Is Your Immune System In The Lost and Found?

Is Your Immune System in the Lost and Found???

If I was to ask you to point to the powerhouse of your circulatory system, you would point to your heart. To locate the center of your respiratory system, you would point to your lungs. Where would you point if I asked you to identify the foundation of your immune system? Hmmm.... You would need to point to your abdomen because 70-80 percent of the strength of your immune system resides in the digestive tract. Maintaining the health of your digestive tract is essential to a strong immune system.

Living within your digestive tract is a delicate balance of about 700 trillion microorganisms. That's about 2.5 lbs. of microbes! Under ideal conditions, most of these creatures are busy with the following jobs:

Maintaining proper digestion by 1) secreting enzymes the body needs to break down foods; 2) improving intestinal cell structure for better nutrient uptake; 3) removing toxins in the bowel;
Producing essential nutrients, especially B-vitamins;
Stimulating a healthy immune response and the production of antibodies;
Inhibiting bad microbes by 1) producing organic compounds such as lactic and acetic acids that create an environment in the gut that discourages the growth of harmful microbes; 2) clustering (forming colonies) along the intestinal walls, creating a protective barrier that helps keep bad bacteria from attaching; 3) shifting the intestinal pH downward making it difficult for harmful bacteria and fungi to live and reproduce; 4) competing with harmful microorganisms for food, since both feed on the same nutrients.

Many factors negatively affect the balance of good bacteria in the intestines. They include certain medications, poor diet, aging (individuals over 60 have 1,000 times fewer good bacteria that younger individuals), digestive tract infections, and diarrhea. During the past 50 years, increased use of antibiotics, changes in dietary habits, and prolonged high levels of stress have produces an "invisible epidemic of insufficient probiotics," according to Gary Huffnagle, professor of internal medicine and microbiology at the University of Michigan Medical School. "We're not getting what we used to (through diet) , and we're destroying what's there," he says. "As a result, the balance of our intestinal microbe population has changed, sometimes with disastrous effects on our immune system."

Fortunately, the micro flora can be replenished and restored to its healthy balance by taking special supplements call "probiotics." The two most commonly available groups of probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. When taken consistently, a quality probiotic supplement will offer the following benefits:

Increase the number of good bacteria in the digestive tract thus restoring the balance in favor of health-promoting microorganisms;
Crowd out their disease-causing cousins (bad bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc.)
Promote healthy digestion and intestinal integrity;
Facilite the removal of toxins from the body;
Reduce inflammation and boost immunity;
Support the productions of healthy levels of enzymes and B-vitamins.

Are you ready to feed yourself some "good germs"? If so, here are some things to consider:

According to Dr. Gary Shima, medical director of the Health and Longevity Institute in So. California, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium should be among the first probiotics introduced to repopulate the intestines. However, since they are easily destroyed by the highly acidic environment of the stomach, it's important to take them just prior to a meal or in a protective, microencapsulated form (see Flora Five).
Dr. Joseph Mercola gives the Probiotics "Medal of Honor" to Bacillus Coagulans due to its beneficial lactic acid producing capability, its durable protective coat which helps it survive stomach acidity, and its rapid proliferation in the small intestine. Global Health Trax's ThreeLac and FiveLac contain 500 million CFU's of Bacillus Coagulans in every serving, along with other beneficial bacteria.
Microencapsulated probiotics like GHT's Flora Five, ThreeLac and FiveLac are designed to protect the live microflora, allowing safe transportation through the acidic environment of the stomach and delivery to the small intestine where they are needed most.
Choose a probiotic that contains a variety of beneficial bacteria strains.
One billion CFU (colony forming units) is the generally recommended minimum dose; however, a "proper" minimum dose isn't really known. (In my opinion, the proper dose is the one that gets you the results you desire.) Remember, the number of live bacteria delivered to the intestines matters more than the number claimed on the label.

If you decide to start taking probiotics, during the initial phase you will most likely experience flatulence, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. This is normal and is caused by the breakdown of bad bacteria and the buildup of the good. Temporarily cutting back on the dose can help to curb these side-effects. (Active Digestive Enzymes and/or an effective fiber supplement may also be beneficial in helping to clear your system of toxins and harmful bacteria.) For best results, probiotics should be taken consistently as part of the daily diet. As with any dietary supplement, use probiotics in moderation and consult your health care professional before starting any new treatment.

Susan Summers, Health Educator and Owner of New Leaf Health Source,
Past-President & current member- Puget Sound Wellness Association
(Home)


ThreeLac order information	FiveLac order information	Flora Five order information	Active Digestive Enzymes order information

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional. New Leaf Health Source does not dispense medical advice, prescribe or diagnose illness. We distribute nutritional products that may assist the body in its efforts to nutritionally rebuild and heal itself.