Saturday, March 28, 2015

The Search For Vegan Probiotics Supplements

By Lelia Hall


More and more people are realizing the health benefits of beneficial bacteria in the human digestive tract. Ancient cultures recognized this importance on a practical level, and their confidence in fermented and cultured foods is being validated by scientific research. People who choose to avoid all animal products, and therefore can't eat dairy-based yogurt or kefir, can find vegan probiotics supplements and certified food products.

Recently, the American National Institutes Of Health has undertaken a comprehensive study of the bacteria in the human gut. Many, many different kinds of intestinal microbes have been identified, some with difficult names like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Scientists are identifying the different kinds and trying to determine the function of each. Both good and bad bacteria exist in the human digestive system.

Most of the organisms, both good and bad, are found in the large intestine, where the bulk of digestion occurs. Beneficial bacteria suppress the harmful yeasts that cause problems if they become too prolific. The 'good guys' also protect the lining of the intestines, which keeps undigested food from passing through into the bloodstream. The 'leaky gut syndrome' is the cause of many allergic reactions to food. Good bacteria boost the immune system, helping it control inflammation, which is the underlying cause of many illnesses.

Although cultured and fermented foods play a major part in the diet of many people groups, western societies are less likely to consume them. Furthermore, many foods which could provide beneficial bacteria, like yogurt and kefir, have been turned into desserts with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, neither of which help keep intestinal flora healthy.

Acidophilus and Lactobacillus, two strains of bacterium familiar to many because they are found in conventional yogurt, are only two of many beneficial bacterium under investigation. Yogurt and kefir, of course, are off-limits to vegans. Lactobacillus can be found in vegetable foods like kimchi or green superfoods (spirulina, chorella, blue-green algae). This good microbe is also present in kombucha, the popular fermented tea.

Other forms of beneficial organisms are found in fermented soy products familiar to most vegans. Tempeh, miso, and soy sauces like tamari and shoyu are rich in probiotics. Fermented foods of European cultures include sauerkraut and pickles.

Packaged foods made especially for vegans will display the industry symbol on the label. Vegetarian products may contain colors, preservatives, or flavors that are of animal origin. Dishes made at home are easy to control, but purchased foods and supplements should have the symbol that assures consumers they are free of animal products. Some manufacturers ensure against cross-contamination by using separate facilities for vegan foods.

In these busy modern times, fewer people take the time to make meals at home. In addition, stress and lack of exercise - typical of modern life - are hard on our healthy flora. This is one reason why probiotic supplements have become popular. Fortunately, there are high-quality products available that have the vegan symbol on the label. This assurance is important to consumers who really care about the purity of what they eat. Using supplements also provides high concentrations of beneficial microbes to hasten the process of healing and to make maintaining a healthy bacteria population easier.




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