Definition of a Probiotic
'Probiotic' is a generic term for a wide range of different types of life enhancing bacterium and microorganisms. Not all probiotics are the same and they don’t all work in the same way in our bodies. The most commonly known types of probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. The important characteristic of probiotics is that they have to reach the intestines alive and have to stay and multiply there to do us any good. Scientific studies have shown that 85% of the isolated species of lactobacillus from kefir grains can adhere to cells in the intestinal tract. The beneficial yeasts in kefir are also fairly acid tolerant and can also adhere to the intestinal tract.

Why do we need probiotics?
Around 70-80% of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract. Scientists are now confirming that what we eat affects our immune system. Most molecules in the body are food derived, so it makes sense that the food we eat affects our body. The popular catch phrase 'you are what you eat' is so true!

Probiotics assist the naturally occurring good bacteria in the digestive tract encouraging it to flourish and, in doing so, reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria. As with most health related products, to work properly they need to be used as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. It’s not just food that affect the microflora in our bodies, factors such as stress, fear, anxiety and worry can directly affect our bodies in a negative way that creates an environment where more harmful bacteria can thrive and create illness.

What do probiotics do?
• Probiotics resist digestion - which is good, because they get to work in the intestines
• Probiotics are protective to the intestinal tract - they keep toxins at bay by lining the gut wall.
• Probiotics are anti inflammatory, assisting the immune system to increase anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Probiotics decrease fermentation in the gut - this helps to reduce wind and bloating.

Nourish Kefir is a 100% natural probiotic
Kefir is a living food containing different bacteria, yeasts and enzymes. The quantities of relevant microorganisms in kefir make it a natural probiotic food.

Kefir contains the following probiotic bacteria:
Bifido bacterium - bifidokefir, Lactobacilli - Lb. Kefir, Lb. Fermentum, Lb.Reuteri, Lb. Acidophilus, Lb. Casei, Lb. Brevis, Lb.Buchneri

Kefir and Health

The intestine is considered a natural environment for probiotic bacteria, and it is here that the probiotic bacteria in kefir can populate the gastro-intestinal tract and help to reduce or even prevent procarcinogenic cells in the colon. Some studies have show that kefir can kill H.
pylori, the bacteria now known to cause stomach ulcers.

The antibacterial nature of kefir means it can be effective in reducing Gram positive organisms such as E Coli, Listeria and Salmonella bacterias and pathogens such as Clostridia The antibacterial effect of kefir against pathogens is attributed to organic acids and specific antibodies produced by acetic acid bacteria and yeasts in kefir, as well as lactic acid and acetic acid produced during fermentation.

We believe that the good bacteria in Nourish Kefir can help ease the symptoms of IBS or Crohn's disease, which is the personal testimony of our MD - see our testimonials page for her story. Having managed to reduce her symptoms typical of IBS and Crohn's disease, Deborah's understanding is that the good bacteria in kefir are helping to reduce the bad bacteria which she feels are responsible for the pain, trapped wind and diarrhoea. Bad wind is a by-product of the bad bacteria, the worse it is - the more bad bacteria are in the intestines. Her interest has involved studies in this area and discussions with specialists in probiotics, fermented foods and pharmacology who agree with her theories.

Having learned how bad bacteria are a virtual organ and can communicate with the brain, it would make you wonder if bad bacteria can influence our food choices to crave surgary foods, that feed them further. Doing food tastings, we meet some people who think that kefir is too sour - and they admit they have a sweet tooth. The sour taste of kefir is the lactic acid - full of important enzymes as well as probiotics that are great for the body!


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Probiotics and Antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to kill-off bacteria, and in eliminating these, they eliminate the good bacteria too. If you take prescribed antibiotics it can be a good idea to take a probiotic at the same time and continue taking them for a few weeks after the course is finished to make sure your intestines are maintain their supply of good bacteria. Some hospitals in mainland Europe automatically prescribe probiotics for patients that are taking antibiotics.

Scientists studying the effects of probiotics, for use in patients with diseases and chronic conditions, established that the associated benefits of taking probiotics is achieved by continuous use – it helps if probiotics become a regular part of our diets.

Good bacteria are an asset to the body
Metabolic activity is a virtual organ, where the good bacteria assist the body in its defence against pathogens, so it is important to look after the gastrointestinal tract.. We literally have a belly-full of organisms… living in colonies and performing many different functions. These bacteira are not inert parasites in our bodies, they send active signals from the gut around the body. Bacteria weigh aprox 2kg in the human gut!

Good bacteira help our intestines and colon function normally to eliminate toxins and waste products that could otherwise be poionous to our bodies. Good bacteira also help our bodies synthesise B and K vitamins and metabolise carcinogens. Conversely, when the gut micro flora become ‘bad’ bacteria, they create tissue damage and can even start carcinogens.

Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916), The Nobel Prize winner, was the pioneer of scientific research into beneficial bacteria and its effects in the human gut. In the early days of his research, the scientific community was sceptical about his findings related to bacteria. Now scientists the world over are taking a greater interest in gut health and how probiotics can assist the body in overcoming many diseases.

References

Farnworth, E. 2003, Handbook of Fermented Functional Foods, 97.
Sarkar S. 2007, Potential of kefir as a dietetic beverage - a review. British Food Journal.

Heller K.J 2004, Inclusion of probiotics in beverages:can it lead to improved health? Beverages in Nutrition and Health.

Included in the above information are notes taken from the Allergy Research Foundation meeting: ‘Probiotics as mainstream medical therapy?’ on 22.11.06 at The Royal College of Physicians, London.