New research: probiotic found in breast milk benefits nerves in gut, calms digestive disorders

(NaturalNews) Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms similar to the “friendly” bacteria found naturally in the body’s digestive system. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), there’s evidence from a variety of studies that probiotic formulations can help treat diarrhea, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome and dermatitis (eczema) in children; probiotics may reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer, too. Now Canadian researchers have published research in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) journal that explains why certain strains of probiotics are particularly soothing to indigestion related problems. It turns out the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri , which occurs in the gut of many mammals and is found in human breast milk, immediately and directly affects nerves in the gut. For their study, scientist Wolfgang Kunze of the McMaster Brain-Body Institute and Department of Psychiatry at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Ontario, Canada, and his research team took isolated pieces of small intestine removed from healthy and previously untreated mice. Then they added Lactobacillus reuteri to a warm salt solution which was sent flowing through the lumen, or hollow part, of the intestine. The pressure caused by natural contractions in the intestine sections was measured before, during and after adding the probiotic-containing solution. The scientists tested the electrical activity of single intestinal sensory nerve cells, as well. The results? The researchers documented that the force of muscle contractions in the gut tissue decreased within minutes of exposure to the probiotic solution. This discovery explains why intake of probiotics can often alleviate symptoms of a whole host of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and constipation. “Scientifically and evidence-based approaches to nutrition to correct potential bacterial imbalance in the intestine and thereby promote better health could possibly restore health in diseases associated with these imbalances,” Kunze said in a statement to the media. This is the latest of a growing body of research backing up what many natural health advocates have said for decades — probiotics (which can be found in supplements and in many foods including yogurt, kefir, fermented and unfermented milk, miso and tempeh, as well as breast milk) can promote health and protect from illness. For example, as NaturalNews previously reported, researchers have found that taking probiotics may help people lose excess weight (http://www.naturalnews.com/028023_intestinal_bacteria_obesity.html). And a study published in the journal Postgraduate Medicine concluded that taking probiotics regularly boosts the immune system in a specific way which helps the body fight off flu infections (http://www.naturalnews.com/026265_probiotic_health_probiotics.html). Editor’s note: NaturalNews is opposed to the use of animals in medical experiments that expose them to harm. We present these findings in protest of the way in which they were acquired. For more information: http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.09-153841v2 http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/

Use Probiotics to Lose Weight and Treat Illness

(NaturalNews) Millions of people suffer from colds, flu and stomach upset every year. Research is showing that this could be caused by a lack of good bacteria in your stomach. Fortunately, there are supplements you can take to increase the amount of good bacteria and improve your health. It’s strange to think that you can treat and even prevent illness with bacteria, but it’s true. Your body contains trillions of bacteria – some are good and some are bad. When the number of good bacteria starts to decrease due to antibiotics or a poor diet your chances for illness are increased. Probiotic supplements have been shown to have many health benefits. Research has shown that taking probiotics can help aid digestion and keep you regular. Studies show they can also help eczema and vaginal and urinary infections, and they can help prevent or lower your chances of catching a cold or the flu. Probiotics are not “one size fits all”. There are many different strains of probiotics each having its own power. If you’re having stomach issues like an upset stomach from an illness, from antibiotics or from traveling or because you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), look for the probiotics that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus GG, and Lactobacillus coagulans. These can be found in your local health food store, drugstore and in yogurt you can purchase from your grocery store. If you suffer from eczema, studies have shown that taking a probiotic that contains lactobacillus acidophilus can help, especially in children. If you want to avoid getting colds and the flu supplement your diet with probiotic strains lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, or bifidobacterium lactis. Millions of women get urinary or vaginal infections each year, many due to antibiotics which can kill both the bad bacteria in your body and the good. Taking a probiotic that contains Lactobacillus coagulans, lactobacillus reuteri or lactobacillus rhamnosus can help prevent these kinds of infections and can also lessen their severity if you already have one. Beyond the above health benefits, studies are showing that probiotics can actually help you lose weight. A recent study done at Stanford University has shown that the amount of good bacteria is higher in those who maintain a healthy weight and it’s lower in those who are overweight. Researchers are suggesting that it’s possible to increase your intake of healthy bacteria (probiotics) to lower your weight. Whichever probiotic you choose look for products that say “clinically proven” on the box or label. Also pay attention to the directions. Some products need to be refrigerated. References WebMD.com – Probiotic Overview Living.Health.com – Probiotic Packed Foods and Supplements That Really Work Stanfored.edu – Probiotics May Help Adult Weight Loss, Study Finds About the author Maddie is a health and fitness enthusiast who likes to research and write about all health and green living topics. She writes about herbal remedies for Sassafras Station, a health and fitness website, and edits the blog at http://www.sassafrasstation.com/blog/ .