We are surrounded by all types of living organisms that can not be seen by the human eye without a microscope. These microscopic organisms play important roles in our life as well as the whole web of life on earth. As a microbiologist, I will only talk about one type of microorganism called bacteria.
What are bacteria?
Bacteria are single-celled living microorganisms that were originally observed in 1676 by a Dutch scientist, Antony van Leeuwenhoek. Bacteria have very simple structures with shapes ranging from rods, spheres and spirals, which may be found linked together in chains, grouped like a bunch of grapes or as single cells. They are commonly found in the air, dust, soil, inside and outside plants and animals, and also associated with food. Some bacteria, which are called pathogens, are bad for you and are capable of causing disease. In contrast, ‘good’ bacteria also exists called beneficial bacteria, which promotes health benefits. These beneficial bacteria are used in the manufacture of many food products such as fermented milk drinks, yoghurts, alcohol, bread and cheese. They are also available commercially in the form of capsules and powders.
Why are bacteria important for our gut?
Our intestines contain numerous species of bacteria and other microorganisms, which are termed as intestinal flora (also known as gut flora). Bacteria make up the majority of the intestinal flora with an estimate of 100 trillion bacteria inhabiting our gut. This contributes to 1-1.5kg of our body weight! These microorganisms perform a host of useful functions, such as assisting with digestion/absorption, stimulating cell growth, repressing the growth of harmful microorganisms (pathogens), training the immune system to respond only to pathogens, defending against some diseases, regulating the development of the gut, production of vitamins (such as biotin and vitamin K), and producing hormones for the storage of fats. A balanced intestinal flora is required for optimal function in our digestive system. For this balance to exist, beneficial bacteria must outnumber the potentially harmful ones.
What factors upset the balance of our intestinal flora?
Factors that cause an imbalance of our intestinal flora include:
- Diet – too high in fat and protein
- Stress – think of the ‘butterfly in stomach’ sensation when we are stressed
- Aging – naturally reduces the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut
- Antibiotics – kills both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in our gut
Some common signs of bacterial imbalance:
- Allergies and food sensitivities
- Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
- Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
- Frequent constipation or diarrhoea
- Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
- Sleeping poorly, night sweats
- Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
- Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
- Frequent colds, flu or infections
- Chronic yeast problems
- Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
- Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms
What are probiotics and how would they benefit my health?
Probiotics are products that contain live beneficial bacteria that help improve the overall balance of our intestinal flora. They are good for our health because they keep potentially harmful bacteria under control and prevent ill health. The majority of probiotic bacteria used in food production are lactic acid bacteria such as species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
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| The rod-shaped lactobacillus bacteria |
What is an effective probiotic product?
The live beneficial bacteria should have the following attributes:
- Maintain its high and active count through processing and storage until consumption.
- Tolerate the acidity of the stomach and alkalinity of the intestines.
- Tolerate bile salts.
- Increase its own numbers in the gut and decrease the numbers of competing and potentially harmful bacteria.
Let me introduce IN-LIVEN probiotic superfood and FAST-TRACT gluten free probiotic liquid.
What is so special about IN-LIVEN probiotic superfood?
They are certified organic probiotics. The Lactobacilli bacteria used in In-Liven are the result of 20 years research. The unique lactobacilli bacteria have been subjected to a large number of stressors including heat, cold, chlorine, salt, alcohol and many preservatives found in food, resulting in a “super family” of very strong Lactobacilli unlike any others found in the world today. The unique formulation provides the complete Lactobacillus family of 13 strains combined with 26 whole foods for 3 weeks prior to bottling. During this three-week preparatory phase the formula is predigested by the lactobacilli in the same way it is in our own body. When consumed, the body is able to instantly assimilate the broad spectrum of nutrients.
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| To order IN-LIVEN, click here! |
How about FAST-TRACT gluten free probiotic liquid?
Fast-Tract is a high quality, refreshing, effervescent, gluten-free probiotic liquid. It is an active source of beneficial lactobacillus bacteria and a natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. This liquid is produced through an entirely natural organic fermentation process. Its active levels of probiotic bacteria sustained in a ready, liquid medium is immediately available for use within the digestive system.
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| To order FAST-TRACT, click here! |
