Your body’s microflora environment is made up of trillions of microorganisms. They consist of the live bacteria and yeasts that are naturally found on the surface of your skin and on the mucous membranes that line your respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide a health benefit. These bacteria are important for controlling harmful organisms in the body. They also regulate the immune system which improves your response to various illnesses and controls your response to allergens. They are particularly important in the digestive system for maintaining the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation and promoting proper breakdown of food and elimination of waste.

What conditions might be affected by probiotics?

The bacteria that live in your body may be tiny but they have a huge impact on your health! A variety of health conditions are related to a healthy balance of bacteria in your body. Our diets and lifestyles, antibiotic use and environmental pollutants can contribute to an unbalanced microflora which has been related to many metabolic and inflammatory diseases.  

Digestive Conditions

·        Lactose intolerance and other food sensitivities

·        Gastritis and ulcers

·        Irritable Bowel Syndrome

·        Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)

·        Obesity

Since your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, it makes sense that microflora imbalances can contribute to gastrointestinal conditions. Probiotics tend to regulate bowel movements, reduce gas and bloating and control inflammation in the gut. Most of these bacteria are found in the large intestine where form B vitamins and vitamin K (2). They also digest insoluble fibre to create short-chain fatty acids that feed the cells of the gut (3).  

Respiratory Conditions

·        Asthma

·        Seasonal allergies

·        Chronic sinus congestion

·        Frequent colds and flus

Your lungs, nose, mouth, throat and sinuses are all lined by mucous membranes that house bacteria. Maintaining a balanced bacterial environment can help reduce inflammation in these tissues, control mucus production and benefit your immune system.

Mental Health Conditions

·        Depression

·        Anxiety

·        Chronic stress

The bacteria that live in your body can even impact your mental health! Bacteria produce many biologically active compounds including neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, catecholamines and acetylcholine (4). Your brain and gut are intricately connected through hormones and nerves so changes in your gut can contribute to changes in your brain function. Microflora imbalances can also affect your adrenal glands (4) which has a direct impact on your body’s stress response. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to mood disorders and brain dysfunction so this may be another route by which probiotics can improve mental health (4).

Skin Conditions

·        Eczema

·        Rosacea

·        Acne

Your microflora environment extends to your skin as well. Having an appropriate bacterial balance reduces inflammation which prevents infections, controls oil production and maintains the health of your cells (5). Many skin conditions are also related to poor gut health so improving your digestive function with probiotics can improve your skin as well.

How do I increase my probiotic intake?

There are many foods that naturally contain high levels of good bacteria. Fermented foods including yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, pickles and buttermilk have lots of probiotic bacteria. These can be added to your diet to improve that bacterial balance in your gut.

Many people choose to take a probiotic supplement to improve their probiotic intake. There are many products available so it’s important to talk to your Naturopathic Doctor to ensure you are taking the right strains of bacteria, at the right dose, in the right way, at the right time!   

References:

1. West CE, Renz H, Jenmalm MC, Kozyrskyj A, Allen KJ et al. (2015). The gut microbiota and inflammatory noncommunicable diseases: associations and potentials for gut microbiota therapies. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 135(1):3-13.
2. Cummings JH, Macfarlane GT. (1997). Role of intestinal bacteria in nutrient metabolism. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 21(6):357-65.
3. Natarajan N, Pluznick JL. (2014). From microbe to man: the role of microbial short chain fatty acid metabolites in host cell biology. American Journal of Physiology, 307(11):C979-85.
4. Jade, K. (2017). The best probiotics for mood: psychobiotics may enhance the gut-brain connection. Retrieved from https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/depression/the-best-probiotics-for-mood-enhancing-the-gut-brain-connection-with-psychobiotics/
5. Nole KL, Yim E, Keri, J. (2014). Probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71(4):814-821