Dr. Suz Heals
  • Dr. Suz Heals
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Dr. Suz Heals Store

Enhance Your Health and Longevity with Probiotics

9/17/2015

6 Comments

 
Picture
The name probiotics is derived from greek meaning 'for life'.  The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as 'live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the host.  Probiotics are increasing in popularity for treatment and prevention of several health conditions. 

The world health organization (WHO)  guidelines for probiotics also stated that the health effects of probiotics are strain specific.  This means that it is important to know the specific strain or specific type of bacteria or yeast which makes up the probiotic in order to determine its possible effects on a particular health condition.  The WHO guidelines for evaluation of probiotics for food use starts with identifying the specific strains and continues with stringent safety assessments, genotyping and research studies.  This is done in order to ensure safety and efficacy prior to distribution and consumption. 

What are these living organisms exactly? 
Probiotics are alive!  They are bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health particularly your digestive system.  Most of us think of bacteria as something that will cause infection and disease.  However, our bodies are loaded with bacteria that is good and bad.  Probiotics are good bacteria and yeasts that are used to keep your gut happy and healthy!


Research studies have demonstrated the benefits of probiotics for several diseases and conditions including obesity, weight gain and even metabolic issues like diabetes.  They can also help decrease inflammation in your bowel that causes painful and debilitating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

Probiotics can also help combat bad bacteria like Ecoli and certain strains provide anti bacterial effects in the gut by reducing the local pH.  A recent study showed promising evidence that Salmonella-induced diarrhea, which is one of the commonest cause of childhood mortality in developing countries could be reduced by the use of probiotics.  The strains involved in decreasing salmonella in these cases were Lactobacillus strains. 

Without getting into too much detail, probiotics may have anti-inflammatory benefits.  They have shown to decrease inflammation in joints and  in the airways of cigarette smokers with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).  Further research must be performed in order to come up with the exact type, dosage and administration of probiotics, but studies are promising. 

How do I know What Probiotics to Take?
Before taking any supplements or medications you should check with your physician.  People with comprised immune systems may need to refrain from taking probiotics.  There are thousands of probiotic supplements on the market.  To ensure you receive optimal benefits from probiotics you should obtain as many strains as possible.  The best way to do this is through your diet.  Since different strains of probiotics effect different aspects of your health it is important to consume a variety of foods.  Fermented foods and yogurt are primary sources.   Below is a list of foods that contain a diversity of strains of good bacteria and yeasts.  I have also included some benefits next to the particular food. 
If you are unable to consume enough through your diet there are great supplements.  Two that I usually recommend are Provella and Renew Life.

Kimchi:
Made from different vegetables and spices such as cabbage, garlic, ginger and fish sauce.  It ferments for a very long time causing growth of several different bacteria and yeasts.  This can help fight inflammation and decrease blood pressure

Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is basically shredded cabbage fermented in salted water.  This sour tasting topping contains Lactobacillus Plantarum which is said to have anti-cancer benefits, treat IBS and lower cholesterol.  I would recommend looking for the raw instead of pasteurized variety. 

Kefir
This is my favorite source of probiotics!  I love the taste and texture.   This is a fermented milk drink.  It tastes like a yogurt smoothie, however, it has a more diverse range of microbes than yogurt does (usually around 10 different species of bugs compared to yogurt at 4 species).   Kefir may have small amounts of carbonation and alcohol. It can be enjoyed plain or sweetened to taste.  Kefir may help protect against inflammation in your gut, GI distress and constipation.  Traditional kefir is prepared by combining fresh milk with the Kefir culture made up of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria.  The Kefir culture forms grain-like casein-polysaccharide-microorganism particles during fermentation. The exact combination of bacteria and yeasts vary between kefir cultures, and might include: Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. Cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. Diacetylactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. Cremoris, Lactobacillus kefyr, Klyveromyces marxianus var. Marxianus, and Saccaromyces unisporus.   



For more information, questions or comments please feel free to comment on the blog or email: drsuzheals@gmail.com
6 Comments
Kelly Knight
9/18/2015 02:00:25 pm

I am new to this whole Probiotics thing. I recently found out about it and it is intriguing me. I do eat some of these items like cabbage and sauerkraut already but I'm not sure about some of the other foods listed here. I don't think I really like them. I think I will do some more research and see if there are any other foods I would like, if not I might look into a supplement to get this health benefit. Thanks for the info!!

Reply
Shakira Hernandez
9/18/2015 02:30:49 pm

Kefir sounds like a wonderful alternative! Thanks for the information. I cannot wait to try it.

Reply
Mi Nguygen
9/18/2015 02:32:15 pm

Kimchi is delicious and easy to find in the grocery store. I didn't know about the added effects. thanks Dr.Suz

Reply
nikki link
9/20/2015 10:32:50 am

Kimchi is so good for you! I also found that since taking probiotics everyday, I feel much better and my gut issues have surpassed.

Reply
nikki link
9/20/2015 10:33:29 am

I the brand real pickles has great fermented products! Try the carrots..yum!

Reply
Myles George
9/20/2015 10:36:09 am

I have had inflammatory bowel syndrome and the use of pro biotics the last few years has proven overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for the info!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Complete To Be Added to My Email List  :)

    Subscribe to Newsletter
    HUM Nutrition - Look & Feel Great
    • Skinny Bird Appetite Suppressant
    • Price: $40.00
    • Ripped Rooster
    • Price: $40.00
    Picture
    Picture
    HUM Nutrition - A New Approach To Beauty
    Click to set custom HTML
    Picture

    Click Each Category for Information  

    All
    Acupuncture
    Adaptogens
    Alzheimer's
    Anti Aging
    Anti-aging
    Arthritis
    Beauty
    Botanical
    Cancer
    Carpal Tunnel
    CBD
    Children
    Chinese Medicine
    Cordyceps
    Core-stability
    Cryotherapy
    Cupping
    Dance
    Dancer
    Dental
    Detox
    Diabetes
    Energy
    Environment
    Evidence-based-medicine
    Evidence-based-medicine
    Exercise
    Fertility
    Fitness
    Foam Roller
    Food
    Food Delivery
    Foot Health
    Foot Pain
    Green Drinks
    Hand
    Healing
    Health
    Health Food
    Healthy Food
    Heart Disease
    Herbs
    Holiday
    Holistic
    Immune System
    Immunity
    Injuries
    Injury Prevention
    Iron Deficiency
    Libido
    Longevity
    Medication
    Medicinal Mushrooms
    Meditate
    Meditation
    Mental Health
    Mindset
    Mood
    Muscle Recovery
    Nutrition
    Obesity
    Organic
    Pain
    Pain Management
    Paraben
    Performance Enhancing
    Pilates
    Plant Based
    Podcast
    Pregnancy
    Regenerative Medicine
    Relax
    Self Care
    Shoulder
    Skin
    Skincare
    Sleep
    Smoothie Delivery
    Sports
    Sports Medicine
    Stem Cell
    Stress Relief
    Success
    Supplement
    Surgeon
    Surgery
    Tone
    Toxin
    Virus
    Vitamin
    Weigh Loss
    Weightloss
    Wellness
    Wellness Products
    Whole Body Cryotherapy
    Workout
    Wrist

      Sign Up to Be Added to Our E-mail List For Exclusive Updates and Information

    Submit
    Author
    Dr. Suzanne Fuchs has a passion for nutrition, health and fitness.  She aims to connect the dots between our overall health and the substances that go into our bodies on a daily basis by using only evidence based medicine, science and expert advice.    
    Dr. Suzanne Fuchs currently practices concierge foot and ankle medicine and surgery in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at LuxePodiatry™ 
    Disclaimer: 
    If you have health concerns you should contact your physician for professional advice.

    Dr. Suz Heals.com has provided sources for information that is not directly provided by our own sources.

    Dr. Suz Heals.com  is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only. Dr. Suz Heals.com and its Editors do not advocate nutritional supplementation over proper medical advice or treatment and this sentiment will never be expressed through pages hosted under Dr. Suz Heals .com.  If using any pharmaceuticals or drugs given to you by a doctor or received with a prescription, you must consult with the doctor in question or an equally qualified Health Care Professional prior to using any nutritional supplementation. If undergoing medical therapies, then consult with your respective Therapist or Health Care Professional about possible interactions between your Treatment, any Pharmaceuticals or Drugs being given, and possible nutritional supplements or practices hosted on Dr. Suz Heals.com.  Dr. Suz Heals.com does not assume liability for any actions undertaken after visiting these pages, and does not assume liability if one misuses supplements. Dr. Suz Heals.com  and its Editors do not ensure that unforeseen side effects will not occur even at the proper dosages, and thereby does not assume liability for any side effects from supplements or practices hosted under the domain of Dr. Suz Heals.com.



    ​


















    View my profile on LinkedIn

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014

    Picture
    Picture