Probiotics…for life!
Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in our intestines. Coming from the Greek, meaning “for life”, the term probiotic was likely coined as a witty response to the word antibiotic.
The therapeutic use of probiotics began when the benefits of “probiotic therapy” after a course of antibiotic therapy was recognized. Many people mistakenly believe this is the only use of probiotic supplements. Probiotics have many functions in our bodies.
Got gas?
Intestinal gas is a function of a healthy digestive system. We actually pass gas an average of ten to fifteen times per day. However, excessive amounts can be a sign that something is out of balance.
Insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid, of pancreatic enzymes, and of intestinal flora can all contribute to the problem. Food sensitivities, especially to wheat and grains, can also cause excess flatulence.
Here are some healing options:
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Supplement with both probiotics and digestive enzymes. Many people find this really helps prevent gas. Take digestive enzymes (either vegetable or pancreatic) with meals and probiotics, on an empty stomach a.m. and p.m.
• Consume a diet high in fiber to train your system. Increase fiber intake slowly or you’ll increase your gas exponentially. High fiber foods include whole grains, beans, and many fruits and vegetables. (See what I mean?)
• Identify lactose intolerance. Difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk, can be a cause of gas. Try eliminating dairy products for a couple of weeks and see if there is an improvement.
• Stay away from genetically modified (GMO) foods,,
Intestinal problems have increased exponentially since the introduction of these foods into the marketplace. Be sure all animal based foods are organic.
• Other food sensitivities: sugars and grains are likely culprits. Keep a food diary to identify correlations between certain foods and resulting gas.
• Chlorophyll liquid or tablets can help prevent gas. Take two to three times daily with meals.
• Ginger, fennel and anise are spices known to help alleviate gas. They can be purchased as capsules, taken as tea, and/or used in foods.
• While determining the cause of the problem, charcoal is a sure-fire means to eliminate unpleasant odor.
The Superman probiotic
As discussed previously, a positive probiotic balance is most easily achieved by taking oral probiotic supplements regularly. To date, there are several producers of excellent pro biotic strains in the US. In addition, a powerful, award winning probiotic product has been developed in Japan.
The product is guaranteed to restore probiotic harmony in the gastrointestinal tract. A non-dairy probiotic, it contains 12 strains of lactic acid bacteria, plus vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Altogether the ingredients include 92 types of healing plants combined and fermented for several years.
The mastermind behind this essential formula is Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira, microbiologist, professor, and research scientist. Dr. Ohhira became interested in the healing potential of probiotics when he learned that some pathogens had become resistant to every form of antibiotics.
Further exploration led to the development of TH 10, a new strain capable of combating the most potent antibiotic resistant bacteria. This wonderful discovery was developed from the bacterial strain used to ferment tempeh, the whole bean soy food. TH 10 is 6.25 times stronger than any naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria.
Importantly, TH 10 flourishes and coexists compatibly with the healthy flora normally found in the GI tract. This product supports the healing of many of the digestive conditions discussed in Nutrition News, and it is available at your local natural products store.
