by Kinjal Bali

Created on: September 07, 2009

Friendly bacteria (probiotics) include L. acidophilus, L. bulgaris, L. casei, L. bifidus, L. salivarius, streptococcus lactis, and streptococcus thermophilus to mention a few. They can:

1. Make short-chain fatty acids - Probiotics break down carbohydrates in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which supply both the intestinal tract and the body with energy. SCFAs are essential for a healthy colon and for maintaining healthy intestinal barrier functions.

2. Assist Digestion and Digestive Disorders - Friendly bacteria produce some digestive enzymes. They have been used to improve indigestion and to aid digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea, as well as indigestion, belching, and gas. Friendly bacteria appear to increase absorption of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron. These organisms have been used to improve intestinal disorders, such as peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Act like Natural Antibiotics - A number of friendly bacteria can produce natural protective products - antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral substances. This means these substances inhibit or kill disease-causing bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Thus friendly bacteria indirectly protect the immune system.

4. Help digest fats - Friendly bacteria digest fats into healthy fatty acids, and help to lower cholesterol.

5. Protect Against Cancer - Friendly bacteria directly or indirectly help produce a variety of by-products (such as lignins) that protect against certain cancers and other disease-causing substances.

6. Assist Detoxification - Friendly bacteria detoxify bile in the intestinal tract and deactivate many toxic pollutants.

7. Protect women - Some friendly bacteria indirectly contribute to optimal estrogen balance within the female body. Excessive exposure to estrogen is thought to be associated with a wide range of female health problems, from severe PMS to certain cancers.

8. Protect against Parasites - Friendly bacteria keep some parasites from transforming into more aggressive, disease-causing strains. Studies have shown that if bacterial flora from a person infected with aggressive amoebae are mixed with unaggressive amoebae, the unaggressive amoebae can transform into an aggressive strain. The reverse is also true.

9. Protect against Food Allergies - Friendly bacteria help maintain an optimal intestinal lining, which protects against allergy-causing substances.

10. Maintain Optimal Intestinal pH - Friendly bacteria help maintain a proper intestinal pH (acid-alkaline balance), which optimizes digestion and further protects against disease-causing organisms that grow in abnormally altered pHs.

We can get friendly bacteria from cultured products such as yogurt, kefir, milk and cottage cheese. The label should state the product contains live cultures. Eat a diet high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. These "good foods" feed "good bacteria". Avoid stress or foods such as fatty foods and refined sugars, as these adversely alter the intestinal environment, making it difficult for friendly bacteria to thrive.

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