ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Why should I take a probiotic

If you weren’t aware, the lining of your gut is covered in microscopic creatures, mostly bacteria. These creatures create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. We don't even notice them, but they are a huge part of your health and can even affect your mood and behavior. This microbiome has become the focus of many researchers lately, with scientists uncovering evidence that it can play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Likewise, connections have found between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease, with one 2017 study showing decrease in microbiome diversity among those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. What affects the gut often affects the brain and vice versa.

Think of a microbiome as a diverse community of organisms, such as a forest, that work together to keep your body healthy. This community is made up of things called microbes. You have trillions of microbes on and in your body. Everyone’s microbiome is unique. No two people have the same microbial cells — even twins are different.

Previous studies have found people with neurodegenerative disorders tend to have different gut microbiome make up compared to those without the disorder. Given a previously-found association between an inflammatory phenomenon in the blood, certain intestinal bacteria, and Alzheimer's disease, the researchers wanted to test whether inflammation in the blood could mediate between the microbiome and the brain.

The study found that the gut microbiome in people with Alzheimer’s disease differs from those without the condition. In those with Alzheimer’s, microbial diversity is decreased, with increased amount of certain bacteria and a decreased amount other microbes. The beneficial effects of good bacteria on brain health is well-established, including in people with Alzheimer’s disease. A 2016 study of 60 Alzheimer’s patients looked into the effect of probiotic supplements on cognitive function, with promising results.

Although, bacteria is usually viewed as negative, there are two kinds of bacteria constantly in and on your body, good bacteria and bad bacteria. Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that helps keep your body healthy and functioning properly.

Probiotics have demonstrated significant potential in the deceleration of Alzheimer’s disease progression when consumed as a lone supplement. Indeed, their clinically tested anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties as well as their ability to increase a patient’s cognitive aptitude have become the main driving factor behind investigation of overall therapeutic utility

Probiotic supplements contain live organisms. It may include a particular strain of microbe or blend of microbes. But you can also get good bacteria from food, probably the most common probiotic food is yogurt. Yogurt is made by fermenting milk with different bacteria, which are left in the final product. Other bacteria-fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi, are also good sources of probiotics. When the gut becomes unbalanced with unhealthy levels of certain bacteria, probiotics can help restore the balance.

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Dr. Wayne M. Fichter Jr. is a chiropractor at Natural Spine Solutions. The business is located at 3913 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene. For more information, please contact us at 208-966-4425.