Probiotics: their benefits
We all know that optimal health begins in the digestive system. In fact, the majority of our immune system is found in the digestive tract, and around 90% of our serotonin, or "happy hormone", is also found in our intestines. If we want to feel our best and fight infections effectively, we need to make sure our digestive system is happy. What's surprising is how many Canadians suffer from digestive health problems. At this very moment, 5 million Canadians suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and around 120,000 people develop the disease every year, making up one of the highest proportions of the population in the world.
Over the past decade, probiotics have become the most popular product to aid digestion. We were soon inundated with a wide variety of probiotics, not only in supplements, but also in our food. These bacteria are known to regulate digestion and intestinal function, fight bad bacteria, produce nutrients, and many other beneficial functions. But not all probiotics are created equal; some strains have significant therapeutic effects, while others are simply healthy. In fact, new research on probiotics is focusing less on probiotics in general and more on very specific strains for very specific functions.
At the heart of the search for probiotic benefits for digestive health is a very specific strain of probiotics, the Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Over the past 25 years, there have been 75 clinical trials demonstrating the benefits of this specific human strain, particularly for digestive health. A recent study showed that patients who took 20 billion live cells of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v had less gas and bloating, fewer antibiotic side effects, less abdominal pain and a stronger immune system. When the researchers decided to study the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v on more serious problems, the results were even greater. In patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome who took 30 billion live cells of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v100% had a reduction in abdominal pain and 95% reported a reduction in all other symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
The Lactobacillus plantarum 299v have other specific qualities that distinguish them from other bacteria:
- Resistant to acid and low pH, which helps them survive in the stomach
- The only strain of bacteria capable of stimulating the growth of other probiotics
- Natural, non-GMO human strain
- Free from common allergens, including wheat and dairy products
- No refrigeration required
The balance of bacteria in our digestive system is very delicate and it's possible to have too much of a good thing.
Look for Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in Integris from SISU, a Canadian company that has been creating and manufacturing innovative, high-quality natural health products for over 30 years.
Source:
http://probiotic.org/lactobacillus-plantarum.htm
Ducrotte, et al. Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2012; 18(30): 4012-4018.
Niedzielin, et al. A controlled, double-blind, randomized study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299V in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001;13:1143-1147.
Rask, C., et al. Differential effect on cell-mediated immunity in human volunteers after intake of different lactobacilli. Clinical & Experimental Immunology 2012: 172: 321-332.