Probiotics 102

Now I'm going to cover soil based organisms, certain benefits/effects different strains have, and references.

First thing about soil based organisms, there has been some evidence that if you don't have a healthy gut flora already (more good bacteria than bad) soil based probiotics may do more damage and possibly become pathogenic. If you're just starting with a probiotic regimen and have had an arguably unhealthy diet in the past recommend steering clear of these in the beginning simply from the perspective of risk/reward, go more toward the lactic acid probiotics. When you've done a regiment of lactic acid probiotics, not been on antibiotics, and eating a relatively clean diet soil based organisms may have even more benefits than the lactic acid based probiotics.

Strains
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli (most studied strain families): treatment/improving allergies, lactose intolerance, eczema, acne, improved digestive health
Immune System Support: Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC55730, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12
Treatment for Diarrhea: S. cerevisiae (S. boulardii), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001, Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 plus Lactobicillus casei Lbc80r

References:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15106189
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19584499
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16313688
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16126048
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23474283
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?cmd=Link&dbFrom=PubMed&from_uid=21352578&holding=f1000%2Cf1000m%2Cisrctn
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Probiotics
8. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm
9. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617.aspx
10. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml
11. http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/46/Supplement_2/S96.full

Image courtesy of bestpricenutrion.com, whom I have no affiliation with.

Probiotics 101

It's almost universally agreed upon that probiotics are beneficial to your gut. Without the tremendous amount of bacteria covering our bodies inside and out, a lot of which is friendly, we would very quickly pass away.

Probiotics is no where near a perfect science yet, but certain cultures have had probiotic foods as staples of their diets for generations with little to no documented negative side affects. Kimchi in many parts of Asia. Raw yogurt, cheese, and milk throughout Europe and raw sauerkraut in the United States.

Health Benefits

Certain strains are showing to have different or complimentary health benefits. Possible health benefits:

• Urinary Tract Health
• Crohn's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Improved
• Oral Health
• Strep throat and Tonsillitis Defense
• Emotional Well Being
• Improved Brain Activity (fun fact there's neurons in our guts)
• Diarrhea/Constipation Remedy
• Treatment of Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis
• Defense from Infection and Pathogens
• Relief from Acne and Eczema
• Improved Allergies
• Anti-Inflammatory and in Effect Anti-Aging

For strains, no matter which strain if the live organisms count isn't in the billions it's most likely not going to be effective. Lactobacillus (the most researched strain) acidophilus and bifidobacteria are the most common types.

Dosage is a question I've been really actively looking into. Some self proclaimed experts suggest to take 10-15 times the recommended dosage (which my spider sense is telling me that's mainly because they sell probiotics! ha). Personally I recommend taking twice the recommended dosage to colonize for the first week or way better take approximately 25 billion organisms of the most diverse strains (while still good quality) you can find for the benefits you're looking for.

Currently experimenting with different types/brands of probiotics and I'll go into more depth on the benefits for each strain and a few good brands in the near future.

Let me know which brands you use and what your favorite strains are that you've had success with in the comments!

My Five Month Hiatus

Haven't posted anything in five months, and there's a good reason for that! I've been off doing some, fairly intense if I do say so myself, training. Military training, technical training, mentoring with a holistic doctor. Learning about the different kinds of probiotics, which are slowly getting pushed into the "main stream", and searching how they're made/synthesized. Learning about the different ways soil health affects our health just as the oceans do. Getting hands on with some more philosophical things like The Zeitgeist Movement and The Venus Project, Was taking notes and testing my biohacking techniques along the way. Fired up to share what I've learned!

~Life's not just about what's Better