Probiotics: Feed Your Gut, Heal Your Gut

We are in a gut health renaissance! With all the talk around gut health, you must have seen advertisements of probiotics that can magically fix your gut issues. However, is it as easy as you pick a probiotic and it will heal your gut? Well, not really, in functional nutrition we take a more precise approach to your gut. Youhave even more control over your gut health when you introduce probiotics.

The term probiotic is derived from the Greek word which means ‘for life’. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to their host. They may contain a variety of microorganisms, the most common are bacteria that belong to groups called lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Probiotics work by staying for a short while in your gut and helping your gut bugs flourish. 

Probiotics can be useful to help enhance immunity, solve digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fight infections, improve mood and reduce stress, enhance nutrient absorption and restore a healthy gut microbiome. Some natural probiotics include coconut milk curd, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, raw milk and yogurt (if you are not lactose intolerant). However, with the right probiotic supplements you can target different diseases such as thyroid issues, depression, low immunity, skin issues and so much more!

How do probiotics win the battle in our gut?

To understand how to use probiotics, first it is important to understand how they work. 

• Colonisation barriers

Probiotics are in competition with pathogens for adhesion sites i.e. they fight to attach to cells. By acting as ‘colonisation barriers’ against pathogens they prevent them from staying in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and promoting dysfunctions. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v was shown to inhibit the attachment of escherichia coli to human colon cells that can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. 

• Microbial-Immune System Communication

Probiotics help enhance our immune functions through different mechanisms. They may elevate the secretion of different white blood cells or enhance their functioning by activating them through ‘pattern recognition receptors’. These effects can help mitigate diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies. Certain essential amino acids are   also produced as metabolites of probiotics, for instance, tryptophan metabolites play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. It also helps to synthesize certain vitamins, especially B vitamins that in turn regulate the immune system. 

• Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Production 

SCFAs are immunoregulatory, and are made from fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch in the gut.They modulate several metabolic pathways and are involved in various dysfunctions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.Once your gut bugs have produced SCFAs, most of it is used as energy by the cells lining your gut. The remaining SCFAs move through your gut wall and enter your blood. Interestingly, these compounds provide around 10% of your daily energy. 

Antimicrobial compounds 

They can also alter the microbial flora by birthing antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins that have bacteria killing properties. Compounds produced by lactic acid bacteria such as hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl and short-chain fatty acids also display such properties.

• Bile acids

Probiotics are capable of influencing bile acid synthesis and lead to health benefits such as reduced cholesterol, weight andimprovedinsulin sensitivity. Probiotic bacteria also help produce so-called deconjugated bile acids, that are highly acidic and hence, show a stronger antimicrobial activity. 

• Help absorb certain nutrients 

Probiotics also enhance the absorption of several micronutrients. For instance, probiotics and iron are a great pair, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (the 299v part refers to the specific strain ofL. plantarum) can help increase ironabsorption from iron-rich foods. Probiotics may also enhance the conversion of ferric iron to ferrous iron, a form of iron that is better absorbed in our body. Supplementing with L. casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and L. gasseri probiotics are linked to greater calciumabsorption and improved bone mass. So, if someone can tolerate dairy it can be beneficial as it contains both calcium and naturally occurring probiotic cultures.Probiotics can also optimise the absorption of vitamin D in the intestine by increasing lactic acid production within the gut. 

• Probiotics against toxins

Apart from having the ability to heal diseases, probiotics can also give us extra support when dealing with toxins. For most of us heavy metals, pesticides and other xenobiotics have become an unavoidable part of our daily life. Specific strains of probiotics such as lactobacillus have been shown to protect us from these toxins. 

DO’s and DON’TS with Probiotics 

Can Probiotics Be Taken with Herbs?

It may also be important to take probiotic supplements away from foods and herbs that contain ‘quorum sensing inhibitors.’ Quorum sensing is when certain bacteria produce, exchange and signal molecules unique to their species. If the strain of a particular bacteria is concentrated enough, they send out a strong chemical signal called quorum sensing signal that allows them to alter their form and potentially implant and create a colony in the intestine. This is what helps probiotic bacteria perform their function in our gut. 

Quorum sensing inhibitorsare compounds that disrupt this inter-microorganismal communication. Some of these inhibitors include quercetin found in red onions, luteolin found in vegetables and herbs, cinnamon, garlic and a few other medicinal herbs.

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