The biggest breakthrough in nutrition in the twenty-first century has been that the body needs probiotics (or beneficial bacteria) as much as, if not more than, it needs vitamins and minerals. Indeed, almost 100 years ago Nobel Prize laureate Elie Metchnikoff detailed the longevity benefits of fermented foods consumed among the Bulgarian peasants of the Caucasus Mountains.
Dr. S.K. Dash, who introduced modern probiotics to the United States as founder of UAS Labs in 1979 (after discovering the power of probiotics in veterinary use as a replacement for antibiotics when he was director of the state of South Dakota Food and Drug Administration), boldly asserts that, “Taking a probiotic a day is more important than taking a multivitamin.” He points out that the human body has evolved with its living population of beneficial bacteria over millennia, and without them the body could not assimilate nutrients. In fact, he says, the tiny energy factories in our cells are actually bacterial in origin, as their DNA indicates.
Unfortunately, for most of us, using antibiotics, drinking chlorinated water, eating prepared foods—our probiotic quotient will be quite low, if it registers at all, he adds. Fermented foods, rich with probiotics, like kefir, miso and tofu, are not necessarily table fare at the local breakfast shop, either.
Many people find supplements are essential, just like taking a multivitamin; in fact, you will get more out of your multivitamin with a probiotic supplement since without beneficial bacteria your body could not assimilate nutrients. Probiotics definitely offer an overall boost for well being and can optimize immune and digestive health. They can also play a role in healthy cholesterol, allergy response, skin conditions, and weight management.
Many different strains of probiotic bacteria have been studied and developed for human use. Specific studies have focused on different probiotic strains and how they benefit wide-ranging health challenges including immune function, digestion, nutrient assimilation and how they can play a role in helping irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
But the consumer won’t necessarily want a one-strain product. Rather experts say the better approach for most people is to use a formula with multiple super strains. Super strains are those that have been studied in a wide base of applications and are known to be able to address many key health issues.
These strains are far rarer since so much time is required for such testing, but one of these, developed over many decades, Lactobacillus acidophilus (DDS®-1 strain), has been subject of hundreds of studies to evaluate its wide-ranging benefits.
Probioplus, which combines Lactobacillus acidophilus (DDS®-1 strain), Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis, has a combined potency of 10 billion colony forming units/gram. Besides all of the benefits or probiotics mentioned above, one can expect this formula to be particularly helpful for maintaining a healthy inflammation response as well. What’s more, a 25-patient case study conducted by the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic using this formula for irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated significant improvement in multiple symptoms.
According to Dr. Dash, many factors determine a quality probiotic supplement. Here’s what to look for, according to the UAS Labs founder:
Acid and Bile Resistance Seek acid and bile resistant probiotics.
Colonizers vs. Transients A good brand is a proven colonizer.
Glass Bottle vs. Plastic BottleProbiotics are “anaerobic” organisms, meaning they live in the absence of oxygen. Probiotics packaged in plastic bottles can lose potency during prolonged storage. Glass is the superior container.
Probiotic Supplements with Proven BenefitsA probiotic strain that is proven to aid in a number of health conditions may be all that is needed. We refer to strains like this as broad-spectrum super strains. Often multi-strains are not tested in combination and one strain may inhibit another strain reducing the overall functionality of the probiotic.
Resources
DDS® probiotics from UAS Labs are available at health food stores, pharmacies and natural food sections nationwide. Visit www.uaslabs.com or call them at 800-422-3371.
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May 21st, 2013 at 8:03 PM