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Today's subject is about the not so well known role of INTESTINAL MICROFLORA and our health. This information has been provided, compliments of Dr Ela Johannsen of BIOFLORA laboratories. " Apart from correct nutrition, an important factor contributing to general health and well-being is the composition of the resident intestinal micro flora in the human gut. The intestinal micro flora in the digestive tract consists of organisms that permanently live there (they colonize the tract) and those that are transient. More than 400 species of bacteria can be found at any given time in the human intestines. However, only a few species possess the beneficial qualities necessary to maintain a healthy digestive tract. The extensive use of antibiotics, stress, incorrect diet and environmental pollution frequently lead to the loss of beneficial bacteria, normally present in the intestines, and may result in various disturbances of the digestive system, such as: Diarrhea, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Abdominal distention, Spastic colon etc…. In order to restore the correct and beneficial balance of the intestinal flora, supplementary preparations containing high numbers ( at least 1 billion per capsule ) of bacteria should be administered. Probiotic organism ( from the Greek "for life" ) are some of the lactic acid bacteria such as : LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDOBACTERIUM or BIFIDOBACTERIUM LONGUM, which have been grown in laboratories under strictly controlled conditions and are usually available in a lyophilized ( freeze dried ) but fully alive form. Extensive scientific research has established a number of beneficial properties of these bacteria. For example, it has been reported that they: Suppress pathogenic intestinal microorganisms ( harmful bacteria and viruses ) · Normalize digestion and bowl functions by correcting both constipation and diarrhea · Decrease flatulence and abdominal distention · Manufacture vitamins of the B group ( including vitamin B12 ) · Enhance digestion of lactose found in milk and milk-based products · Control overgrowth of CANDIDA ALBICANS · Enhance absorption of various minerals, such as calcium & magnesium · Neutralize carcinogen and/or prevent their formation · Reduce blood cholesterol levels · Enhance the functions of the immune system These bacteria have the ability to colonize the human intestines and become the main resident intestinal flora. Nature provides these important mechanisms to prevent the dominance of harmful microorganisms and protect against many health risks. It should be stressed that the lactic acid bacteria present in fermented dairy products, although similar to the probiotic microorganism, should not be considered to have identical beneficial effects. This is primarily because: 1) These bacteria are selected for characteristics of prime interest to the dairy industry ( acidification parameters, aroma production etc..) 2) They are usually incapable of permanently colonizing the intestines and constitute the so-called " transient intestinal flora " 3) Fermented dairy products contain low numbers of living lactic acid bacteria, approximately 10 000 to 100 000 per milliliter at the end of fermentation. One would therefore have to consume between 10 to 100 liters of yogurt ( assuming that the number of beneficial bacteria is not reduced during storage ) to obtain the equivalent of one capsule of a good quality probiotic product. " If you need any further information, please feel free to contact the following tel. Numbers ( 012 ) 3482367 or 083-3027797 ( 012 ) 6729022 or 083-2540680 ----------------------------------------------------------