YOUR GUT HEALTH AND PROBIOTICS?

Your gut health can be affected by your diet, lifestyle factors, age, liver, medication, stomach digestion and the bacteria existing in your intestines. For both prevention and correction of a range of health issues, probiotics- taken to modify the gut bacteria- can have significant benefits.

Why take probiotics?

The short answer is, "To be healthy." Probiotics can positively influence intrinsic populations of microbes in your body and their impact on many health conditions, in particular by targeting your digestion and immune systems. These systems then affect your entire body functions and interactions. Taking probiotics doesn't necessarily mean taking a probiotic supplement. Probiotics, or at least beneficial bacteria and yeasts, are available in fermented foods and drinks and with prebiotics which are foods that support existing populations of microbes. Research and practice has indicated some of the general effects and health benefits of probiotics :-

• Aiding in digestion of foods, and the absorption,the generation and assimilation of nutrients

• Improved energy conversion

• Supporting proper development, protection and functioning of the intestines
• Boost the innate immune system and influence the acquired immune response –Some 70% or more of your immune system is found in the intestines.

• Protection against pathogenic microbes and parasites that can result from food poisoning or bacterial overgrowth

The mechanisms for these effects include:-

• Proper development of your immune system and enhanced white cell responses;

• Helping your bowel movements to be regular, especially in diarrheoa, constipation, IBS and other digestive disorders;

• Communication with your body’s tissue cells to produce an anti-inflammatory response in particular with those with auto-immune diseases or allergies

• Producing short-chain fatty acids and balance water- and electrolyte absorption that affects your colon performance;

• Metabolizing some drugs & herbal remedies and improving their efficacy

• Producing B vitamins (particularly B12) and vitamin K . Possibly influencing mineral absorption ( e.g. iron), neurotransmitter production (e.g. serotonin) and hormone absorption (vitamin D)

• Preventing and treating diarrheoa in vulnerable groups:- infants, children, and the elderly

• Preventing gut dysbiosis and helping repopulate the digestive tract alongside oral antibiotic treatment so that the harmful microbes don’t dominate gut activity
• Protecting cell membranes from damage and preventing “leaky gut” by helping your body’s intestinal cells stay closer together

Types of probiotics

There are many hundreds of bacterial types that have been identified in human guts but research has indicated that there are about 30 of the more influential strains. Probiotic supplements may contain various levels of these individual strains. Choice can be crucial if trying to use probiotics to improve health or provide support during treatments. The main groups of probiotic bacteria areLactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces and Streptococcusspecies. In general, many of the benefits for different strains of probiotic can overlap in their benefits but there are some specific strain advantages. The body's intestinal balance of probiotics and pathogens is delicate, and can easily be upset by factors such as antibiotics, stress, ageing, and diet. NB Precaution: In those individuals that are immune compromised or immune suppressed probiotics would not be advised as some strains could then be pathogenic.

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Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacteriumspecies are thenormal first choice when moderate symptoms of IBS are presented. They may help to restore regularity. Both of them colonise, support immune cells and create a healthy lactic acid environment that limits survival of harmful bacteria. In the small intestine, it is particularly the preferred location of Lactobacillus Acidophilus species whilst Bifidobacterium species colonise primarily in the large intestine (or colon). Here they promote the production of antibodies, support the body against toxins and inhibit the development of undesirable bacteria by competitively excluding their attachment to the intestinal wall lining. A healthy balance of Bifidobacteria furthermore supports the intestines in assisting transit and optimising a healthy frequency and regularity of bowel movements.Saccharomyces boulardii is the probiotic choice for traveller’s diarrhoea or candida. This strain has been used for those suffering with C.Difficile and for ulcerative colitis.  Saccharomyces boulardii is resistant to antibiotics but reduced by anti-fungals as it is yeast. Therefore do not use it contemporaneously with an anti-fungal but consider alternating them on a daily basis for any anti-candida programme. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus has been used to reduce inflammation effects (e.g. eczema).

The nature of common gut problems

Gut dysbiosis can be divided into 5 types, namely:-

1. Insufficient ‘good’ bacteria typical of IBS

2. Small intestinal overgrowth (SIBO). Typically bowel dis-function along with stomach related symptoms;

3. Immunosuppressive symptoms. Weakened gut e.g. candidiasis

4. Inflammatory dysbiosis. Often an autoimmune condition with inflammation of joints/muscles

5. Parasites. Often accompanied by chronic/acute diarrhoea

Tackling the problems

All of these types of dysbiosis, except the first, can require the removal of bad bacteria, yeast or parasites. All can be thought of as infections that are not readily detected or diagnosed. Eliminating foods that aggravate the symptoms or gut reactions is often the best first step. Some foods such as gluten, dairy and sugars are the most common found to cause intolerance or delayed allergies but are not the only food groups and a food intolerance test should be considered. This type of test differs from an allergy test that evaluates type 1 sensitive allergic reaction (i.e. IgE reaction) for example anaphylactic reaction. Other allergic reactions can also cause imbalance in immune responses. Allergic reactions may arise initially from a challenge to the gut bacteria and then the consequential allergic reactions perpetuate the problem.

After eliminating foods that cause intolerance, then consider introducing probiotics but be aware that some particular gut problems may be sensitive to the type of probiotic. So choosing the correct probiotic by trial and error may be necessary. Some conditions may require a high potency probiotic but in practice start with a low potency in case of die-off effects.

Amongst the other dietary considerations to help gut problems, it is worth considering the following:-

1. Digestive enzymes to reduce the source of undigested foods reaching the intestines with subsequent reactions or fermentation

2. Herbal anti-bacterials or anti-fungals that do not cause the extent of collateral damage to resident good bacteria

3. Tonics to improve liver and pancreatic function and hence increased digestive enzymes

The suggested approach should not be considered separately to medical advice and correct diagnosis of any gut related problems. A more systematic approach to chronic gut related disorders would be to undertake a stool analysis and other functional tests but these are rarely provided through the NHS.