Resident and Transient Microbes of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract contained in iFlora
Among the innumerable living inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract, there are both resident microorganisms as well as transient or visiting microorganisms. Both play a direct and vital role in maintaining superior health and well-being; and both may very well have an important impact on the life span of every individual.
TRAITS OF THE BODY'S BENEFICIAL RESIDENT
BIFIDOBACTERIA were first discovered in 1900 by Henry Tissier. He was the first to encourage the therapeutic use of Bifidobacteria for the relief of intestinal disorders. Although, it wasn't until 1950 that the remarkable probiotic effects of this effective microorganism were first demonstrated. The three specific effects noted were, elimination of pro-carcinogens, altering of procarcinogenic enzymes and tumor suppression.
There are a number of different species of bifidobacteria in the human intestinal system, three of the most important are B. longum, B. bifidum and B. infantis. At birth a baby's intestines are virtually free of microorganisms. The addition of the mothers breast milk promotes rapid growth of Bifidobacteria in the gastrointestina tract, unlike store-bought formulas which have no such beneficial effect. Over 90% of the microbial count in the intestinal tract of breast-fed infants are composed of the highly beneficial bifidobacteria.
The onset of chronic degenerative disease is believed by some researchers to be directly linked to the declining levels of the healthgiving bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract caused in part by the aging of the human body. This disappearance of bifidobacteria in the intestines is also believed to be due to the gradual disruption and change in the acid/alkaline balance of the bowels which tend to favor the growth of harmful viral and fungal organisms as well as putrefactive, disease-causing bacteria instead of the beneficial bifidobacteria.
Researcher Tamura reported in 1983 that one of the reasons that bifidobacteria has the ability to exert various beneficial effects on human health is because of its ability to have an adverse effect on pathogenic or disease causing bacteria.
Researchers report in Letters in Applied Microbiology that B. longum was able to eliminate cancer causing nitrates commonly found in foods and ingested by humans. B. longum had the unique property of metabolizing or degrading nitrates by an intracellular enzymatic activity. Furthermore, in the journal Cancer Research researchers report that dietary intake of B. longum significantly inhibits the development and growth of colon, liver and breast cancers in laboratory animal models.
The medical journal Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology reports that B. bifidum is a microorganism whose presence in the intestine of infants is an indication of health. Disturbances of intestinal flora in connection with peristalsis disorders, liver diseases, radiation effects etc., are usually related to the restriction or disappearance of B. bifidum.
From the medical journal Digestive Diseases & Sciences comes information that B. bifidum has the ability to protect the body against the devastation of rotavirus diarrhea and that it modifies the gut flora and is a supportive therapy for intestinal infections and intestinal disturbances.
Even more importantly, immune strengthening properties have been reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition especially in relation to colon health and its suppressive effect on tumors. It reports that B. bifidum is well tolerated without side effects, reducing the inflammatory response of the colon and stimulating the body's fluid immunity.
And if that's not enough, Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin reports information confirming the anti-ulcer effects of B. bifidum when administered orally. The ability of B. bifidum to protect animal models against the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella was demonstrated in studies reported in the journal of Applied Microbiology.
The Journal of Applied Bacteriology reports that B. infantis is a part of an important group of microorganisms which are considered to exert a range of biological activities related to human health. One aspect is the inhibitory effect of B, infantis on invasive pathogenic bacteria such as some strains of E. coli. Results of studies show that it is able to exert more than one mechanism of inhibition, which is very important with regard to protection against gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and bowels).
Moreover, in the journal Nutrition and Cancer reports conclude that although the mechanism of the anti-tumor activity of B. infantis is unclear, it clearly produces compounds with anti-proliferative activity useful in the prevention and therapy of solid tumors like breast cancer.
Research studies show B. lactis with significant "immunological" properties. It resists acid digestion, the action of bile salts and survives intestinal transit allowing larger numbers to reach the colon. B. lactis is known to help alleviate constipation, prevent diarrhea (especially in children) and decrease chronic inflammation of the sigmoid colon. In addition, its antimicrobial properties decrease the effects of negative bacteria, especially clostridia.
These lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are both acid and bile resistant, and therefore, more likely to survive the journey from the mouth through the gastrointestinal tract and into the intestines. Recent research shows L. paracasei effective in the prevention and treatment of certain types of diarrhea. Additional studies have focused on L. paracasei's ability to alter the activity of intestinal microflora, modulate the immune system and perhaps reduce the risk of some cancers.
L. rhamnosus is one of the most intensely studied probiotic strains. Its advantages in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders are well documented. It has particularly been associated with the prevention or alleviation of diverse intestinal disorders such as lactose intolerance, viral and bacterial diarrhea, adverse effects of abdominal radiotherapy, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, and food allergy according to Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
In laboratory animal studies, L. rhamnosus has been shown to inhibit the growth of colon tumors, especially when supplementation with L. rhamnosus is started before tumors were induced with a carcinogenic substance. L. rhamnosus is an organism of human origin that survives in the human gastrointestinal tract and can inhibit initiation or early promotion of colon tumors in rodents providing evidence for its beneficial use in inhibiting the formation of human colon cancers.
Multiple reports in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology showed that it demonstrated an increased resistance to yeast infections and urinary tract infections. More recently, there has been strong evidence to the link of lactobacilli vaginal deficiency with sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS and bacterial vaginosis. It has also been shown to inhibit growth of a variety of bacterial species, including streptococci according to the European Journal of Oral Sciences. Researcher Brochu with the Institute Rosell reports, 'T. rhamnosus may be considered as one of the most important lactobacilli, if not the best."
Research studies show that L. brevis decreases intestinal permeability, improves intestinal microflora, and has a positive effect on the intestinal immune system.
This particular microorganism has the unique ability to eradicate the dreaded Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria which is now known to be the major cause of peptic ulcers. The dreadful H. pylori microorganism interferes with the normal defenses against stomach acid and/or produces a toxin that contributes to peptic ulcer formation. The traditional treatment of H. pylori infection with antibiotics does not always eradicate the organism and such treatment is also often accompanied by harmful side effects.
In addition, H. pylori can become resistant to the antibiotics used to eradicate it which can create a serious problem later on in treating the infection. L. salivarius was discovered by researchers to be able to produce a high amount of lactic acid and thus completely inhibit the growth of H. pylori and reduce the associated inflammatory response. It is also effective against pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella typhimurium.
Lactis are a natural antibiotic, which reduces the ability of pathogenic bacteria to grow and cause infection. It is especially effective against the bacteria Listeria monorytogenes, which causes severe food poisoning.
This microorganism is reported in Microbiology & Immunology to have the most potent protective activity against the potentially lethal Listeria bacteria than any other beneficial bacteria. About 30% of those infected with Listeria die. Listeria bacteria infects shellfish, birds, spiders, and mammals (including cows) in all areas of the world. It is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or their secretions, by breathing infected dust, or through contact with contaminated sewage or soil. Listeriosis is most commonly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated dairy products or raw vegetables. The most common manifestation of listeriosis is meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord) which left untreated can result in coma and death.
L. casei is also being studied for its ability to induce an immune response in the genital mucosa capable of controlling the entry of pathogenic bacteria. For this reason it is being studied for use in making a vaccine against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Reports in the medical journal Cancer Letters show that L. casei not only shows an inhibiting activity in tumor cells but it also has a beneficial stimulating activity in normal cells.
This strain is the dominating bacterial species in most naturally fermented foods. It is an excellent alternative to antibiotics, and makes use of its potential to block receptor sites for gram- negative bacteria. L. plantarum is capable of metabolizing semi-resistant fibers, such as onion, garlic, artichoke, wheat, oat, rye, bananas, and yeast. It is also an important tool in antimicrobial defense and is effect both against extra- and intercellular pathogens.
THE AMAZING QUALITIES OF LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS
By far, the most well researched bacterial resident of the small intestine is L. acidophilus. This is the colonizer, the inhabitant that constitutes the first line of defense against alien invaders, as well as opportunistic organisms like yeasts, which can take over the area and spread throughout the body when the defensive occupying forces are weakened. L. acidophilus bacteria even helps keep your heart healthy by helping to lowering the levels of cholesterol in your blood.
When L. acidophilus bacteria are present in sufficient numbers, they prevent invading pathogens and opportunistic organisms from finding a place along the walls of the intestine where nutrients cross into the bloodstream. If too many harmful bacteria manage to set up colonies, nutrient absorption can be blocked. Fortunately, when the walls are crowded with acidophilus colonizers, there is no room for newcomers and no way for opportunistic organisms to exceed their boundaries.
Many studies in both
animals and humans have shown that L. acidophilus added to the diet helps
to efficiently lower cholesterol levels in the blood. In a number of studies
in which rats, pigs, and rab
Dr. S. E. Gilliland and his colleagues reported on their study in a paper entitled, "Assimilation of Cholesterol by Lactobacillus Acidophilus," published in the February 1985 issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Dr. Gilliland showed that when acidophilus was grown in the presence of cholesterol, some cholesterol actually appeared inside the lactobacillus cells while they were growing. The scientists were able to confirm this effect by a reduction in the amount of cholesterol present in the surrounding growth medium.
Dr. Gilliland stressed the amount of cholesterol added to the culture dishes was not in excess of quantities normally found in the intestines. This effect occurred only when bile was present but there was no oxygen, the precise conditions found in the gastrointestinal tract. The conclusions reached by Dr. Gilliland was that this ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, "would make it possible for the organism to assimilate at least part of the cholesterol ingested in the diet, making it unavailable for absorption into the blood."
A similar action could be expected on cholesterol that is manufactured in the human body which has actually been demonstrated in many human and animal studies.
Transient microorganisms are also extremely important to understand. These include food-borne microorganisms and even soil-borne microorganisms that make their way into the human digestive tract and, depending upon the characteristics of the specific organism involved, either subtly or dramatically influence the overall health of the human system.
Transient microorganisms are different from resident microorganisms in that they do not take up permanent residence in the gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they establish small colonies for brief periods of time before dying off or being flushed from the intestinal system via normal digestive processes, and/or by peristaltic bowel action.
However, in taking up temporary residence, they contribute to the overall function and condition of the digestive system. For example, the lives of some of the most important resident microorganisms involved in human digestion and intestinal health depend on byproducts produced by the visiting transients. Therefore, in many cases, these two very different types of microorganisms nonetheless enjoy a complex symbiotic relationship that may dramatically influence the health and well-being of your entire body.
Now, let's turn to the numerous health benefits of transient microorganisms. We will also show you how you can use this little-known information to transform your own health with astonishing success.
Although L. bulgaricus is a transient bacteria, not a colonizer, it is a great help to the resident bacteria that set up colonies in your intestines. Although it is especially "famous" for alleviating digestive problems (including acid reflux) and taming a runaway appetite, everyone can benefit greatly from it.
L. bulgaricus is recommended for overall support of the friendly bacteria, enhanced digestibility of milk products and other proteins, production of natural antibiotic substances, inhibition of undesirable organisms, maximum effectiveness of waste disposal, colon cleaning without disrupting friendly bacteria, and effective immune enhancement.
This important microorganism has been extremely well researched by many recognized scientists and has proven to be an extremely beneficial addition to the body. Researchers have established that L. bulgaricus synthesizes a natural antibiotic substance that has a wide spectrum of activity. It has been used successfully for many years by Bulgarian doctors to treat such gastrointestinal disorders as enterocolitis.
L. bulgaricus has been used to treat patients who were struggling with the after-effects of taking broad-spectrum antibiotics for long periods of time. These patients suffered from diarrhea, a common consequence when antibiotics cause a die-off of beneficial intestinal bacteria. They also suffered from severe herpes simplex lesions in the mouth, as well as some types of non-viral mouth ulcers that often accompany the herpes virus. They were given L. bulgaricus four times daily and all of the patients improved.
In another study sixty-four patients with vaginal herpes (herpes simplex labialis), ninety-seven with mouth lesions (aphthous stomatitis), thirteen with ulcers of the cornea (dendritic ulceration), and six with genital herpes (herpes progenitalis) were given daily supplementation of L. bulgaricus. Genital herpes was eradicated in all patients.
For vaginal herpes, the beneficial bacteria achieved a 95% success rate; twenty-four were much improved and in thirty-seven of the sixty-four patients the vaginal herpes was eradicated. For most, the benefits came within three days. Only three patients showed no change.
The success rate in those patients with herpes sores in their mouths was around 80%; thirtyseven were much improved, in forty of ninety-seven patients it was eradicated, and twenty showed no change. Improvements were noted within twenty-four hours, and the lesions disappeared within four days for the 80% who were helped.
Most people are unaware that herpes can infect the cornea of the eye, but it can. The success rate here was 46%, in the thirteen patients treated it was eradicated in six.
The antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) has been isolated in S. thermophilus in a study performed at the North Carolina State University and reported in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Superoxide Dismutase is an antioxidant naturally occurring in vegetables and has been frequently recommended by some physicians for the pain associated with arthritis.
Antioxidants not only search for harmful free radicals in the body they destroy them when they find them.
The antioxidant activity of S. thermophilus scavenges the body for the free radicals which increase in the body as a result of aging, stress, antibiotics, and the consumption of sugar, antibiotics, chlorinated water and other chemicals and toxins present in the Standard American Diet (SAD). S. Thermophilus displays antitumor activity, especially as related to colon cancer cell growtaccording to studies reported in the journal Carcinogenesis.
Additional studies reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows the efficacy of this particular bacteria when treating diarrhea as well as intestinal and vaginal infections.
It also generates lactase activity facilitating the digestion of lactose in milk thereby decreasing the symptoms of malabsorption which often accompany acute infectious diarrhea.
A significantly positive role was played by S. thermophilus in studies reported in the journal Microbiology & Immunology regarding ulcer formation in rats treated with Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It inhibited ulcer formation in the ileum of rats treated with a NSAID. Rats receiving a single oral dose of the NSAID developed ileal ulcers in normal healthy rats. NSAIDs are widely used as both anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. However, they induce gastrointestinal ulceration as the most common adverse drug effect causing perforated duodenal ulcers and even death in some long-term users of NSAIDs.
As you can see, a number of phenomenal new breakthroughs in probiotic research have recently led to a whole new level of understanding among researchers regarding which specific types of resident as well as transient beneficial microorganisms provide the most profound benefits to the human body. Companies on the cutting-edge of this technology have pioneered a potent, highly effective product called iFLORA'".
This breakthrough product contains all of the beneficial microorganisms mentioned in this report. In fact, iFLORA' contains sixteen different strains of the most powerful, well-researched, beneficial microorganisms in the world. To my knowledge, there is no other product that boasts such a broad spectrum of beneficial transient and resident microorganisms-all needed by the human body.
iFLORA is being used with extraordinary results by a select group of doctors in private practice nationwide. Supplementing with a friendly flora product is often a decisive element in the overall healing strategy employed by these holistic health professionals. They find that it makes an important contribution to health and recovery. Without exception, the clinicians interviewed for this article used nothing less than superlatives to describe their experience with this remarkable product.
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The information contained within the pages of this Special Report is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical advice. The information is received from sources believed to be accurate, but no guarantee can be made. The statements found within the pages of this Special Report have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If a product is recommended, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results will vary. 211 Jennifer Lane • Cottonwood, AZ 86326 • www.sedonalabs.com