Micro means small and Biome means a community of living beings. Together, the word Microbiome means a community of microorganisms that live in all regions of our body. This post focuses on the community of microbiome that resides in our guts, also known as Probiotics.
These probiotics which inhabit our digestive tract are commonly called the "good" bacteria. They play a significant role in digestion, immune function, brain health and the ageing process.
Health benefits of probiotics
1. Gut health
> Probiotics optimises gut function by restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria. This is especially important because when we fall sick, the bad microorganisms usually outnumber the good bacteria.
> Prevents and treats diarrhoea eg. from food poisoning or antibiotics.
> Reduces symptoms of certain digestive disorders eg. IBS.
2. Immune system
> Protect against colds and flu (as 70-80% of our immune system are present in the gut).
> Prevent UTIs.
> Reduce severity of certain allergies and eczema.
3. Mind and brain
We usually hear the term Physical Health ~ we should do more exercise and be more physically active. Nowadays, the word Mental Health is the centre of attention. It comprises of 3 aspects: Psychological, Emotional and Social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.
The National Health and Morbidity Survey reported some pretty scary statistics - the number of mental health cases among Malaysians above 16 years old has increased from 10.7% (1996), to 11.2% (2006), and 29.2% (2015). This means approximately 1 in 3 Malaysians had mental health problems in 2015.
Have you heard of the phrase "gut-wrenching experience" or have you ever suffer from the feeling of "butterflies in your stomach"? This is because our gut and brain are connected. The Gut-Brain Axis is a 2-way communication system between our gut (digestive system) and brain (central nervous system). It plays a significant role in our emotions and stress response. The enteric nervous system that regulates our gut is often called the body's Second Brain. It's like a mini-brain that lives in the intestines and helps manage digestion. This Second Brain also sends messages to the big brain; that's why the Gut-Brain Axis is so important. In other words, probiotics play a part in our mental health.
Studies show that taking probiotics can:
> Improve your mood and reduce stress.
> Help with certain mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
4. Other health benefits
> Helps in weight loss as probiotics can help utilise the energy in our food.
> Keeps your heart healthy by maintaining healthier cholesterol levels.
> Promote oral health (reduction of gum disease and prevent caries).
Probiotics v. Prebiotics
Probiotics are food or supplement that contain live microorganisms.
Prebiotics are non digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of probiotics.
In order to reach our intestines alive, the probiotics must be able to endure the harsh conditions in the stomach such as strong acid and digestive enzymes, which kill many microorganisms.
Manufacturers overcome this problem by using special production processes and formulation to enhance the tolerance of probiotics to acidic conditions. Some bacterial strains have a naturally inbuilt level of tolerance to acidic conditions. In other words, it all depends on the type and manufacturing process of the probiotic you take.
Key traits of Lactoberry probiotics
The probiotics used in Lactoberry is multicoated with Oligosaccharides (food supply of probiotics) thus giving the probiotics more energy and enhanced potency. This coating increases the probiotic's tolerance against gastric acid and bile salt. Further, the probiotics also can stay in the GI tract for a longer time.
6 Ingredients & Benefits of Lactoberry
1. Bifidobacterium lactis
> Improves digestive conditions in the body eg. lactose intolerance and gluten toxicity as well as improves constipation by reducing gut-transit time.
> Assists digestion and utilisation of nutrients eg. sugar, fibre and macronutrients. It's also partially responsible for the absorption and utilisation of certain vitamins and minerals.
> As about 70% of probiotics are present in our gut, they have an immuno-modulating effects, especially for upper respiratory tract infections eg. common flu and cold.
2. Bifidobacterium longum
> Alleviates GI disorders eg. constipation and antibiotic associated diarrhoea.
> Immuno-modulation eg. improves symptoms of allergy and infections.
> Improvement and homeostasis of intestinal microenvironment. Studies have shown that with decreased micro-biodiversity, we are more prone to have diseases especially metabolic disorders like diabetes.
3. Isomalt
> Sugar substitute. Hence, Lactoberry can be ingested by diabetics.
> Prebiotics, therefore it's a food source for probiotics.
> Stimulates peristalsis, softens stools and alleviates constipation.
4. Berries
> Cranberry powder prevents UTIs due to it containing an abundance of phytonutrients A-type proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins. It prevents the E.Coli bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder and urinary tract.
> Raspberry powder, which has one of the richest sources of fibre amongst fruits and tannin content. It prevents constipation by increasing the bulk and letting the stools come out more easily, as well as benefits blood sugar control by improving insulin resistance.
> Blueberry powder is high in antioxidant flavonoids such as anthocyanin, which neutralises free radicals and enhances metabolic waste excretion.
Who needs it?
> Children, teenagers, adults and elderlies.
> Pregnant ladies.
> Patients after medical treatments.
Recommended consumption
> 1-2 sachets for daily maintenance before or after meals. To ensure the benefits of probiotics are reaped, it's important to take Lactoberry on a daily and on-going basis.
> Under special condition such as food poisoning or constipation, increase dosage as needed.
(Source: SH seminar, 22/7/2023)
How to Order?
A box of 30 sachets of Lactoberry probiotics costs RM77 for Malaysian members.
