Rescuing the Digestive Tract: Supplement Suggestions

There are ways to support the growth of beneficial bacteria besides taking supplements.

• First, make sure that the yeast Candida albicans does not overgrow in the colon, crowding out the probiotics. You’ll need a medical evaluation to know for sure.
• Second, remember that fibre, especially the insoluble forms from corn and wheat bran, can feed the beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, although you need not overdo it.

Avoiding alcohol, antibiotics and foods high in sugar are other ways to prevent an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, as is minimizing stress.

These support strategies, despite their importance, are no substitute for the use of high-quality probiotic supplements. Just about everyone – even those who do not have GI problems – should take supplements of acidophilus, bulgaricus and bifidobacterium. They not only represent one of the most important antiaging, disease-fighting strategies we can mount, but they probably ensure better absorption of all vita-nutrients, both dietary and as ‘vitamin pills’. For maximum benefit consume them regularly, at least once a week. Their use is absolutely crucial if you have been on a course of broad-spectrum prescription antibiotics.

Potency and purity are important for all nutrients, but this is especially so for beneficial bacteria. They are, after all, alive. When shopping, look for a ‘use by’ date and for an assurance concerning the number of viable bacteria and the strain. As I have mentioned, the LB-51 bulgaricum strain seems to have the most benefit. Certain strains of acidophilus (DDS-1) and bifidobacteria (the North Carolina strain) also are better than others. The manufacturer should be able to attest that the strain is beneficial for humans.

Better bacterial supplements will be in the refrigerated section of the health food store, for a cool climate helps beneficial bacteria supplements retain their potency. Cultures can be grown on a variety of media, including milk, rice and soya. Avoid the milk-based variety. I usually use the powdered forms of beneficial bacteria because they are easier to take when treating digestive disorders. For most therapeutic applications I recommend taking between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon each of acidophilus and bifidobacterium. Mix each in a glass of unchilled water and take them daily, preferably in the morning and about twenty minutes or so before eating. Bifidobacteria usually are taken in a two-to-one ratio to the acidophilus. If you take 1/4 teaspoon of acidophilus, you should take 1/2 teaspoon of bifidobacterium. Bulgaricum should be taken before meals as well, and in a dose similar to acidophilus.

Do not conclude that the trinity of probiotics I have discussed in this section represent the entire list of beneficial bacteria. There are dozens of other possibilities. For example, many patients with Candida overgrowth have done well with the administration of a laterospora species. The important lesson is that we all can benefit from a frequent dosing of a variety of probiotics.