Health Expert
Healthy gut, healthy body
he large intestine houses over 1,000 different types of bacteria, a combination of good and bad bacteria, known as microflora. The health-promoting or good bacteria exert beneficial effects that prevent certain ailments and help to better manage others. Today’s lifestyle and nutrition habits often lead to a deficiency of the healthy gut bacteria. Gut-friendly bacteria help regulate immune function; improve digestion and nutrient absorption while lowering gas; synthesize vitamins (K, B family); inhibit growth of harmful bacteria and fungi (candida and C. difficile) and reduce cholesterol. Bacterial aid   More than 700 studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may help promote GI health; prevent or treat GI tract disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis); and prevent metabolic syndrome. Other studies show that taking probiotics can be helpful in reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and recurrent urinary tract infections. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli supplements may aid lactose digestion in lactose-intolerant individuals to reduce constipation, inflammatory gut conditions and infantile diarrhea, while boosting resistance to infections. The metabolic actions of certain probiotics also inhibit the buildup of cancer-causing agents in the bowel and exert other cancer blocking activity – a key point since colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada.		Many experts suggest that taking a probiotic supplement containing a variety of gut-friendly bacteria is a more consistent method of consuming probiotics, over the use of functional foods like yogourt. Probiotic-containing foods, however, can add some additional benefit. Supplementing with prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin (chicory root fibre) helps spur friendly gut bacteria growth. Speak to your health care professional prior taking any supplementation if you are taking medication, have a health risk, or are giving it to a child.  H&L