Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (31 page)

Not carrying transferable antibiotic resistance genes

Not conjugating bile acids

Susceptible to antibiotics

3.
Able to survive intestinal transit; acid and bile tolerant

4.
Able to adhere to mucosal surfaces

5.
Able to colonize the human intestine or vagina (at least temporarily)

6.
Producing antimicrobial substances

7.
Able to antagonize pathogenic bacteria

8.
Possessing clinically documented and validated health effects; at least one phase 2 study, preferably independent confirmation of results by another center

9.
Stable during processing and storage

Used with permission from A. T. Borchers et al., “Probiotics and Immunity,”
Journal of Gastroenterology
44 (2009): 26–46. DOI 10.1007/s00535-008-2296-0.

Candida albicans, a fungus that causes infections in nails and eyes, thrush, and yeast infections, is controlled by acidophilus. This works in at least two ways. First, acidophilus bacteria ferment glycogen into lactic acid, which changes the pH of the intestinal tract. Since candida and many other disease-causing microbes thrive in alkaline environments, this action discourages many disease-producing microbes. Second, specific strains of lactobacillus produce hydrogen peroxide, which kills candida directly. Studies show that supplementation with a hydrogen peroxide–producing strain of acidophilus, DDS-1, reduced the incidence of antibiotic-induced vaginal yeast infections threefold. Other probiotics have antitumor and anticancer effects. Probiotics also help us metabolize foreign substances, such as mercury and pesticides, and protect us from damaging radiation and harmful pollutants.

Saccharomyces boulardii, another probiotic, is a friendly yeast that enhances levels of sIgA. In France, it’s called “yeast against yeast.” It has been well studied
and used clinically for more than 50 years. It is safe for people of all ages, including infants. It is resistant to antibiotics, except antifungal medications, so it can be used while taking antibiotics. It helps protect and restore normal flora, and it stimulates the production of sIgA and IgG, antibodies that are the first line of defense against pathogens. It also stimulates enzymatic production, helping to repair and maintain normal gut mucosa, and stimulates the activity of short-chain fatty acids and disaccharide enzymes, such as lactase, maltase, and sucrase, which can help prevent diarrhea.

BENEFITS OF A FEW SPECIFIC PROBIOTIC BACTERIA

It is impossible in a book of this scope to describe all of our probiotic species, but the following lists highlight several of the most significant.

Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Prevents infections including candida, E. coli, H. pylori, and salmonella

Prevents and treats antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea

Aids digestion of lactose and dairy products

Improves nutrient absorption

Maintains integrity of intestinal tract

Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections

Benefits of Lactobacillus Reuteri

Inhibits growth of disease-causing microbes including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeast, fungi, and protozoa

Appears to inhibit adherence of pathogens in the gut

Shortens duration of children’s rotaviral infections, which cause diarrhea