My research has taught me more about the importance of probiotics than I already knew.
Microbiota is the name given to the microbe population living in our intestine. Making up 90% of our cells! Containing 100s of trillions of microorganisms including at least 5000 different species of bacteria. The microbiota are important in nutrition, immunity and the brain.
The Microbiome is the combined genetic microorganisms in a particular environment.
Millions of years of co-evolution have moulded this human microorganism interaction into a symbiotic relationship where the gut bacteria contribute essentially to human nutrient metabolism and in return occupy a nutrient rich environment.
Children born vaginally get much needed microbes as they pass through the vaginal canal from the mother. Yet those who are born by cesarian section tend to suffer more with asthma, allergies and leukaemia, (Neu, 2011.) Breast fed children have an intake of sugars containing sialic acid which promotes infant growth through healthy microbiome, (Nestle Nutrition Insitiute), due to feeding the microbes.
Seratoin production is thought to be produced to the massive quantities of 90% within the gut, (Yano et al., 2015) which gives evidence to show those with altered microbiome will suffer further with depression and mental health issues, (Evrensel and Ceylan, 2015). A major role is played by the gut microbiome in bidirectional communication between the gut and brain. The Brain - gut axis communicates its systems between the Central Nervous System and Gastero Intestinal Tract, (Burokas, 2015.) As Burokas published in Science Direct, the gut microbiota can be a key regulator of mood, cognition, pain and obesity.
The immune cells are stimulated by a population of microbiota. Those with impaired microbiome shows dendritic cells are reduced in the ability to stimulate pro inflammatory T cell responses.
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced in the gut and this aids the body immune systems and metabolic functions. When dietary fibre is fermented in the colon, short chain fatty acids are produced. They have many physiological roles in body functions. Butyrate is important for colon health and is a SCFA which arises from the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre. Produced by the probiotics, Butyrate is an important food for the cells lining the colon (colonocytes). Increasing the energy production and cell proliferation, there may be a protective element against colon cancer. The colonic inflammatory response if mediated by the presence of Butyrate. 70% of the energy needed for colonocytes is provided by this SCFA. It is beleived there is a preventative and therapeutic potential to counteract inflammation mediated ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer by the increase of modulation of the immune response and inhibiting tumour genesis.
Non starch polysaccharides feed the microbiome. Contributing to the host digestion (us).
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| http://bonvictor.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/therapeutic-food-polysaccharides.html |
Wu et al, (2011) studied the long term diet and the association with the microbiome. Gut health is important. As 70% of the immune system is in the gut, we need to know the factors affecting the microbiome.
The largest affect is the host species, body mass, age, lifestyle and smoking.
Medium affecters: Antibiotic use
Medium-small: Drugs, exercise, genetics, pet co-habitation.
Small affect: Short term dietary intervention.
Can a daily supplement help? I would say the best bet is to take one, while the stomach acid is quiet (IE not before or after food but about 2 hours either side) and definitely without adding any hot drinks. Heat will kill the important bacteria within the supplement. Try it, you might be surprised how amazing you feel.
Can a daily supplement help? I would say the best bet is to take one, while the stomach acid is quiet (IE not before or after food but about 2 hours either side) and definitely without adding any hot drinks. Heat will kill the important bacteria within the supplement. Try it, you might be surprised how amazing you feel.
