MZANZI ISSUE 16

PROBIOTICS&
YOUR HEALTH
O
ver the past 50 years or so we have seen dramatic
increases in many diseases, notably autoimmune
diseases; allergies; behaviour and learning problems;
obesity; diabetes; cardiovascular disease etc. Much of
the decline in human health can be attributed to changes
in the microbiome, which has served humans well for as
long as we have existed, but is now under great threat for
a variety of reasons.
Inside each one of us is a massive “organism “that is
rarely spoken about in day to day conversation called the
microbiome . This microbiome has ancient roots and is part
of the wonder of our creation.
The microbiome has micro organisms consisting of bacteria,
viruses, fungi and protozoa,(known as the microbiota), many
of which have still not been identified.
The microorganisms work together and depend upon one
another, similar to the way things work in nature. If one
becomes extinct it has an effect on the others as a link is
missing in communication and cooperation.
Gut microbiota can cause or prevent disease, depending
on the diet and medication as well as other influences.
Micro organisms prefer certain foods for their health and
a poor diet can affect them, making them less diverse and
predisposing their human host to disease. The microbes in
our gut love vegetables, wholegrains and fruits – especially
apples and other pectin rich fruits.
The microbiota detoxify many environmental toxins and digest
many foods that human enzymes cannot digest. A healthy
microbiome promotes gastrointestinal tract mobility, keeps
pathogens in check and plays an important role in creating
a strong immune system. A diverse and healthy microbiome
may increase the bioavailability of phytonutrients in the
diet. We are only as healthy as our microbiome.
live in perfect harmony with the human host and with
each other. The stool and flatulence are good indicators
of gut health or ill health. The stool consistency should be
well-formed with minimal odour and “winds”. A vile smell
indicates that all is not well in the microbial kingdom, and
if it is persistent, diseases could be developing. Probiotics
play an important role in microbial recovery.
It has been shown that people who have a diverse and
healthy gut microbiome have fewer allergies, less chronic
disease, and better cognitive function.
How to keep your gut healthy?
• Avoid medication like antibiotics as antibiotics cause
loss of gut microbial diversity and the effects of one
course of antibiotics can be felt for up to two years.
• Herbal medicine provides good alternatives to many
pharmaceutical medicines and can treat many infections
effectively without disrupting the gut ecology.
• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, grains and
fruits - Include plenty of prebiotics in your diet: apples,
onions, garlic, sweet potato, oats, bananas and fibrous
vegetables. Berries and red wine with their high polyphenol
content also have beneficial effects on gut microbiota.
• Avoid processed, refined and other foods with chemical
additives.
A good probiotic will ensure a healthy colon by replenishing
the microbiome when the body is under stress due to factors
like diarrhoea, antibiotic and other medication, age, surgical
procedures and loss of appetite.
In a healthy and balanced gut environment, the microbes
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