Guest guest Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Probiotics Boost the Immune System by Lorna VanderHaeghe Keeping our immune system in prime operating order has never before been so important. With antibiotic resistant bacteria and virulent viruses we must provide our body with the proper defenses. Poor nutritional choices and an over prescribing of antibiotics have weakened our body's ability to attack and destroy potential disease- causing bacteria, parasites and viruses. Probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, B. bifidum and L. salivarius, found in a healthy digestive tract, are just a few of the important microorganisms that we can use to enhance immunity. Research is continually being completed that confirms the benefits of supplementing the diet with probiotics. The following are several examples. Dr. Khem Shahani has shown in his research that probiotics, especially lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, enhance immune function by eliminating or inhibiting the formation of cancer-causing chemicals. Nitrates, commonly used in food processing, can be converted via enzymes to carcinogenic nitrosamines in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is able to halt this process by first reducing the quantity of potential carcinogens and second by deactivating certain cancer-causing enzymes especially d- glucuronidase and b-glucosidase. The Journal of Immunotherapy just published the Benefits of organic Yogurt where it was found that acidophilus containing yogurt eaten over several months increased gamma-interferon an important immune enhancing protein that prevents viruses from reproducing themselves. A reduction in inflammatory responses of the gut were also noted. And IgE an immunoglobulin, that is effective in destroying parasites, is often reduced by unfriendly bacteria. Lactobacillus bulgaricus was found to have powerful anti-bacterial properties allowing IgE to function optimally. Another study involving 21 female patients between the ages of 40 and 75 undergoing radiation for the treatment of cervical or uterine cancer were given yogurt containing friendly bacteria. A significant reduction in radiation-induced diarrhea was seen as well as a general improvement in overall well-being. Diarrhea is a serious complication of cancer therapies causing weight loss, immune depression and nutritional deficiencies. Worldwide diarrhea is a major cause of death in young children and an annoyance for travelers. Probiotics, by restoring balance to the intestinal tract, are a fast, effective remedy often eliminating the condition within several days. Lactobacillus acidophilus are also able to concentrate selenium in cells. We are well aware of the benefits of selenium in inhibiting certain cancers especially breast cancer. It is known that areas where soil selenium levels are low certain cancers are high. The importance of keeping intracellular selenium levels high can not be understated. With the simple addition of probiotic supplements along with selenium this can be accomplished. Our immune system is designed to ward off disease at all cost but it must be given the tools to accomplish the job. A diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, a reduction in meat consumption, less stress and supplementing the diet with nutritional supplements especially probiotics will supercharge your immune system keeping viruses, bacteria and parasites at bay. Until recently, probiotic supplements were not available in a chewable form. With the introduction of Udo's Choice Super Five Probiotic there is now a portable and stable, all-natural raspberry flavored supplement. Each tablet of Super 5 guarantees one billion plus viable organisms through expiry date and includes L. acidophilus DDS-1, B. bifidum, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and L. salivarius. Each bacterial culture in this blend is a specially cultured, selectively isolated pure strain of microflora, which has been extensively researched at the University of Nebraska by Dr. Khem Shahani, the pioneer of probiotic research. http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/USA/HealthInformation/articles REFERENCES 1. Shahani and Fernandes. 1990 Anticarcinogenic and Immunological Properties of Dietary Lactobacilli. Journal of Food Protection. Vol. 53, 704-710. 2. Benefits of Yogurt, International Journal of Immunotherapy, 1993;9 (1):65-68. 3. Salminen, E. et al. Adverse Effects of Pelvic Radiation. Fifth International Meeting on Progress in Radio-oncology. May 1995; 10- 14:501-504. 4. Calomme, M. et al. Seleno-Lactobacillus: An Organic Selenium Source. Biological Trace element Research. 1995;47:379-383. http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/USA/HealthInformation/articles/ FloraArticle22.asp _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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