The Good, The Bad & The Ugly...Bacteria, that is...

My sweet husband is a Clint Eastwood fan & is trying to impart his enjoyment of Clint's old western classics on our son, age 13...not sure it's working, though! One of my husband's favorites is 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly'---and as they (husband & son) were watching it last night, my quirky brain started thinking about bacteria (strange, I know!)---specifically the bacteria that lives in our GI tract (our gut, in other words). I realize many of you have heard of the 'good bacteria' and the 'bad bacteria' in our gut---and no, I honestly don't think there is a category of 'ugly' bacteria, but I'm sure some of it has to be not that pretty...hence, ugly!

God created our amazing bodies to have a certain balance of bacteria in our GI tract. The 'good' bacteria help us absorb food and minerals, along with manufacturing vitamin K & some B vitamins. Some names of these beneficial bacteria you may have heard of include acidophilus and bifidobacterium. When our gut is healthy, the growth of good bacteria helps to crowd out disease-causing bacteria and make conditions unfavorable for their growth. A very important function they perform is helping the colon maintain a proper pH or acid-base balance. (Wow, it seems like pH balance is HUGE! See related articles on body pH and alkalinity in my past blogs).

Unlike the good bacteria, we don't want the 'bad' (disease-causing) bacteria, like certain strains of E. coli, C. diff. and streptococci-to take up residence inside our bodies. Besides making us sick, bad bacteria can also act to putrefy meat and other food left waiting to be digested in the colon. The 'bad' bacteria can produce enzymes that convert chemicals to carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). They also create free radicals (which can promote cancer growth). People who eat diets that are high in meat and low in fiber are at increased risk for colon cancer due in part to this fact.

One of the most common ways for our good/bad bacterial balance in the gut to become out of balance is with the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed for dozens of common ailments, which, in the process of killing the bacteria for which they are prescribed, also kill off the friendly bacteria in our intestines. This can severely impair digestion and absorption of nutrients at a time when our body needs them most. I fully realize that antibiotics are necessary at times--even life-saving at times. The key is appropriate use of antibiotics, since increasing numbers of studies are showing that antibiotic treatment, especially when prolonged or repeated, can have a negative impact on beneficial bacteria that live in the gut.

The 'good' bacteria in our gut are called probiotics (meaning 'for life'). 'Bad' bacteria are harmful to our health. These are the bacteria that often require the need for antibiotics (meaning 'against life').

Lactobacillus acidophilus, commonly called acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum are 'good' bacteria found in our gut. They are also the most common types of probiotic supplements. Probiotics are also found naturally in fermented foods, like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, miso and sauerkraut. Probiotic supplements (available in capsules, liquids and powders) provide a large dose of bacteria beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore, overall immunity. These 'good' bacteria crowd out disease-causing microorganisms and often improve bowel regularity.

Prebiotics are substances that feed and promote the growth of friendly probiotics. The two most common prebiotics are whey and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Whey is the liquid that remains after the curd is removed from milk when making cheese. Primarily water, whey also contains minerals (potassium, calcium and phosphorus), lactose, fat and water-soluble vitamins. Fructo-oligosaccharides or "FOS" are naturally occurring short chains of fructose (fruit sugar)--found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, barley, wheat, rye, chicory root, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, and honey.

A powerful, natural occuring prebiotic is lactoferrin. Lactoferrin also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. My family & I take Lactoferrin Gold, a natural product designed to help balance the gut's bacteria as well as provide great immune support. Just another very simple easy step toward wellness...as you 'build' prevention into your lives.

Be Well---And STAY Well!
Sana