As a physician, I’m regularly asked about the benefits of probiotics. Scientists have understood for some time that our bodies are full of both good and bad bacteria, but how to use that information has been our job as doctors.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are tiny, live organisms that live in the body as “good bacteria.” This good bacteria is present in our digestive system and works to break down food and pass waste. When I have a patient who suffers from digestive issues or other gastrointestinal problems, like IBS, Chronic Diarrhea, Constipation and Autoimmune Disorders, I think of Dysbosis ( unbalance or lack of good bacteria).
I have my patients reintroduce good bacteria to help with the natural flora of the gut. They usually find what scientific research had deduced, that probiotics have a positive effect on digestive health. Often, these people also tell me that other aspects of their health has improved, like less abdominal distention and better digestion.
Bacteria in the Digestive System
And, in truth, that doesn’t surprise me. The human digestive system contains more than 100 trillion types of bacteria which work to digest food and convert it into energy. So far, various research has shown that good bacteria in the human gut is responsible for:
Enhance Immunity–70% of our immune system is coded on our digestive track. The gut is our first line of defense.
Weight Control–Researchers found that obese people tend to have less of a diversified mix of digestive bacteria. Certain species of bacteria seem to have a link with obese people and are more prevalent in the digestive system.
Heart Health – Recent studies found that when bacteria in the digestive system is exposed to certain food, like eggs, beef, and gluten, the byproduct of digestion can increase inflammation that leads to increased risk of heart disease.
Neurological Effects – A study conducted in 2011 reported that when mice were given antibiotics, which kill off good and bad bacteria, they experienced more anxiety. Therefore, researchers believe that bacteria in the digestive system is somehow linked to neural chemistry. It’s a fact that serotonin is produced in the gut.
Using Probiotics to Balance the System
My medical opinion is that taking probiotics, whether in pill form, in foods, or in other forms, is beneficial to your body. When bad bacteria isn’t able to proliferate, the good bacteria can do its job. We live in a world too sterile. Natural foods, raw vegetables and probiotics offer a natural way to restore balance to our digestive systems.
Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera has 33 years of experience as a General Internist. He is the founder and president of Genesis Health Institute which specializes in Functional and Anti-Aging Medicine. He can be reach at 954-561-3175, or via the Internet at www.ghinstitute.com.
