Friendly Bacteria - Our Microscopic Allies For Health

Beating germs and bacteria is fine in the kitchen but there’s one place that we cannot afford to be without them – our intestines! Our gastrointestinal tract and lower bowel contains millions of beneficial Bacteria that promote good digestion, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and support the immune system.

These friendly bugs, known as Probiotics, are vital to our health and maintaining a healthy balance of them against harmful bacteria helps to increase our resistance to infections and digestive problems. This isn’t always easy, excessive use of antibiotics, prescription and OTC medications as well as a high intake of refined junk foods reduces the number of friendly bacteria in our intestine, paving the way for harmful bacteria to increase in number and cause diseases.

Fortunately there are a number of ways of replenishing beneficial bacteria supplies. Fermented milk products such as yoghurt or daily oral supplements are the most common methods and now Holland & Barrett has introduced a new, highly convenient, chewable form of Acidophilus. Perfect for those who find it difficult to swallow tablets, Chewable Acidophilus supplements are pleasantly strawberry flavoured and are suitable for vegetarians.

How can Probiotics help keep you healthy?

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus perform a peacekeeping function, keeping the gut’s harmful bacteria in check to promote good health and resistance to disease. A recent report from the European Commission on the properties of Probiotics in food recommends that the medical community should consider more widely the use of Probiotics such as Acidophilus in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, ranging from allergies to bowel disorders.

In France, Japan and India doctors already routinely prescribe Acidophilus after a course of antibiotics, as some indiscriminately kill off both harmful and friendly bacteria.

The health giving benefits of fermented milk products were recognised in the early twentieth century following the observation of the good health and longevity enjoyed by peasants in Eastern Europe whose diet included a fermented milk drink called Kefir.
This has a long history of use not only as part of the traditional diet but was also used in hospitals to fight infections and gastrointestinal disorders when no modern medical treatment was freely available.

Upsets caused by untreated drinking water or undercooked foods in people travelling to foreign countries may be prevented by supplementation with probiotic microflora. They help restore the correct balance of intestinal flora to inhibit and control the growth of Candida albicans, yeast that may then cause numerous health problems including thrush.

This may be aggravated by the use of the contraceptive pill or antibiotics. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is an integral part of normal vaginal flora helping to maintain the vaginal ecosystem by preventing the overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and Candida.

Naturopaths advocate supplementing with Lactobacillus Acidophilus in the form of a supplement and in the diet in yoghurt. In a controlled trial, women who consumed 8 ounces of Lactobacillus Acidophilus-containing yoghurt per day or took an equivalent supplement had a threefold decrease in the incidence of vaginal yeast infections and a reduction in the frequency of Candida colonisation in the vagina.

Holland & Barrett Chewable Acidophilus supplements are free from wheat, gluten, yeast, lactose, salt, preservatives and artificial colours. One or two tablets should be taken daily, preferably with a meal. Chewable Acidophilus costs £7.99 for 100 and is available exclusively from Holland & Barrett stores nation-wide.

For more information, log on to Hollandandbarrett.com.