Better Intestinal Health with Probiotics

We all live with our own microbiome, and for most of us, the modern lifestyle, including chronic stress, too much sugar in the diet, taking antibiotics, etc., leads to a real imbalance in the diversity of the microbiome intestinal flora. These upheavals open the door to infections and viruses. The watchword is to protect our immunity. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to restore the health of our bacterial ecology.

Our Canadian company, Genuine Health, has been in business for 25 years, with a corporate mission to manufacture natural supplements based on science. Gut health is one of their major concerns, and for this reason they have concocted multi-strain probiotic formulas, derived from human strains and third-party verified and carefully selected for their diversity. 

Better intestinal health thanks to probiotics: 75% of our immune system lives in our intestines

Our intestines are home to billions of good bacteria. "bacteria" that protect us in so many ways. These bacteria "friends" prevent powerful microbes from taking hold, and form a protective barrier that keeps unwanted organisms out of our bloodstream. They complete food digestion, ensure proper assimilation of nutrients, including B-complex vitamins and minerals, and are vital for maintaining a strong immune system.

Our bodies, both inside and out, contain around a hundred thousand billion bacteria that are indispensable to our lives, do not cause disease or dysfunction under normal conditions, and are essential to maintaining good health.

The term "probiotic"pro, a Latin element meaning "in favor of"thus, promoter of life, for a balance of good bacteria. Probiotic supplements are products containing adequate doses of bacteria that instigate intestinal health benefits.

Better intestinal health thanks to probiotics: parlons from the source of strains

A probiotic can be human-sourced, i.e. cultivated from the intestines of humans, which are originally indigenous probiotics selected from healthy individuals. These strains are then put into vitro to produce so-called human-source probiotics. They may be derived from the colostrum contained in mother's milk, or from an animal or dairy source, obtained from the manufacture of yogurt and cheese, or from a vegetable source found in fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut or kimchi, or sourdough bread, or even via a source from the earth, which is a little rarer.

The science of probiotics owes much to these fermented foods known as "functional foods". Every civilization has its own source of probiotics in its culinary traditions. These so-called functional foods support good digestive and immune health and longevity. The opposite, i.e. a reduction in these products in the diet, has led to a depletion of enzymes and nutrients, which has also had a noticeable impact over time on intestinal health.

The digestive system begins in the mouth, where our food begins its long journey of transformation, carrying nutrients throughout the body. It is through this long digestive process that our immune system's precious defenses are developed. These good bacteria ensure resistance to potential intruders.

Better intestinal health thanks to probiotics: the role of prebiotics

Prebiotics play an essential role in the proliferation and maintenance of probiotics in our digestive system.

Types of prebiotics include :

• inulin
• fruto-oligosaccharides (FOS)
• galacto-oligosaccharides
• in breast milk.

Prebiotics are found in the fibers of whole foods (fruits and vegetables, oilseeds), fermented foods and in our everyday diet, such as whole grains, legumes, artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, dandelions, bitter chicory, garlic, leeks, onions and asparagus, etc.

Probiotic Defense Intestinal Health from Genuine Health 

Did you know that the intestinal bacterial flora is made up of characters such as the bacteria known as «Lactobacillus» for the small intestine, and «Bifidobacterium» for the large intestine (the colon), which act as valiant 'bodyguards'?

Did you also know that we have a resident flora, e.g. Lactobacillus salivarus, which is intrinsic to our flora, and a visiting flora, e.g. Lactobacillus casei, which is fed by supplementation?

The functions of different strains

1. RhamnosusRhamnosus belongs to the Lactobacillus genus of probiotic bacteria. These bacteria adhere to and colonize your intestinal walls. They are specially adapted to survive acidic and basic conditions in your body. These active bacteria are protectors against any transient viruses or autoimmune diseases. This is one of the most studied probiotic strains currently on the market, and has been presented in over 200 clinical trials.
2. Plantarum is also one of the Lactobacillus probiotics. Plantarum has a major influence on the brain-gut axis, the one involved in stress. It is said to counterbalance high levels of cortisol and inflammation. What's more, it is clinically proven to help improve immune function and reduce the incidence of colds.
3. Paracasei is a subspecies of L. Casei. Its main sites of colonization are the intestine, the mouth, including dental plaque, and the human vagina. Strains of L. paracasei are widely used as probiotic supplements to support various digestive and chronic infectious diseases, depressive disorders and obesity. It modulates immune system function.

A highly controlled process

The process involves a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. The strains are cleaned three times to eliminate toxins and weak cells, to deliver an allergen-free, stable and pure probiotic blend.

• Targeted delivery of healthier, more robust strains: Single capsules carry up to 10x more probiotic strains to the gut.

• Presented in blister pack: an advantage for longer shelf life. Room temperature resistance and label declaration guaranteed on expiry.

In conclusion

As with other products or activities, the secret lies in routine: changes or benefits are not necessarily felt overnight. Daily consumption of a probiotic is the best way to develop a healthy intestinal microbiome.

Our digestive system is at the heart of our body's proper functioning. Providing it with good bacteria - in a word, "pampering" it - has beneficial effects on our overall good health. 

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

Sources

Watson Brenda, N.D, C.T. Renew your Life, Improved Digestion and DetoxificationRenew Life Press and information services, 2002

Watson Brenda, N.D. and Smith Leonard, M.D. Gut Solutions, Renew Life Press and information services, 2003

https://blog.probaclac.ca/dou-proviennent-vos-probiotiques/

https://www.unlockfood.ca/fr/articles/aliments-probiotiques/prebiotiques/les-prebiotiques.aspx

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938420303978

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/lactobacillus-paracasei