body which produces the characteristic symptoms. Conventional treatment for hay fever is based on antihistamine pills, anti-inflammatory medication such as steroid nasal sprays, and decongestants such as ephedrine. There are also a number of natural strategies that can offer very real relief from the symptoms of hay fever. I have previously written a lot about these strategies here.

In a two part (part I & part II) blog on hay fever I mention how Nettle, Bromelain, Butterbur, Vitamin C and the long chain omega 3 fatty acids may be useful to hay fever sufferers. I have also written about how probiotics (good bacteria) may also be useful during hay fever season.

Vitamin D has been heavily researched over the last 3 years and it is thought that many people in the UK do not get enough of this vital nutrient

Recently (1,2) it has been suggested that vitamin D may play a role in the prevention of hay fever/allergic rhinitis and/or the easing of symptoms. As readers of the blog will know vitamin D has been heavily researched over the last 3 years and it is thought that many people here in the UK (and all over the world) do not get enough of this vital nutrient. Vitamin D plays a role in the immune system and it seems as though having good vitamin D status can help to reduce inflammation in the body which would be helpful to hay fever sufferers where inflammation is implicated. There is laboratory evidence which supports links between vitamin D deficiency and allergic diseases. Evidence is emerging that vitamin D may potentially be used to help augment the immune response that occurs in certain conditions such as hay fever. However, more evidence is needed before any conclusions can be drawn or advice given on vitamin D supplementation specifically for hay fever. It is possible to have a blood test from your doctor to evaluate your vitamin D status. It is always advisable to check with a medical doctor prior to undertaking any new supplement regimen, especially if you intend to use a vitamin D supplement containing more that 2000iu daily dose.

As mentioned at the start of this post there is evidence to suggest that probiotics may be useful in the treatment and management of hay fever. Recently (3,4,5,6) further research has been published which shows that specific probiotics may become valuable tools in the prevention and management of a whole host allergic diseases including hay fever. It is also interesting to note that antibiotic use in children in their first 2 years of life has been associated with anincreased risk of hay fever. As well as destroying the bacteria that cause illness in the body antibiotics also kill the healthy bacteria that live in the digestive system. Friendly probiotic bacteria have been shown to positively impact the immune system, which is responsible for allergic and inflammatory responses in the body, so a prebiotic and probiotic supplement may be useful to anyone who has been recently exposed to antibiotics or as an immune boosting aid. The problem is that there are so many probiotics on the market and they vary in their quality, further research is needed to clarify which strains of bacteria are of most use.

In order to get the best advice on which probiotic supplements to use and help in dealing with hay fever you may wish to get in touch with a registered nutritionist or nutritional therapist. You can search for registered professionals in your area via the following links:

Registered Nutritionists

Registered Nutritional Therapists

(1)Akbar NA & Zacharek MA. 2011. Vitamin D: immunomodulation of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Apr 15. [Epub ahead of print]

(2) Searing DA & Leung DY. 2010. Vitamin D in atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic diseases. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 30(3):397-409.

(3)Kalliomäki M et al. 2010. Guidance for substantiating the evidence for beneficial effects of probiotics: prevention and management of allergic diseases by probiotics. J Nutr. 140(3):713S-21S

(4)Nagata Y et al. 2010. Improvements in seasonal allergic disease with Lactobacillus plantarum No. 14. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 74(9):1869-77.

(5)Koyama T et al. 2010. Development and pilot evaluation of a novel probiotic mixture for the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Can J Microbiol. 56(9):730-8.

(6)Wassenberg J et al 2011. Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 on a nasal provocation test with grass pollen in allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy. 41(4):565-73.

Written by Ani Richardson