Probiotics, The Answer to IBD?

A recent review has shown promising results for probiotics in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBDAccording to this review,probiotic microbes, or ‘good bacteria’, could be the most successfultreatment for IBD to date, even compared to conventional treatments.

IBDis a group of inflammatory diseases of the colon and small intestine.These ailments can be life-altering – causing pain and restricting aperson’s lifestyle. Around 100,000 Australians suffer from aform of IBD. This term encompasses a group of conditions, including Crohn’s disease and colitis.

Conventional treatment for these conditions includes immune system-suppressing drugs, steroids and surgery – treatments that can affect the livelihood of sufferers.

While the exact causes are unclear, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is known to be the result of an overactive immune response that is linked to an imbalance of the normal types of bacteria found in the gut.

Several recent studies have identified butyric acid as a potential therapeutic agent for IBD. Some gut bacteria produce butyric acid naturally in the intestines, but in IBD patients some of these strains are heavily depleted. Trials in mice have shown that injecting one such strain Fecalibacterium prausnitzii into the digestive tract is effective at restoring normal levels of gut bacteria and treating the symptoms of IBD.

Butyric acid has well-known anti-inflammatory effects and is able to strengthen intestinal wall cells – making it an ideal therapeutic agent against IBD.

Professor Filip Van Immerseel, a medical microbiologist from Ghent University in Belgium said that a new treatment for IBD would be welcomed. “Conventional drug therapy has limited effectiveness and considerable side effects. Probiotics are live bacterial supplements or food ingredients, which when taken in sufficient numbers confer health benefits to the host.” he said.

Emed’s Comment:

Correct levels of good bacteria not only promote intestinal health and help prevent IBD – it also helps to promote proper immune function, supports overall health and boosts the absorption rate of vitamins and minerals into the body.

Excess bacteria or yeast, or the presence of harmful bacteria, yeast or ‘parasites’ such as amoebas and protozoas can cause systemic inflammation, leading to IBD conditions and a wide range of clinical problems.

Poor diet, illness, excess stress, immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics, exposure to contaminated food and dirty water all contribute to imbalanced bacteria levels in the gut.

Fortunately, the correct balance can be restored with the use of a quality probiotic formula.

Forget Yakult or inferior probiotic formulas – to achieve the best intestinal health, you need to invest in the BEST probiotics. Emed’s Best Probiotics encompasses the strongest and most effective probiotic formulas available. Containing specific bacterial strains for optimum results, these probiotics will act quickly to restore intestinal health and stabilise bacterial balance. Click here for more information.

What else can I do?

  • Good intestinal health isn’t all about bacteria – your diet contributes massively to the health of your gastrointestinal tract and overall health. Avoid fatty, salty and sugar-laden foods, and throw out the bread. Eat regular, small meals throughout the day, and base your diet on healthy fruits, vegetables, lean meats and legumes.Read our Nutrition section for more information on how you can achieve optimal health through your diet. Click here for more information. 
  • Do you feel low in energy? Experiencing chronic pain, inflammation or discomfort? Get to the roots of your health issues with the Emed Online Consultation. This consultation will identify key areas of your health and need addressing, and will prescribe specific natural medicines to combat these problems. Click here for more information.
  • Attack inflammation at it’s source. Using a good anti-inflammatory product like Bioceuticals InflamEze Activ will help to calm inflammation at its source and promote a healthier environment. Combine this with a good fish oil, like those found in Emed’s Best Fish Oils, and you will be actively helping to manage your inflammation and pain.
  • Nourish your body. If you suffer from IBD, chances are that your vitamin and mineral absorption is impaired. Combining this with a standard low-nutrient diet, and your body will be crying for vitamins and minerals. Up your intake with a good multivitamin like those found in Emed’s Best Multis.

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