Nutrition

Probiotics, have recently become a topic of significant focus. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases, so the idea they are beneficial can be tough to understand. We take antibiotics to kill harmful bacterial infections and use antibacterial soaps more than ever before. And while the wrong bacteria in the wrong place can cause problems, there is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that the right bacteria in the right place can have benefits and even prevent some illnesses.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often termed “good” or “helpful” bacteria that promote a healthy digestive tract and support your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight infection. The secret to good health is all about balancing the good and bad bacteria in your gut. It may come as a surprise but 80 percent of your entire immune system is located in your digestive tract. 1
Are they all the same?
It’s important to note that there are different types of strains of probiotics. The probiotic benefits experienced with one strain may be completely different from the health benefits seen from another.

If you want to use probiotics to help with a specific health concern, it’s vital to select the right probiotic for the right condition. Strain selection should focus on quality tested products with clinically demonstrated benefits for the given condition. That is why it is always best to consult your Naturopath or health care provider for a recommendation.
Health Benefits of Probiotics
1. Diarrhoea

Certain strains of probiotics have shown positive results in treating diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. According to a report published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition2, probiotics are “useful in the prevention or treatment of several gastrointestinal disorders”, such as infectious […]

Many clients suffer from constipation, it’s one of the most common symptoms we see in our clinic. But the solution might not be as simple as “drink more water”. It may, in fact, be a problem with the communication between your gut and your brain.

There is a nervous system that lines your gut, called the enteric nervous system and it controls the function of your gut. The enteric nervous system is also known as the second brain. It is responsible for peristalsis, or the wave like contractions of the gut, which pushes food downwards. It controls the release of our digestive enzymes as well as many critical neurotransmitters. In fact, over 90% of your serotonin (a happiness hormone) is made in the gut!

As the vagus nerve controls the motility of your gut and increases blood flow to your gut lining, any problems with this part of the nervous system will result in sluggish digestion. If you don’t move food fast enough, it will ferment, causing yeast overgrowths, enzyme deficiencies and provide the perfect home for nasty parasites and bacteria.

How do you test your Gut Motility?

You should be able to hear grumbling in your abdomen when you listen with a stethoscope
When you say “ahhh” the uvula, at the back of your throat, should rise evenly
You have a poor gag reflex

Research shows neurons need exercise, just like muscles. The more you exercise them, the stronger the neuronal pathways, and the better the outcome is. This is a fascinating field of research called neuroplasticity, and I love “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Dr Normal Doidge, a brilliant book on this topic.

Exercises to Increase Gut Motility:

Encourage singing, but it needs to be really loud so warn your […]