Posted on February 18th, 2010 | Comments (0)
The foods available on supermarket shelves impact the choices we make. It is also true that the choices we make influence food manufacturers. As our understanding of the relationship between nutrition and overall health evolves, consumers are demanding more healthy choices. The response from manufacturers can be slow however, so how can health conscious consumers bridge the gap?
It is not clear whether the food available on supermarket shelves effects the prevention of disease; however, studies have indicated that nutritional factors do play a major role in disease prevention. As we have learned more about the ingredients in food and the effect on health, our needs have changed. In recent years we have all seen changing attitudes to consumption of saturated fats, salt and sugars just to name a few foods. We have also seen a shift towards food groups more commonly believed to be beneficial today such as fish (for Omega 3 oils), fruit and vegetables and grains.
It is important in all this to consider the digestive process. When we are born, the gastrointestinal tract is clean and incapable of digesting food. Within hours, bacteria ingested during the birthing process begin to accumulate in the gut. Within a short timeframe, the gastrointestinal tract will accumulate about ten times as many bacteria as there are cells in the body. This gut flora includes one hundred trillion bacteria which contribute to the body’s immune system.
Amongst these bacteria are probiotic microorganisms; or “good bacteria”. Probiotics help maintain and restore the balance of both “good” and “bad” bacteria necessary for a healthy digestive system. Without that balance, harmful bacteria can multiply and take over, causing gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Probiotic microorganisms are found in both dietary supplement form and as components of foods and drinks. The same bacteria and yeasts have been used for thousands of years to ferment foods. Some yogurts and other cultured dairy products contain these good bacteria, particularly specific strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Not all bacteria contained in fermented milk products or yogurt have probiotics effects.
There are two types namely lactobacillus acidophilus and bifido bacteria. The better known lactobacillus acidophilus is used to maintain intestinal health by preventing yeast infections in the vagina and mouth, urinary tract infection and be used as an antibiotic for induced diarrhea.
Bifido bacteria are found in numerous quantities in the intestines of breast fed newborns. As the child’s diet changes, the numbers of Bifido bacteria declines and other bacteria, some associated with disease, increase in numbers. In studies carried out in primarily in Japan, it was shown that adding Bifido bacteria back into the diet improved diarrhea, and constipation.
So eating the right foods contributes to efficient digestion and good overall health. However, it is sometimes difficult to maintain the correct balance. For example, patients are often prescribed antibiotics when ill and these kill bacteria in the gut – good and bad. In instances like these, it is beneficial to supplement the diet with probiotics supplements.
Probiotics effects health by restoring a healthy balance of good bacteria to digestion. So while we choose what we eat and our choices effect the direction food manufacturers take, we always have a gap to fill while this takes place. Supplementing your diet with probiotics effects your health in a positive way.
The health benefits of probiotics are clear. A good probiotic supplement can restore the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system and this has many health benefits.
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