New Good Bacteria Link: Protection from Sudden Infant Death and Inflammation

Good bacteria, called probiotics, live within our intestinal tract. They are also known as comensual cells which outnumber human cells, 10 to 1. In other words, we are made up of more good bacteria than human cells which shows how important they are to health.

Antibiotics Kill Good Bacteria

Unfortunately, good bacteria are killed from antibiotics found in prescriptions and meat we consume. The end result is weakened body functions. Commensal cells produce a treasure-chest of nutrients which are anti-toxin, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents. Many believe an imbalance of probiotics is the root of all disease.

New Research: Sudden Infant Death

This week, the Journal of American Medical Association, released a study linking low serotonin levels to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Several universities and hospitals took part. All 41 SIDS infants showed low brainstem serotonin levels.

Amazingly, good bacteria help the body produce serotonin. During fermentation, lactobacilli release Tryptophan, which produces serotonin. The strain known as L. plantarum is known to help produce serotonin.

Good bacteria help:

*Digest food
*Assimilate vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and minerals
*Build healthy immune system
*Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
*Contribute to colon cancer prevention
*Fight urinary tract and yeast infections
*Lessen pain and diarrhea especially related to IBS

Probiotics and Inflammation

Once good bacteria thrive and flourish, their rich diversity provides detoxification, healing and regeneration. Commensal cells are vast reservoirs of essential hard-to-get nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe inflammation with more power than any anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical or nutraceutical.

There are about 500 strains of probiotics with lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and L. bulgaricus the most commonly known. Strains of friendly bacteria are found in yogurt, keifer and probiotic supplements to maintain good probitoics health.

Recommended Probiotic Supplements

When choosing probiotic supplements, watch for GMP on labels . This stands for good manufacturing practices. and ensures potency of products. Rotate brands to obtain as many strains as possible to maintain good probiotics health.

*Acidophilus Pearls
*Primal Defense
*Dr. Ohhira
*and others

Probiotics Health

Take probiotics according to directions. If taking antibiotics, take 4 hours apart and continue taking once the prescription is over. Probiotic supplements and cultured, fermented foods provide health by keeping good bacteria thriving.

Related Article:
*The First Thing You Must Know about the Anti-inflammatory Diet
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Sources:
Journal of the American Medical Association
Indiana University: Jstor

Article for information only. Not intended as replacement for medical care.
New Good Bacteria Link: Protection from Sudden Infant Death and Inflammation copyright 2010