Previously we looked at how you can improve digestion in the stomach and small intestine. Now we focus on the role of friendly bacteria in supporting good intestinal health and fighting infections.

As we go about our day to day lives we are unaware that trillons of bacteria are working away in our digestive system. They are fighting harmful bacteria, viruses and other organisms and creating a healthy environment in our stomach, small intestine and colon (large intestine) for better digestion, absorption and elimination of wastes. There are around three hundred different strains of bacteria with the most important being the Lactobacillus group which mainly inhabit the stomach and small intestine and the Bifido group of bacteria living in the large intestine or colon.

If you get a gut infection or parasite, take antibiotics, have a high sugar, processed and refined diet, feel stressed or have an overgrowth of a yeast-like organism called Candida albicans, chances are your beneficial bacteria may be losing the fight. Bloating, wind, constipation and stomach cramps are your bodys’ reminder that you need to boost your beneficial bacteria.

This is where probiotics come in. Probiotics, from the Greek word meaning  “for life”, are foods or supplements which contain living bacteria. Probiotics are widely distributed in nature, the most common being lactic acid bacteria in yoghurt. Different cultures enjoy other foods which are fermented with beneficial bacteria, for example sauerkraut from cabbage (Germany), idli from fermented rice and dhal (India) and miso and tempeh from soya beans (Japan).

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Part of the reason why fermented foods are healthy is that they assist in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the small intestine which increases the overall digestibility and nutritional value of food. This is especially true for lactose intolerant people as the lactobacillus bacteria digest as much as half of the lactose in milk by converting it to lactic acid. Although modern food production techniques have removed many beneficial bacteria from foods, the food industry is recognising the importance of probiotics and adding them to yoghurts. You will often see the word “Live” on cartons of yoghurt which indicates that one or more of the “Lactobacillus acidophillus” cultures have been added.

Unfortunately many strains of beneficial bacteria do not survive the acidic transit through the digestive system. Supplements, however are often specially formulated to adhere to the walls of the intestine, but their numbers need to be replenished.

The benefits of probiotics for the digestive system:

·          Treat and prevent constipation and diarrhea, including travellers and antibiotic diarrhea.

·          Inhibit growth of harmful bacteria such as helicobacter pylori by

.          Produce acids which lower intestinal pH and nourish the lining of the intestines.

·          Lower blood cholesterol levels.

·          Produce several B group vitamins - riboflavin, B6 and 12, pantothenic acid, thiamine, folic acid - and    Vitamin K which are absorbed and used by the body.

·          Improve immune system.

·          Anti-carcinogenic in that they reduce levels of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the colon.

I strongly recommend that my patients, both adults and children, take an acidophillus supplement if they have been on a course of antibiotics, have had a gut infection or suffering from any digestive problems.

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