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Over time, man and microbe have reached an intricate state of co-existence
through mutual adaptation. In fact, all warm blooded animals are profoundly
dependent on the microbial world. Despite the inclination to regard
micro-organisms as the enemy, the essential truth is that the majority
of these tiny life forms favour co-habitation and co-operation - not
conflict. While some micro-organisms represent the villains, others
can and do play a very beneficial role in maintaining health.
Intestinal probiotics, particularly bacteria play and important role
in determining the digestive mechanisms and the general health of all
animals and humans. There are over 400 species of micro-organism found
in the intestinal tract. They can be divided into two categories (on
a very basic level ).
- those which have a positive affect on health - friendly bacteria,
and
- those which have a negative affect - pathogenic bacteria.
In a healthy body the friendly will out number that pathogenic by 10:1.
However this is rarely the case. In modern lives and the diets we follow
will often unbalance this ratio. Most important of these micro-organisms
are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum. Without a
healthy balance the pathogens such as E-Coli, Klebsiella and Citrobacter
can develop and become dangerous. The friendly micro-organisms help
in several way:
- they aid digestion of foods
- they aid the manufacture of some vitamins
- they support the immune system of the gut
But a variety of stresses can adversely affect the flora populations
in a person. These stresses included:
- sudden food changes
- the use of anti-biotics and other drugs
- emotional trauma
- psychological stress
- the ingestion of chemicals in food and water (many of which are
designed to inhibit bacterial growth) like [chlorine, nitrates etc]
- exposure to pollution, travel and change of environment.
Thus probiotics (pro = for; bios = for life) are an important support
for the gut immune system and in maintaining health.
Read more
Source
Nature's Own
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