According to a recent study, a mixture of probiotics may halt inflammation of the gut and tissues, which are usually seen at the beginning of type-2 diabetes and obesity onset. These study results reinforce the role microbes that colonize the human body (microbiome) have in controlling the absorption of nutrients and contribute to ongoing inflammation. Both type-2 diabetes and obesity are linked to low grade, chronic inflammation in peripheral tissues.
This inflammation which can also affect organs and multiple tissues can lead may to other chronic painful conditions like osteoarthritis.
27 male mice 6 weeks of age were randomly selected to receive 1 of 3 experimental diets: CT Control, HF high fat and HF-PB high fat plus probiotic mixture. The study lasted 14 weeks. Body weights of all three groups were logged in weekly and a body fat percentage was measured at week 13. Blood samples were taken after a 6 hour fast (before the beginning of the study) and at weeks 6 and 12.
An increase in body weight was seen to a larger extent in the mice on the high fat diet. However the body weight increases were reduced in the HF-PB group around week 10. Reductions of between 17% & 37 % were seen in serum glucose and insulin around week 12 in the HF-PB group when compared with the HF group.
The probiotic mixture consisted of 5 bacterial strains; Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L.salivarius and two strains of Bifidobacterium lactis.
Here are some things to consider when purchasing probiotics:
Are the organisms shelf stable? This means are the probiotic strains manufactured using a means to preserve and ensure stability without needing to be refrigerated. If not, the products need to be stored in the frig to ensure the organisms stay active.
How are the organisms transported to withstand stomach acid during digestion? Some probitoic manufacturers use an enteric coating to bypass stomach acids and some manufactures uses probiotic strains that have been cultivated under harsh conditions and have developed the ability to adapt to extreme environmental changes like pH and temperature. A survival of the fittest type of situation.
What about Prebiotics? Prebiotics help to support the growth of friendly bacteria. For example FOS (food source of probiotics) and FiberAid® arabinogalactans (a patented prebiotic from Lonza® are some example of prebiotics that could be added to a probiotic supplement to make it a more complete
The Nature’s Vitamins 35 Billion Probiotics contain 8 strains of friendly bacteria (including the 5 strains that were used in the above mentioned study). They are shelf stable and are manufactured using a patented poly matrix preservation system, to preserve and ensure stability without the need for refrigeration. The use of Bioenhanced Acid Resistant Strains (BEARS) of friendly bacteria ensures survivability of the probiotic nutrients in both low (acid and high (alkaline) pH environments. So the BEARS strains withstand the acid conditions present in the stomach during digestion without the need for an enteric coating. Prebiotics are included in the product to aid the body in making it’s own friendly bacteria.
Read more about this wonderful probiotic:
https://naturesvitaminsonline.com/product/35-billion-probiotic/
