Probiotics help in maintaining good health
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Q: Can you give me any guidelines on when someone should take probiotic supplements?
A: Inside each of us lives a vast number of bacteria, without which we could not remain in good health. Of the several billion, most live in the digestive tract. While some of the bacteria aid in maintaining good health, others help us regain health once it has been disrupted.
The use of friendly bacteria supplements is known as probiotics. According to Deepak Chopra, M.D., here is a list of recommendations as to when you should use probiotics.
1. If there are chronic bowel problems or ongoing infections such as candidiasis.
2. As a preventive against food poisoning when traveling (Bifidobacteria and acidophilus kill most food poisoning bacteria).
3. After (and during) any antibiotic use.
4. By all premenopausal and menopausal women to reduce chances of osteoporosis.
5. By anyone with high cholesterol problems.
6. By anyone with chronic health problems (acne, skin problems, allergies, arthritis, cancer).
7. By anyone receiving radiation treatment.
8. By anyone having recurrent vaginal or bladder infections (thrush or cystitis) and as a footnote, Bifidobacteria infantis should be given to all babies.
As I always suggest, consult with your physician and inform him/her of all supplements that you are taking, including probiotics, and read the labels. Avoid purchasing probiotic supplements that are synthetic or that contain synthetic additives like maltodextrin.
Q: Can you please explain the difference between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber? Is one more important than the other?
A: Insoluble fiber is not soluble in water, as the name suggests (unlike soluble fiber). Insoluble fiber is often referred to as roughage since it aids in moving bulk through the intestines, helps control and balance the pH (potential of hydration or acidity) in the intestines, promotes regular bowel movements and removes toxic waste through the colon is less time.
Food sources of insoluble fiber are vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, fruit skins, root vegetable skins, bran, whole grains, seeds and nuts.
Soluble fiber, on the other hand, helps carry cholesterol out of the body in bile, and slows the rate at which the stomach empties (so that sugar is released and absorbed more slowly).
Food sources of soluble fiber are oat/oat bran, dried beans and peas, nuts, barley, flax seeds, oranges, apples, bananas, berries, pears, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. While soluble fiber and insoluble fiber differ significantly, each of them have an important role in the development and nourishment of the body and one should include a blend of both types of fiber in their diet.
Merry Christmas to all and thank you for reading my column.
Phylis B. Canion is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant, e-mail her at doc.phyl@yahoo.com. This column is for nutritional information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure.
