Can bacteria possibly be friendly when all lives that have been told they cause disease? Well, bad bacteria do cause problems, but there are many good strains that are essential to health. Of the numerous friendly bacteria that live in intestine, the most mentioned and discussed about are the Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium infantis bacteria.
The beneficial actions of these friendly bacteria, also known as Probiotics (the opposite of “antibiotics”) include
- manufacturing B vitamins
- providing the enzyme lactase which allow digestion of milk or milk products
- enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption
- acting as an anti-carcinogenic factor with anti-tumor potential
- controlling and deactivating growth and activity if bad bacteria and viruses
- maintaining bowel function and elimination
- reducing ill effects of antibiotic and radiation therapies
- maintaining immune function
- helping in the development of young children’s gastrointestinal health
Increasing the population of friendly bacteria deters the growth and colonisation of potentially dangerous bacteria by blocking them attaching themselves in gut, effectively thwarting their existence.
There are many probiotics on the market, can choose between powdered and capsule forms. Check the label though to see that the product contain prominent bacteria, namely Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Health professionals normally suggest taking one to two billin colony-forming units per dose. And it is better to take probiotic supplement before meal since stomach acid is usually lowest at that time. This aids the friendly bacteria in passing through the stomach and implanting in the intenstine.
Eating commerically-made yoghurt may not be an effective mean of obtaining friendly bacteria, due to the difficulty of ensuring bacterial stability and count.
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