Probiotics or “good bacteria”, continue to rise in prominence in both supplementation and in functional foods. The two genuses of these beneficial organisms are the well known L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Acidophilus tend to occupy the small intestine, while the Bifido reside in the larger intestine.
The benefits of Acidophilus intake has been known for many, many years but just in the last decade were these microorganisms directly associated with such health issues such as:
Antibiotic Therapy; Taken after a protocol of antibiotics is finished can help restore small intestinal flora and greatly reduce antibiotic induced diarrhea.
Cancer; Acidophilus can reduce DNA damage in colon cells, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Colds and Flu; Supplements containing both Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria have shown the ability to reduce the cases of cold and flu up to 50%.
Eczema; Both of these Probiotics were found to prevent eczema in infants who were at high risk for allergies.
Elevated Cholesterol; Acidophilus containing yogurt can knock 2 or 3 points of your cholesterol levels.
Enhanced Immunity; By doubling their phagocytic index, subjects in a recent study showed how probiotic intake helps a body fight off disease and parasitic illness.
Infantile Diarrhea; Acidophilus plus rehydration therapy substantially speed up recovery by infants.
Lactose Intolerance: Improved lactose digestion, has been proven in improved symptoms and a decrease of hydrogen in the breath.
Vaginal Candiasis; Acidophilus therapy has been reported to support prevention and treatment of infections.
The benefits of Bifidobacteria intake have, in the last 10 years, have begun to be better known and have proven to enhance the recovery with Acidophilus in all these instances in the lower colon and to eliminate hyrogen gas and its corresponding flatulence.
The more probiotic research increases, the more strains of these beneficial microorganisms are discovered and the extent they benefit our health. One thing is for certain, our world and our lifestyles can destory this important line of defense.
The journal Diabetes Care has reported that thefirst study to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes and Vitamin K intake has been conducted by the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands. In their study, 38,094 Dutch participants were analyzed for intake of vitamin K1 (phylloquinones) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Participants that averaged 200mcg/d of vitamin K1 and 31 mcg of vitamin K2 were followed for 10.3 years. A 19 percent drop in risk of developing type 2 diabetes was noted in men and women who had the highest consumption of K1 (phylloquiniones). Reduction was noted in all groups where vitamin K was increased.
Life Extension Foundation reported that researchers with the German Cancer Research Center and the German Research Centre for Enviromental Health have discovered an association between reduced or low Vitamin K2 intake and an increased risk in dying from cancer.
Known as the “Universal Antioxidant”, Alpha-Lipoic Acid has unique solubility traits in water and fat. It serves as a coenzyme in the energy production process, which allots for quick bursts of energy at one time. ALA is vital for the aerobic metabolism while cutting down on muscle fatigue and protecting the brain and nerve cells in the process.
It would appear the Cancer Institute of Italy, based in Genoa has brought forth findings that may or may not be enough science to launch a new wave of research into the mineral selenium’s ability to prevent prostate cancer and reduce the number of colon polyp reoccurances.
The University of Michigan has joined other researchers in confirming the effectivenenss of curcumin, found in tumeric and piperine, found in black pepper to decrease the number of stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. “If we can limit the number of stem cells, we can limit the number of cells with potential to form tumours,” explained lead author Madhuri Kakarala.