Probiotics 101: Part 1

This week the video blog that we sent out to our Eat By Design Coaching mailing list was talking about probiotics. It was a really short video that barely skimmed the tip of the iceberg on this topic. Probiotics are something that I find myself talking about quite a bit. My inner science nerd gets so excited about bacteria and how they can help our bodies to be more awesome.

There is quite a bit to know on this topic. Last time I tried explaining why probiotics are important and how to get them (this morning to a friend over breakfast) it was a 45-minute monologue of me brain dumping everything I know on my poor listener.

I am not going to do that to you. Instead, for your reading pleasure, this post is the first of a 3 part blog series: Probiotics 101.  

Part 1: What Are Probiotics and What Do They Do?

Part 2: Why You Probably Don’t Have a Healthy Probiotic Balance

Part 3: What You Can Do About It.

So, what are Probiotics??

Probiotics are bacteria.

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”

Your gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract includes everything from your mouth to the end of your intestines and is home to thousands of species of bacteria.

Total bacteria living in your body outnumber the cells that make up your entire body by a ratio of about 10 to 1.

You have approximately 23 thousand genes. The number of additional genes from your microflora (the bacteria inhabiting your body) is greater than 3.3 million. These genes affect the expression of your DNA, which impacts how your cells, organs and your entire body function.

These little guys have a big impact on what happens inside your body.

70% of your immune function goes on in your GI tract. Proper functioning of this system is vital to your health. If your immune system is not performing at peak levels you are more likely to get infections, inflammatory conditions and develop cancerous tissue.

The cells lining your GI tract are constantly exposed to an environment of foreign matter. Everything going into your mouth, from food to toxins to pathogens, enters your GI tract where the cell lining acts as a gatekeeper to your body.

Recent scientific evidence links healthy gut bacteria to the proper development and correct functioning of gastrointestinal cells; establishing their crucial role in human health and disease.

Bacteria secrete a chemical called butyrate and a few other short chain fatty acids. These chemicals support and regulate cell growth and maturity, which is important for digestion, immunity and for preventing precancerous cell changes.

Microbes make making B vitamins, amino acids (building blocks for proteins), help form new blood vessels, metabolize fiber, glucose and cholesterol and signal your body’s immune cells when a pathogen is present. Below is a chart outlining functions of probiotics.

The grey bubbles are types of bacteria. The white bubbles are effects on your cells. The black bubbles are noticeable systemic effects including: improved immune function, proper gut function, regulation of the stress response and drug and food metabolism.

In addition to producing materials essential for proper functioning of host cells (your GI tract), natural microflora make antimicrobial compounds. They prevent non-friendly organisms from moving in and competing for nutrients and space to colonize in your gut.

When you do not have a proper balance of bacteria, your cells do not function properly and there is increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. 

What things are preventing you or your children from having healthy gut bacteria? 

Tune in next week to find out.

Same bat time. Same bat channel.