Building a Better Human: probiotic

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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:

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!

No More Sinus Infections

Sinus infections are extremely common especially in the US. It was one of my bodies favorite ways of telling me something was wrong. Antibiotics are usually very effective and can work within days but have various side effects such as killing the good bacteria in your gut and through out your body along with the bad bacteria that's causing the infection.

One of the major reasons for bacterial infections is inflammation and lowered immune system. Causes of this are things like diet, air pollution (i.e. smoke, dust, exhaust, work related chemicals), lack of sleep, exposure to pathogens, and stress.

If you catch the infection early it can be relatively easy to get rid of it with little effort and cost.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Add 2 tablespoons to 6-8 ounces of water (add honey if desired) drink 8-10 glasses
Get a pot or better vapor steamer, try to eye about 1/18th acv to water ratio and inhale until you can breathe clearer or it becomes slightly uncomfortable
Simply take it like a shot, be careful to not overdue this and aggravate your esophagus

Some other ways to cure it:

Echinacea, kills infections while leaving most good bacteria. Was wildly used before antibiotics were invented. I take 15,000mg twice a day, some people recommend only 300mg but personally haven't seen any side effects
Oil Pulling (could do a whole other post about this) use coconut for added benefits or any vegetable oil besides canola. Swish for 15-20 minutes vigorously, if you become nauseated do on an empty stomach. Hear this has a detoxing and many benefits but the one I was able to quantify is that it cleans bacteria more thoroughly than simply brushing and mouthwash can which results in various benefits, swallowing some of the bacteria present in your mouth depending on the diet will give people a continuous low level infection and this dissipates that.
Horseradish
Cayenne pepper
Black pepper
Parsley
Oregano
Ginger
Garlic
Onion
Sinus rinse with sea salt water and for more extreme cases small amount hydrogen peroxide
If you decide to not take an antibiotic taking probiotics will help. If you do take an antibiotic take the probiotic several hours after
Get at least 8 hours of undisturbed sleep if at all possible

For an already present infection where there is consistent things like yellow or green mucous, wheezing, pressure will need to take some aggressive measures. If you don't improve in a week be sure to get a hold of a physician or topical antibiotic.

This is my sinus infections bomb. Everything listed above 50/50 cayenne pepper and boiling water. Let sit for about 6 hours and add to some food. Surprisingly tastes good. Also rinse sinuses with sea salt and about a Tbsp of hydrogen peroxide

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