Eating Well - Beaming with Health

Carbohydrates: Fzcel and Fibre 35
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Some of the more famous beneficial microbes include
Lactobacillus acidophilus (acidophilus) found in the
stomach and small intestine, Biiidobacterium biiidm
(bifidus) found in the lower reaches of the bowel, Lactobacillus
bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis and Streptococcus
thermophilus who are all transients, which mean
they do good deeds then go.
Certain strains of microflora are capable of producing
the B vitamins biotin, niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic
acid (B9), as well as vitamin K. Others act as watchdogs
of the internal environment, secreting substances which
promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms and
substances toxic to pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
Others produce lactase, an enzyme that helps digestion
of milk sugar. Conditions including acne, constipation,
psoriasis, bloating, flatulence, even tumours can
respond positively to the substances created by these
microorganisms.
Tipping the balance
Convinced yet these guys are paying their way? Microflora
five in a finely balanced world where any change,
however minor, is likely to tip the balance. This is a state
of dysbiosis. Such changes can include constipation,
irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, abdominal X-rays,
radiotherapy, a serious infection, a sudden change in
diet, stress, the contraceptive pill, drinking tap water
containing chlorine (chlorine is antimicrobial), steroids
such as cortisone and taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are
designed to kill bacteria - killing the good along with the
bad. After a course of antibiotics, or if any of the above
situations apply, then it is wise to go on a short program
of friendly bacteria, such as acidophilus and bifidus. This
will help reinstate healthy microflora.