From
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THE PROBIOTIC METHOD
VITAMIN RETAILER
Jul 11, 2004, 14:34
Probiotics have been researched extensively for their role in digestive health. These are mono or mixed cultures of microorganisms, generally lactic acid bacteria. They include Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. buigaricus, L. plantanim, L. salivarius, L. rhamnosus, B. bifidum. B. Longum, B. infantis and S. thermophilus.
Probiotics help to digest lactose, regulate peristalsis and bowel movements, and digest protein to free amino acids. In addition, Probiotics produce enzymes that help break down and digest food. In particular, L. acidophilus has been shown to be beneficial for digestive orders, along with acne, cholesterol, yeast infections, and boosting the immune system.
A strain of L. acidophilus developed at the University of Nebraska, DDS 1, has been shown to provide numerous benefits in digestive support. Among them are production of enzymes such as proteases, which help digest proteins, and production of B vitamins which are biocatalysts in food digestion. They may also ease lactose intolerance by producing lactase, the enzyme necessary to digest dairy products, and may also help reduce the occurrence of diarrhea.
In addition to supplementing Probiotics, consumers can support digestive health via prebiotics. One of these is fructo oligosaccharides (FOS), a complex carbohydrate that is commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. FOS is not digested but passes through the stomach and small intestine and to the large intestine, where it begins to ferment. The fermented product then serves as food for L. acidophilus and other Probiotics.
From the botanical kingdom come several digestive aids. Among these are herbal bitters, the benefits of which derive largely from their bitter taste. They stimulate digestive juices from the pancreas and liver, help detoxify the liver, increase bile flow and help repair the gut wall. Bitters include gentian, wormwood, boldo, goldenseal, barberry, dandelion, hops, and artichoke.
A group of herbs that soothe and protect damaged or inflamed stomach tissue are called demulcents, including licorice, comfrey root, marshmallow, and slippery elm. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice helps protect the innermost mucosal layer of
the stomach against irritation that could lead to ulcers. Instead of suppressing or neutralizing gastric acid, an OTC antacids do, deglycyrrhizinated licorice stimulates protective factors in the gut, and also contains flavonoid compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori.
Herbs that ease the movement of the bowels, and also provide relief of gas and colic, are known as carminatives. Fennel, dill, ginger, aniseed, peppermint, and chamomile fall into this category.
Peppermint has been used traditionally for thousands of years to relieve stomach cramps. While it relaxes the stomach, chamomile may also calm the anxiety and stress that can result in indigestion. Ginger similarly has a centuries old reputation for helping digestive function; it activates the digestive process and helps ease nausea, gas, and heartburn.
Supplementing with enzymes can also provide support for proper digestive function. These will be discussed in detail in next month's column.
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