GSE
Body's Flora - Beneficial Flora Health Benefits
Beneficial flora / probiotics have at least 30 known
pharmacological actions
Anti-infective.
Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal
Immune system-supportive. Upregulates glutathione (GPX) and certain glycoproteins that help regulate
immune responses, including IL-4 (Interleukin-4), IL-10, IL-12; more than 60% of
your I.S. is in your gut.
Anti-proliferative. Apoptopic
(promotes natural self-destruction of cells); Inhibits tumor necrosis factor
(TNF) alpha inhibitor, NF-kappaB, epidermal growth factor receptor, +++
Protective. Antioxidant,
cardioprotective, gastroprotective, radio- and chemo-protective
Anti-allergenic
Anti-depressive. The vagus nerve (10th
cranial nerve) connects your gut to your brain, each affecting the other,
explaining the link between neurological disorders and GI dysfunction (E.g.
ADHD, autism).
Intestinal health has been
found to profoundly influence mental health .
Detoxifying.
probiotics appear to have a
role in detoxing
harmful chemicals.
How do beneficial flora /probiotics work against pathogens?
Antagonistic / Competitive towards pathogenic bacteria
-
Probiotics help normalize acid/alkali balance in
the intestine - "Friendly"bacteria decrease colonization of pathogenic organisms in the
gut by secreting acids that are toxic to local pathogenic bacteria -by
liberating hydrogen peroxide and organic acids (E.g. Lactic, butyric and acetic
acids) in the intestines, the local luminal pH is shifted downward to create an
unfavorable environment for growth of pathogenic flora
Williams NT. Probiotics. Am J Health-Syst Pharm.
2010;67:449-458.
Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and
infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy. Clin Infect
Dis. 2001;32:1567-1576.
-
Compete with pathogens for adhesion
sites on intestinal wall (epithelium)
Macintyre A, Cymet TC. Probiotics: the benefits of
bacterial cultures. Compr Ther. 2005;31:181-185.
- Compete with
pathogens for nutrients
- Produce bacteriocins (protein toxins)
to inhibit pathogens
- Modify pathogen-derived
toxins
Stimulate immune mechanisms of intestinal muco sa
- Increase cytokine
activity
- Increase lymphocyte
activity / intestinal macrophage
phagocytosis - by causing local macrophages to increase
antigen presentation to B-lymphocytes and increase secretory antibody
immunoglobulin A (IgA) production both locally and systemically;
- Reduce immune system
reaction to food antigens
-
Help stimulate the production of the
protective mucus layer lining the GI tract -
they can also line the mucus layer to add an extra level of defense keeping out
pathogenic bacteria
Produce beneficial metabolic enzymes
• Digest undigested polysaccarides/mucin/fiber - E.g. starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin.
• Produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down
lactose -thereby benefiting those who are
lactose-intolerant;
Induce synthesis of B
vitamins.
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and
B12, also folic acid and biotin;
Improve uptake and absorption of calcium
Help reduce cholesterol
• Regulating levels of an enzyme that is involved
in production of cholesterol within body
• Acting directly on cholesterol in the GI tract
