There is some confusion on probiotics. Probiotic are beneficial bacteria that aid your health. There are plenty of natural probiotics in our food that we don’t realise like cheese and yoghurt, fermented food like kimchi and so on. These food get it flavour through a fermenting process introducing specific strand of bacteria mix. These bacteria are natural probiotics. Hence it is important to understand that not all bacteria are bad for you. it really depends on each bacteria and what it can do for our health.
What is Probiotics and why do we need them?
Probiotics are useful bacteria or yeasts that help restore balance in the intestines. They are also called “friendly bacteria”. Natural probiotics are added to the diet to balance the intestinal bacteria to improve health. These are live microorganisms when consume has a beneficial response in our body. This health benefit is predominately in the digestive system our gut, allowing nutrient to absorb and fight infection.
There is over 2000 different strand of bacteria in our gut. Probiotics have shown by many studies around the world on its benefit in supporting the immune system, encourage healthy digestion, reduce inflammation and contribute to our beautiful healthy skin. It generates enzymes that destroy bad bacteria and push out the bad microbe. Probiotics are said to reduce blood pressure by improving lipids cellular health, decrease insulin resistance, reduce kidney secretion of enzyme and protein, hence lowering blood pressure and activate antioxidant. By decreasing insulin resistance and regulate out blood sugar level it helps those with Diabetes.
Until the 1960s, some identifiable intestinal bacteria were: clostridia, lactobacilli, enterococci, and Escherichia coli. Since then many improved techniques have discovered more beneficial bacteria.
What are the most beneficial natural probiotics to human health?
Natural probiotics are classified into several categories, depending on the role that bacteria in the intestinal tract will have in various health aspects.
Probiotics are considered to be the strongest protective barrier. The general health effects of natural probiotics include:
- Strengthen the immune system, inhibit and kill harmful bacteria that enter the intestinal tract
- Helps digest food in the best way, supports the absorption of nutrients, helps the body produce vitamins, supports the absorption of minerals and removes toxins.
- Helps to treat digestive system diseases such as constipation or diarrhoea.
Natural probiotics Strengthen the immune system, inhibit and kill harmful bacteria that enter the intestinal tract
Let’s take a look at some of the best natural probiotics and their benefits
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus probiotics
There are more than 50 species of lactobacilli. They are found in the digestive tract, secretions and genitals. Fermented foods such as yoghurt and functional foods also contain these bacteria. Lactobacillus supports the treatment and prevention of many diseases and illnesses.
Some fermented Lactobacillus found in food and food supplements include: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. acidophilus, DDS-1, Lactobacillus blugaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus gasseri.
It should be noted that before any claim or effect on the use of probiotics, thorough research on probiotics and their health benefits should be made. Many studies have shown that Lactobacillus plays a useful role in the treatment or prevention of fungal infections, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, diarrhoea when travelling, Clostridium difficile infection, lactose intolerance, fever, skin diseases such as eczema, acne, ulcer and prevention of respiratory infections.
Bifidobacteria
There are about 30 species of bifidobacteria, accounting for 90% of the beneficial bacteria in the colon. These bacteria are present in the intestinal tract a few days after birth, especially in breast-fed infants.
Some Bifidobacteria used natural probiotics include Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium thermophilum and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum.
As with all other probiotics, Bifidobacteria should be further researched to demonstrate health benefits. Some studies reported that bifidobacteria assisted in the improvement of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dental caries, lipid improves and glucose tolerance.
Saccharomyces boulardii
Also known as S.boulardii and just yeast for probiotics. Some studies have shown that these yeasts are effective in preventing and treating diarrhoea when using antibiotics or diarrhoea when travelling. Also, this enzyme inhibits the growth of Clostridium difficile acne bacteria in treating acne and reduces side effects during treatment of Helicobacter pylori.
Streptococcus thermophilus
Based on some reports, this bacterium produces large amounts of lactase enzymes that promote their active role in the body to prevent lactose intolerance.
Can everybody take probiotics?
Probiotics provide a positive impact on health, however, they should not be overused. TS. Researchers say that if you add too many probiotics, your body will eliminate excess bacteria through the faeces, but this can still cause some unpleasant side effects. Nausea, diarrhoea, flatulence and heartburn. Also, some people who have a weakened immune system or have an artificial heart valve may be at high risk for infection with probiotics. Furthermore, the addition of probiotics may interact with the medications you are taking, so it’s important to remember to consult your doctor before attempting to use probiotics.
Bacterial supplements may contain multiple strains of the bacterium probiotics and may have different effects on the individual.
Although research has found many formulas for supplementing probiotics that are used in supplemental products. However, you should know that there is no formula that can be completely complementary to everyone. Because each person may need to add different strains of bacteria.
Most studies find out about the benefits of taking probiotics. However, few studies have investigated the side effects and its safety. Especially when added for a long time and in subjects with underlying medical conditions.
If you are considering the addition of probiotics, talk to your doctor about how to use it properly and safely. Also, probiotics are in the category of health supplements, not drugs. Therefore, you can not use them as a substitute for medical treatments.
In what food can you find natural probiotics?
Fermented foods usually contain large amounts of natural probiotics. You can refer to 5 groups of foods rich in natural probiotics that you need to supplement right away.
Fermented Cabbage
Fermented cabbage shredded cabbage mixed with salt and is left to ferment. This process promotes the growth of beneficial probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria, found on the raw cabbage leaves. These natural probiotics, which include Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum can maintain and normalise the balance of intestinal flora, as well as boost the immune system and prevent the development of harmful organisms like. Salmonella, Campylobacter and Clostridium.
Lactobacillus, in particular, can help treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and lower the level of Clostridium difficile
Also, pickled Cabbage contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, K, B and other minerals such as manganese, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and significant amounts of protein.
Fermented cabbage has natural probiotics that are beneficial for the digestive tract so you should add this dish to your daily diet. However, for those with signs of stomach pain, you should not eat too much cabbage juice every day because sour foods can make the ulcer more severe.
Pickled Cabbage is a great food that stimulates the digestive process of food
Tempeh
Tempeh is a dish made from fermented soybean that originated in Indonesia. This is a popular dish for vegetarians; it contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health and well-being of the digestive system. But the most important thing is that soy tempeh was proven to be able to stimulate the growth of Bifidobacterium. The natural probiotics play a part in treating patients ofwithBS, prevent diarrhoea, reduce bloating. They also help to improve immunity, cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss. Some studies even suggested natural probiotics can contribute to mental health
Tempeh of Indonesia – a familiar vegetarian dish of many people
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is no stranger to anyone. This is a famous food known as a substance that stimulates digestion. Natural probiotics in yoghurt help to improve the microflora, resulting in a healthy digestive tract. Eat yoghurt after a meal each day is good for the gastrointestinal tract and can cure abdominal pain, protect the gastric mucosa, prevention of peptic ulcer stomach. And a healthy digestive tract means that it is easier to control your weight, reduce risks of diabetes, thus even leading to the improvement of moods. Besides, probiotics found in yoghurt can improve the gut mucosal immune system, and Lactobacillus Acidophilu has the ability to reduce bad cholesterol, thus decrease the risk of heart disease.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk product made from milk and kefir. The intestinal flora found in kefir is much higher than yoghurt. The natural probiotics in kefir can break down lactose into lactic acid, making it easier to digest, thus help people with lactose intolerance. Lactobacillus Kefiri is a probiotic found only in kefir and has the power to fight against salmonella and E. Coli. It also balances bacteria in the gut, preventing gastrointestinal diseases. Kefir is also really beneficial for those who take antibiotics as the probiotics can restore the flora.
Kefir is a fermented milk product made from milk and kefir
Miso
Miso is a traditional dish originated from Japan. Miso is made mainly from soybeans, rice and barley then fermented with salt and Japanese kojikin. Like any other probiotic-rich food, miso can help with diseases like diarrhoea or IBS. In addition, research from the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology also claimed that it helps avoid colon cancer. Miso is also not just a gastrointestinal product, but the phytochemicals it contains help in the fight against oxidation.
Miso is a traditional dish originated from Japan
Cheese
Not all cheeses are good sources of bio-preparations, but some fermented soft cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese. The natural probiotics in these cheeses are believed to be able to treat vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome and childhood eczema. A Finnish study in 2010 stated that for adults aged 72 and older, daily consumption of probiotic Gouda cheese can prevent immunosenescence( the reduction of natural and acquired immunity). Other benefits include treating colds and flu and prevent bladder cancer.
Some fermented soft cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, contain probiotics that may exist in the intestine
These cheeses are made by fermenting lactic acid bacteria for several days, weeks, or even years. You can add 30 grams of soft cheese or ½ cup of soft cheese to the snacks on weekdays, while helping to provide probiotics, boosting protein and calcium for the body.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a very sour pickled cabbage, commonly used in Korean meals. Kimchi is one of the best probiotic foods you can add to your diet. The dominant natural probiotic in kimchi is lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The proven benefits of kimchi include antiobesity, anti-constipation, cholesterol reduction, immune promotion, and skin health promotion. Besides beneficial bacteria, kimchi is also a source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2 to help prevent the emergence of infectious diseases.
Kimchi is one of the best probiotic foods you can add to your meal
Probiotics are proven as good microorganism is offering a lot of health benefits, but also require prudent consumption to avoid side effects. So remember to consult your doctor if you want to take advantage of probiotics, you can visit our website https://naturalorganicliving.com.au/
