probiotics

Posted on November 21, 2018November 21, 2018 Patient Talk

Live probiotics can re-balance the gut microbiome and modify immune system response

New research published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics demonstrates that ‘good’ bacteria in the live probiotic SymproveTM can successfully reach and colonise the gut, where they go on to change the existing gut flora. They are also capable of modifying immune response.¹

Researchers found that all bacteria in Symprove survived the stomach acid to reach and colonise the gut. The activity of the bacteria in this study were observed using a novel Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) and used donor bacteria from healthy humans. This allows researchers to closely monitor bacteria through in-vitro simulation of the human gut, without the need for invasive procedures and measurements.

The bacteria in Symprove were tested to see if their colonisation would help feed the gut microbiome through the production of lactate. The microbiome has been identified as a disease modifier and an essential part of immunity.²

Simon Gaisford, Professor of Pharmaceutics at University College London says, “We’ve been able to show that delivering viable and active bacteria to the gut impacts the healthy bacteria in our bodies in a way that we’ve not seen before. The diversity of the donor microbiotas clearly changed for the better and importantly the effect was sustained week-on-week. We saw that the addition of Symprove reduced inflammatory markers and raised butyrate levels. If we can make a healthy microbiome healthier, the potential to improve conditions of dysbiosis is incredibly exciting.”

The addition of the probiotics in Symprove to the microbiotas of healthy human donors changed the proportion of bacterial groups in the gut flora, which generated a significant increase in butyrate – a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) which is critical to health and wellbeing.

Addition of Symprove also increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10, while reducing the inflammatory chemokines IL-8, MCP-1 and CXCL10, which are associated with inflammatory conditions and viral infections.^1,3, The data showed that feeding the microbiome results in changes to the gut flora as well as a positive anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory effect.¹

An increased abundance in beneficial bacteria such as firmicutes and actinobacteria were also observed after adding Symprove bacteria into the simulation containers. A lack of these bacteria in the gut is associated with several health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome.⁴

“As more research looks at the microbiome and its relationship with general health, the positive impact of specialised water-based probiotics will become more widely acknowledged. The data suggest that the main benefit of probiotics is their ability to support the existing flora within the microbiome to help ‘re-balance’ it,” says Barry Smith, Symprove Limited Founder and Chairman. “Our research over the last 20 years has pushed to understand more about the microbiome and the essential role it plays in our overall health. This new research demonstrates the impact live and active probiotics can have on the body beyond the gut. It is incredibly exciting that leading academics are recognising the impact of feeding the microbiome. We all have a microbiome, and in many cases, we just need to help the bacteria that are already there.”

Leave a comment Posted on April 6, 2017April 6, 2017 Diet

How to Know if Your Gut Is Healthy

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR GUT IS HEALTHY

Your digestive system is a group of organs that are there to process the food you eat and turn it into useful nutrients which are then absorbed by your body and used to create energy. Sometimes the signs that something is wrong with our gut are obvious. Our stomach hurts, so we know something is up, but most of us aren’t aware of the extent to which our gut health can affect our overall health. There are different systems in our body, but they are not isolated and often if one thing goes wrong, it affects something else as well. This is especially true when it comes to gut health, which can lead to several problems that seemingly have nothing to do with our stomachs. Here we point out a few clues that something might be wrong with your digestive system, and how to deal with it.

Frequent stomach aches

Bloating

If your stomach tends to hurt around the same time every day, then the culprit might be coffee, or alcohol. While coffee helps up feel more alert, it’s also bad for our bowels as it can irritate them and lead to sharp aches. Coffee is a natural diuretic, but it’s definitely not gentle on our stomachs. Alcohol is even worse, and one of the worst things you can drink if your bowels are irritated is beer. Drinking beer is pretty much the equivalent of taking a huge, jagged stone and hitting yourself in the gut repeatedly. If your stomach hurts, then stop with alcohol and coffee, at least for a few days. Cut back completely, and then slowly introduce it again once you are sure you’re feeling better. Check with your doctor to make sure you haven’t developed gastritis if the problem persists.

If you have problems with bloating, then the food you eat might be the issue. Sometimes, while we don’t have an outright allergy to certain food, we are sensitive to it, and it can lead to discomfort. The key is not to mindlessly gobble down anything that comes our way, but to pay attention to what we consume. Start writing down how you feel after every meal. If you keep feeling bloated every time you eat something specific, then it’s time to throw that out of your menu.

Autoimmune diseases

Like we previously mentioned, everything in our body is connected, and even if your stomach feels fine, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. If you have a disease like arthritis, or Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, it’s quite possible that it was at least partially caused by leaky gut syndrome, a condition that causes inflammation all over the body. A possible cause of leaky gut syndrome is intestinal permeability. This is what happens when the junctions in the gut that control what passes through the small intestine fail to work as they should. Substances are let into our bloodstream and this causes inflammation and can lead to serious diseases. To solve this, it usually requires you to make a lifestyle change. You need to have a balanced diet that is gentle to your stomach, and start taking probiotics. Stress can also play a role, so you should find a way to deal with it in a positive manner.

Depression and achy limbs

Guts and depression

When we’re sad, we reach for comfort food because it makes us feel better, at least temporarily. However, that same food might not be so good for us, because certain bacteria in your gut can increase the chance of developing depression. If we often feel lousy and if our limbs ache for seemingly no reason, the food we eat might be the cause for it. Restrain yourself from reaching for junk food whenever you’re feeling sad, and develop a habit of eating fruit instead. Start a light exercise regime and you should be feeling better in no time.

The gut is our biggest immune system organ, so it’s obvious that we must take good care of it. What we consume and how we treat our stomach will influence our overall health, so paying attention to diet is crucial to leading a better life. Stop to think before you eat, the key is in being mindful of our body’s needs. If you keep this in mind, your body will be grateful to you and you will start seeing the positive changes quickly.

Roxana Oliver is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.

Leave a comment Posted on January 12, 2017January 12, 2017 Diet

Kimchee – What are the health benefits of kimchee!

Kimchee – what are the benefits to our health

Never heard of kimchee? Then let me be the one to introduce you this really amazing (and healthy) food.

But before I start I should explain that my love of kimchee is about 25 years old now. It started in a sadly long defunct restaurant in South Wimbledon, London whose name escapes me for the moment. (It was great and real shame it closed.)

The evening we went (a Saturday I think) my eating life changed. For the first time I tried Kimchee – the spicy fermented cabbage which is the hallmark of Korean food. Talking to the gentleman who ran the place I was told that there are around 100,000 different types of fermented and picked vegetable dishes on the peninsula. It was then a decided (by my wife and I) that our next holiday had to be to Korea. When we went we find it was (and still was on subsequent visits) a paradise for those who love hot and tasty food, wonderful people, great scenery and some of the finest sights in Asia. (Ad for Korea over but do go… you won’t regret it).

Back now to the discussion of kimchee and why it is good for you.

As you may have picked up fermented foods (such as sauerkraut) are the fashion of the moment. Kimchee comes into this category of tasty things.

The first point is that kimchi (an alternative spelling) is low in calories and high in fibre which makes it a great part of a weight loss program!

Secondly it is very high in vitamins. In particular vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin C. I’m told that the vitamin C content is upped by the fermentation process.

Kimchee is also a great source of antioxidants. You can read up about the benefits of anti-oxidants at our previous blog.

But most importantly it is probiotic. According to the NHS “Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits. They’re usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements, and are often described as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria.” Again we have a whole blogful of data here on probiotics.

So what is Kimchi useful for health-wise?

Diabetes comes to mind. Koreans, it seems, have a lower incidence than say the
Kimchi – why it is great for you

US and this has been attributed to the kimchi in the diet. And it does help reduce blood sugar levels.
Yes I was a bit surprised by this as well! But again the great bacteria produced by eating kimchee do their job!
Lowers cholesterol. Now kimchi has a high level of garlic which may well help reduce Cholesterol.
Boost the immune system.
General digestive health including bowel problems. Here both the fibre and the bacteria come into play.
Aids weight loss and helps fight obesity!
Anti-aging properties. Collagen produced by the bacteria helps keep you skin in tip top condition!

So where can I get kimchee? Well these days a lot of supermarket chain sell it otherwise specialist Asian stores are your beast!

Otherwise you might even want to consider making your own. Here is the recipe I use.

PS I should mention that kimchi smells quite strong. So both my wife and I have had complaints when we have taken it into work.

PPS It is not just vegetables which are fermented. I once tried fermented fish guts. You should too.

Leave a comment Posted on December 17, 2016December 17, 2016 Diet, Patient Talk

Getting the right probiotic for your child – A cross post from Dr Sonya Doherty

Getting the right probiotic for your child

Getting the right probiotic for your child – A cross post from Dr Sonya Doherty

The National Institute of Health is currently sequencing the genomes of the good strains of bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of human beings. These good strains of bacteria are responsible for a wide range of health benefits including regulating immune function, decreasing inflammation, breakdown of nutrients and conversion of vitamins to their active form.

One incredible finding the NIH has discovered is that the microbes that live in the digestive tract PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN POST NATAL DEVELOPMENT.

Key brain chemicals are produced and regulated with the help of good bacteria in the digestive tract. This may explain why children born via C-section have higher rates of developmental delay and inflammatory issues like eczema, asthma and allergies. 90% of serotonin is produced in the digestive tract. Serotonin is responsible for language development, sleep, appetite, mood, behaviour and sensory processing. Dopamine is also regulated in the digestive tract requiring activation of vitamins to ensure production and breakdown. Dopamine is required for fundamental brain function, processing of information, social and emotional interaction, attention and focus.

So, getting the right probiotic for your child is VERY IMPORTANT. Here is some information about some very important strains needed for healthy digestive function.

Bifidobacterium bifidum (lactis): Research on Bifidobacteria has established that these organisms enhance the assimilation of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Bifidobacterium infantis: Bifidobacterium infantis is an important organism shown to stimulate production of immunomodulating agents such as cytokines. Bacteriocidal activity is also observed against such pathogens as Clostridia, Salmonella, and Shigella.

Lactobacillus acidophilus: L. acidophilus is one of the most important microorganisms found in the small intestines. It is well documented that L. acidophilus produces natural antibiotics like lactocidin, acidophilin which enhances resistance or immunity. L. acidophilus has known antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E.coli and Candida albicans.

Lactobacillus brevis: Lactobacillus brevis is a lactic acid producing organism important in the synthesis of vitamins D and K.

Lactobacillus GG: Culturelle is the only probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus GG. The strain is resistant to stomach acid and bile, allowing it to survive its passage through the digestive tract and reach the large intestine intact. Lactobacillus GG acts against yeast and clostridia. It helps to breakdown gluten and casein.

Lactobacillus salivarius: Lactobacillus salivarius is important in normalizing the gut flora of those dealing with chronic bowel conditions and decreases inflammation in the digestive tract.

You can read the original article here.

Leave a comment Posted on September 26, 2015September 22, 2015 Infectious Diseases

Some natural cold and flu remedies

With Winter coming on in the Northern hemisphere I thought it would be a great idea to share a few natural treatments for colds and ‘flu.

Do feel free to any any suggestions of your own in the comments section below.

Courtesy of Natural Healthy Concepts: Natural Cold & Flu Remedies [INFOGRAPHIC]

We have look at a few of these before in a previous blog in particular Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Probiotics, Asparagus, Elderberry, Zinc and Echinacea.