Metabolism is a complex biochemical procedure that has two components – catabolism and anabolism that occur in different parts of the body to enable the breakdown or build up of different constituents. Anabolism is the procedure which involves the formation of newer molecules while catabolism is the procedure in which there is break down of these molecules into simpler units. Energy is required to enable the formation of newer molecules. This energy is derived by the break down of foods that we consume in our diets. Therefore, metabolism involves anabolism and catabolism occurring simultaneously. But, there is a difference in the rates of anabolism and catabolism to enable the formation of energy for other purposes of the body. When anabolism rate is higher, there is improvement in the growth of cells in the body which is reversed if the rate of catabolism is higher. Anabolism makes use of certain chemical reactions to build new bigger molecule from smaller molecules. Anabolism helps in replenishing dead cells and creating newer cells that help in tissue repair and growth. It is also involved in the creation of enzymes and other important parts of the cells and cell membranes of the cells of the body. Catabolism is important to create energy for various activities of the body. Catabolism involves the break up of bigger molecules into much simpler and smaller molecules that can be utilized by the body. These smaller molecules are converted into other constituents by the cells and tissues of the body to be used as energy when required. Catabolism and anabolism can be better understood by studying some sports medicines that are available. These aim at decreasing catabolism and improving anabolism. This enables the development of tissues of the body at a better rate and helps overcome the strain of the tissues and muscles by quick repair. A few examples of substances that improve the anabolism and decreases catabolism are proteins, antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. A nutritious and well-balanced diet can also be helpful. Anabolism and catabolism are processes that take place within the cells of the body. These processes do not affect the involuntary actions of the body like digestion, respiration, etc. Anabolism makes use of certain chemical reactions to build new bigger molecule from smaller molecules. Anabolism helps in replenishing dead cells and creating newer cells that help in tissue repair and growth. It is also involved in the creation of enzymes and other important parts of the cells and cell membranes of the cells of the body. As nutrients are necessary for the body to function to the best of its ability, nutritional deficiencies will disrupt the normal metabolism. This may result in adverse changes in the rate of catabolism and anabolism. Therefore, a nutritious and well balanced diet is very essential for the proper maintenance of metabolism and its components of anabolism and catabolism. One thing that needs to be borne in mind is that anabolism and catabolism go hand-in-hand and one requires the other to occur. The various hormones in our body have been segregated by endocrinologists as being `catabolic' or `anabolic' depending on the functions they perform. About The Author: Learn more about common topics like how do I increase my metabolism through diet as well as how does ciggarette smoking change your metabolism at http://www.extramet abolism.com the online portal dedicated to ways to increase your metabolism Please use the HTML version of this article at: http://www.isnare. com/html. php?aid=288472 ============ ====== ARTICLE END ============ ====== For more free-reprint articles by John Michelin please visit: http://www.isnare. com/?s=author& a=John+Michelin |
Showing posts with label immune. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immune. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2009
How to Speed Up Your Metabolism - Facts About Anabolism and Catabolism
Friday, March 20, 2009
God Bless the Common Cold,Symptoms, Natural Remedies
NOTE: The information in this article comes from various alternative health books such as, Your Health, Your Choice by Dr. M. Ted Morter Jr. and Detoxification and Healing by Sidney Baker.
Germs are not the cause of disease. Germs only set up residence and become a problem when your body's defenses are down. Lowered resistance is a large "welcome" sign for germs. Bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms are in and around us all the time, they don't show up just on rainy days or during the winter season (Morter, p. 11).
A runny nose, watery-eyes, fever, and a miserable cold represents an internal cleansing process. You should be very happy that your body is strong enough to do house cleaning because this helps bring your body back a state of homeostasis (balance). The body's first line of defense against unwanted or unnecessary visitors is dilution. Diluting substances the body doesn't need or want renders them less harmful. One method of removing unwanted or toxic materials from the body is the common cold. A cold may make you feel rotten, but the cold itself serves a purpose. Your body is getting rid of waste matter that if left in your body may lead to health problems in the future (p. 15).
A fever that sometimes accompanies a cold and other ailments is another ingenious method of house cleaning intruders... A controlled fever(up to 104 F) can dispatch germs, burn off toxic material, and allow the body to resume its regular routines. Both science and culture acknowledge that fevers serve a health-restoring purpose, however, the pesky cold hasn't yet been awarded this lofty status (p. 15).
Cold symptoms can be brought about by improving your diet too quickly and giving your body more natural and beneficial foods than it is accustomed to having. For example, if a person starts to improve their diet by drinking a glass of vegetable juice every night, he/she may develop cold like symptoms. I personally remember twelve years ago I used to come down with cold/flu like symptoms several times a year. Then I started developing the habit of making vegetable juice part of my diet every day. Within 4 weeks I came down with a strong cold combined with a fever. I was in bed for a week. However, that was the last cold/flu I've experienced in the last twelve years.
Cold symptoms can also be brought about by experiencing unusually stressful conditions whether emotional, physical or nutritional. For example, my brother leads a very healthy lifestyle and for years has never experienced any cold or flu like symptoms. Last summer because of a new job he had taken, he ended up traveling a great deal of the time and eating foods in restaurants for several weeks that he was not accustomed to eating. Sure enough when he came back home and started eating his healthy meals and going back to his less stressful lifestyle, he came down with a strong cold. He knew that it was just a cleanse and he understood that when this happens, his cells are clearing out the remnants of excessive waste matter faster than his elimination system can take the debris out of the body.
Another contributing factor to the common cold or cold like symptoms is eating the wrong foods. For example, sometimes our hurried lifestyle can lead us to eat too many fast foods or if it's the party season (Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the wonderful taste treats) our bodies will tolerate only so much accumulated junk foods before its saturation point is reached. A good cold is one way to clean out some of the "junk".
No matter how much money is spent trying to eradicate the common cold and nullify all of the microorganisms that are potential health threats, we probably may never succeed. Since germs aren't the problem, killing them off isn't the solution. The solution is practicing all the good health habits that we can on a daily basis to strengthen our immune system. Remember, "Germs cannot insist, if the body can resist" (p. 12).
Here's what you can do to speed up the getting well process "naturally":
• Use plant based enzymes to speed up the cleansing process thru your lymphatic system. Take enzymes on an empty stomach several times throughout the day (if possible take them every hour), in addition to enzymes with your meals. Continue to do this for several days. Most often by the third day, you'll feel dramatically better. Enzymes are known for assisting the removal of waste matter from the lymphatic system.
• Probiotics: You must ensure adequate intake of friendly bacteria on a daily basis to improve the digestive processes. Supplementation of friendly bacteria can indeed stimulate our immune systems because "...50 percent of the lymph tissue is located in the intestinal lining and 80 percent of all our protective immune globulins are produced there." (Nichols, p.16)
One of the best friendly bacteria products in the market today is a wide-spectrum friendly bacteria supplement micro-blended with fructo-oligosacchar ides. Following are its ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus thermophilus, Acerola and Rose Hips blend, wild blue green algae, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lipase, Amylase, Protease, and Cellulase.
• Virgin coconut oil: One of the most amazing aspects of coconut oil is its ability to fight harmful germs. When coconut oil is consumed, the body transforms its unique fatty acids into powerful antimicrobial powerhouses capable of reducing the negative side effects of most harmful microorganisms. Coconut oil is, in essence, a natural and powerful antibacterial, antivirus and antifungal food (Fife, pp. 59-60).
• Vitamin C will help you recover faster. Of course the source of the vitamin C should always be from fresh fruits and vegetables not man-made supplements. My mother taught me about a wonderful Vitamin C drink that helps reduce the effects of a runny nose and coughing. Mix warm water with raw organic honey. (Make sure you don't use boiling water, so the enzymes in the honey are not deactivated. ) Stir the honey so the warm water can melt it and then squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice and mix. Viola, lots of fresh Vitamin C.
• Use an enema, if necessary, to reduce fever and release waste matter. Or place a cold towel (tap water temperature) over your stomach while covering your body tightly with a blanket to reduce the fever.
• Gargle with sea salt and moderately warm water if you have a sore throat a few times during the day and at bed time.
• Here is another wonderful tip that my mother taught me in case headaches or severe coughing accompany the cold or flu. Rub some "Tiger Balm" ointment on your forehead, throat and/or chest. This is helpful, especially at bed time. It may not smell good to whoever is sharing your bed, but it is helpful to you. You can buy this ointment from any Chinese grocery and many health related stores.
• Drink lots of water in between meals to help dilute the toxins and clear your system.
• Eat simply. Fresh squeezed orange juice, and green vegetables are far better than anything heavy or high in volume. Also consider nutrient rich foods in supplement forms like wild-crafted blue green algae or a green drink mix made from organically grown sprouted grains and grasses. When you eat simply in times of colds and flus, you don't end up burdening your detoxification system and you may feel better faster. Eat only when you are hungry during a cold or flu.
• Sometimes if toxins are trapped in your gut and you are feeling nauseated and just not right in your stomach, take some activated charcoal. Charcoal will absorb gas and toxins and remove them quickly from your system. Activated charcoal can be bought from any health food store. However, activated charcoal is indiscriminate in what it absorbs. Therefore, it should not be taken with food or medicines as it would absorb them, too, and it should not be taken for long periods of time (Baker, p. 90).
If you can't find activated charcoal, buy Alka-Seltzer without aspirin. This form of Alka-Seltzer, which comes in a gold package and is nicknamed Alka-Gold by doctors who know the value of alkaline salts, contains only sodium and potassium bicarbonate. It is one step up from the baking soda found in any kitchen, which is just sodium bicarbonate and it can help in a pinch (p. 91).
• A good folk remedy for a nauseated stomach during a cold or flu is an herbal tea made of the following sweet herbs: anise, caraway and fennel seeds plus fresh ginger. Take a heaping teaspoon of each of the listed seeds and add water to make a cup of tea. Slice two or three thin pieces of organic, fresh ginger and add to the mix. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes. This tea is very calming to the stomach, especially if you have a stomach flu. It reduces gas, nausea and bloating.
• Rest, sleep and relax.
So, whenever you get a cold, as difficult as it may be through your runny nose and weeping eyes and sore throat, be thankful that your body still has enough vitality to defend itself and say "God bless this common cold".
References:
Baker, Sidney MacDonald, M.D. (1997). Detoxification and Healing. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
Fife, Bruce. (2001). The healing Miracles of Coconut Oil. Colorado Springs: HealthWise.
Morter, M. Ted. (1990). Your Health, Your Choice. Hollywood, Florida: Fell Publishers, Inc.
Nichols, Trent W., M.D. (1999). Optimal Digestion. New York, Avon Books, Inc.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oxygen- The Most Vital Element to Human Health- Are You Getting the Oxygen You Need?
Oxygen in the body is necessary for all vital functions and the elimination of waste products. Oxygen gives our bodies the fighting power to resist pathogens, bacteria and viruses.
Cardiovascular physiologist Dr Arthur Guyton MD has been quoted as saying "All chronic suffering is caused from lack of oxygen at the cell level".
It is a proven fact that oxygen deficiency eventually leads to disease or illness of some form. "Insufficient oxygen means insufficient biological energy that can result in anything from mild fatigue to life threatening disease" as quoted by Dr W Spencer Way- who wrote in the Journal of the American Association of Physicians.
There are many factors that cause Oxygen Deficiency. Some of these are : Overcooking our food which kills the enzymes, Breathing carbon monoxide fumes which strips oxygen from the blood, Eating processed foods that have little or no oxygen content and are full of chemicals, Drinking tap water with chemical additives such as flouride, De-forestation, Alcohol and Lack of exercise.
Exercise is the easiest way to get oxygen into the bloodstream. The problem is though, that in today's society the majority of people are not making time, or simply cannot find the time to exercise.
Dr Paris Kid PhD is quoted as saying "We can look at oxygen deficiency as the single greatest cause of all disease!" Oxygen deprivation to the cells can cause a wide range of conditions, some of these are: premature aging, body weakness, muscle aches, stress and anxiety, irritability, fatigue, circulation problems viral infections, poor digestion, bacterial and fungal infections and memory loss.
It is a proven fact that diseases such as cancer and AIDS, herpes and hepatitis, cannot tolerate high oxygen cells in the blood stream. This alone is reason enough to make a conscious effort to ensure you are oxygenating the blood. If you feel that factors of your environment could be depleting the oxygen supply to your bloodstream, be sure to take a daily oxygen supplement to help counteract these factors.
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About The Author: Lyn Nichols is and expert online trainer for Mastermind Pros and Liberty Health Net. She presents a weekly live training session on oxygen and other health topics. Lyn recommends the oxygen supplement from Liberty Health Net found at
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
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For more free-reprint articles by L. Nichols please visit:
Friday, March 6, 2009
Siddha Medicine-The Only Medical System In The World That Bestows Immortality
Siddha System of Medicine also known as Siddha Vaidya in India, is the oldest among the Indian Medical Systems namely Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani & its also the oldest medical system in the world.
The Siddha medicine is a form of south Indian TAMIL traditional medicine and part of the trio Indian medicines - Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. This system of medicine was popular in ancient India,Due to the antiquity of this medical system. The Siddha system of medicine is believed to be the oldest medical system in the universe. The system is believed to be developed by the Siddhars, the ancient supernatural spiritual saints of India and the Siddha system is believed to be handed over to the Siddhar by the Hindu God - Lord Shiva (click to visit) and Goddess Parvathi. So are the Siddhars, the followers of Lord Shiva(saivam).Siddhar's Total Nos are eighteen in them Agathiyar Is the First Siddhar.
Since number of people, preferring natural health remedies and herbal health remedies are increasing day by day and Indian medical systems like Ayurveda is gaining popularity all over the world now a days, I think its the best time to give you some information about Siddha Medicine Which Is Far More Advanced than Ayurveda For Usage of Herbs, Metals, Minerals As Well As Animals and Siddha System of Medicine is the Oldest Medical System in existence.
Siddha System of Medicine is an integrated part of Indian System, which is very potent and unique system when compared with other traditional systems in existence. Siddha Medicine is contributing much to the health care of human beings and Siddha Vaidya could be considered as the crown of all the traditional arts of the ancient world owing to its richness and simplicity.
Siddha System propounded by the Siddhars is a vast and unique system which defines health as a Perfect State Of Physical, Psychological, Social And Spiritual Well Being of an individual. The system not only deals with medicine, but with spirituality, righteous way of living, rejuvenation and its main aim Kaivalya or Attainment of Perfection. Siddhars knew that the only way of stopping the cycle of rebirths was by making the body as strong as a stone, unaffected by diseases, old age or even death. Thus the Kayakalpa System was formed.
No doubt, the Siddha System of Medicine is one among the foremost of all other medical systems of the world. The other systems are concerned with treatment and preventive aspects only. But Siddha Medicine is the only system which bestows immortality.
History
According to the scriptures, there were 18 principal Siddhars. Of these 18, Agasthiyar is believed to be the father of Siddha Medicine. There is a controversy that exists in this regard as some people claim, Siddhar Theraiyyar (One of the 18 Siddhars) as the Father Of Siddha Medicine.
Siddhars were of the concept that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they developed methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls. Men and women who dedicated their lives into developing the system were called ‘Siddhars’. They practiced intense yogic practices, including years of fasting and meditation. And believed to have achieved super natural powers and gained the supreme wisdom and overall immortality. Through this spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.
The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India. It is believed that some families may possess more fragments, but keep them solely for their own use.
From these manuscripts, the Siddha System of medicine developed into a part of Indian medical science. Today there are recognized Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught.
‘Siddha Medicine’ means medicine that is perfect.....
Siddha Medicine revitalizes and rejuvenates the organs, the dysfunction of which is causing the disease. This brings back normal functioning of the organs. It also maintains the ratio of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, thus maintaining the healthy state of the body. Since no artificial chemicals are involved, it doesn’t cause any side effects.The Siddha Medicine given TO Patients Leaf,Flower,Fruit,Root in a mixed Basis in some extrodinary cases this medicine is not at all cured for those such cases They recommond to take Thanga Pashpam in it Gold is also added in a Eating method.
Most of the practicing Siddha medical practitioners are traditionally trained usually in families and also by different gurus(teachers). When the guru is also a martial arts teacher, he is also known as an Ashan. Practicing this special healing art from obscure clinics, they help heal many maladies which are untouched by western medicine. They make a diagnosis after a patient's visit and sets about to refer their manuscripts for the appropriate remedies which a true blue physician compounds himself or herself from thousands of herbal and herbo-mineral resources. The unique methodology of Siddha thought helped decipher many causes of disorders and the formulation of curious remedies which may sometimes have more than 250 ingredients.
article referenced from :
Spencer Jones : www.siddhaphysician.com
( Spencer Jones, son of Dr.V.Stanley Jones is a Senior Siddha Physician in the state, working as Senior Siddha Medical Officer in Govt. Siddha Hospital Trivandrum, which is the first Government Siddha hospital in Kerala. I am a Siddha Medical student studying in Santhigiri Siddha Medical College Trivandrum which is also the first Siddha Medical College in Kerala.)
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To understand this better you need to read and understand more about Siddha and the Siddhars who developed it. Below you can find links where you can read more about this wonderful Science of Siddha.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, often life-long,
autoimmune disease that ranges from mild to severe and afflicts
mostly women. The primary characteristics of the disease are fatigue,
joint pain, and recurrent injuries in the vessels that course through
the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread
sites, but it often manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and
kidneys. SLE was first described in 1828. Its name includes "lupus,"
from the Latin term for wolf, because the disease often produces a
rash that extends across the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones
and was thought to resemble a wolf bite. The term erythematosus (from
the Greek word for red) refers to the color of the rash, and the term
systemic is used because the disease can affect organs and tissue
throughout the body.
Lupus is a chronic, often life-long, autoimmune disease that ranges
from mild to severe and afflicts mostly women. The primary
characteristics of the disease are fatigue, joint pain, and recurrent
injuries in the vessels that course through the body. Systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread sites, but it often
manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. SLE was first
described in 1828. Its name includes "lupus," from the Latin term for
wolf, because the disease often produces a rash that extends across
the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones and was thought to
resemble a wolf bite.
The term erythematosus (from the Greek word for red) refers to the
color of the rash, and the term systemic is used because the disease
can affect organs and tissue throughout the body.
Treatment of SLE varies depending on the extent and severity of the
disease. Many therapies can suppress symptoms and relieve discomfort.
Milder treatments are usually effective for symptoms such as fever,
arthritis, pleurisy, mild kidney involvement, inflammation of the
tissue surrounding the heart, headaches, and rash. More aggressive
treatment is needed if there is serious disease progression,
evidenced by the following: hemolytic anemia, low platelet count with
an accompanying rash (thrombocytopenic purpura), major involvement in
the lungs or heart, significant kidney damage, acute inflammation of
the small blood vessels in the extremities or gastrointestinal tract,
or severe central nervous system symptoms.
Consider this:
Patients have reported benefits from certain herbs, such as Essiac
Tea (used in tea and other preparations) .
White Willow Bark is a good anti-inflammatory that works like aspirin
(it is an ingredient in aspirin) with out side effects to the stomach
or gastrointestinal tract.
Cat's claw, black walnut, omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil are
helpful to lessen inflammation. Colloidal silver may be used as an
antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-arthritic remedy.
NOTE: many lupus patients are on several different Western
medications. Before starting any herbal regime, please consider
consulting an herbalist with experience in this disorder. Herbal
medicine can be taken safely when used two hours before or after
Western medicine to avoid side effects.
Cultivating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in whole
grains and fresh vegetables and fruits is essential. Obtaining most
proteins from vegetables, particularly soy, and avoiding dairy and
meat products may help protect the kidneys.
Patients should take extra calcium (1500 mg in divided doses,
a.m./p.m.) and vitamin D, particularly if they are on
corticosteroids. Supplements of vitamins B12, B6, and folate may be
necessary, especially in people whose blood tests show high levels of
homocysteine. According to some studies, a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables can lower homocysteine levels. Homocysteines are a by
product of protein digestion. A normal level of homocysteine is
9mg/dl or less. 800 micrograms a day of the B vitamin, folate, lowers
homocysteine to normal levels.
Exercise is safe. Take it slow and at your own pace.
Certain Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture have been very
effective in treating symptoms and regulating the immune system.
In a 1997 meta-analysis of 17 studies on acupuncture and lupus
discovered that acupuncture seems to lessen and even relieve the
pain associated with inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and local and progressive systemic scleroderma.
Seek out a qualified herbalist/acupunctu rist in your area.
Studies on foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil
and flax seed, have been showing benefits for SLE patients. Take
1,000 mg of flaxseed or fish oil 2 times a day.
Researchers are also investigating compounds called indoles, also
known as mustard oil, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, Brussels
sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, collard and mustard greens,
rutabaga, turnips, and bok choy. Indoles stimulate enzymes that
convert estrogen to a more benign type. Eating vegetables certainly
will not cure SLE, but they offer many health benefits in general.
Patients should minimize their exposure to crowds or people with
contagious illnesses. Immunizations against influenza and
pneumococcal pneumonia are usually recommended, although flu shots
can cause flares. Careful dental hygiene is also important.
Simple preventative measures include avoiding overexposure to
ultraviolet rays and wearing protective clothing and sun blocks.
Allergy shots, which increase certain SLE antibodies, should be
avoided. In general, SLE patients should use only hypoallergenic
cosmetics or hair products.
Chronic stress has profound physical effects and influences the
progression of SLE. Patients should try to avoid undue emotional or
physical stress. Getting adequate rest of at least 8 hours and
possibly a nap during the day may be helpful. Maintaining social
relationships and healthy activities help prevent the depression and
anxiety associated with the disease.
Consider diffusing essential oils into the air such as Lavender,
Clary Sage or Chamomile when stressed.
Yoga breath exercises, deep breathing, makes a great difference in
any stressful situation.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
Boost your Immune
Daily supplements of the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobaccilus casei rhamnosus may boost the immune health of children, and prevents many infections, says new research. Writing in the journal Vaccine, researchers from Taiwan report that supplements of the probiotic led to an 18 and 17 per cent reduction in the incidence of viral and respiratory infections, respectively, according to a study with about 1,000 children under the age of five. "This randomized, double-blind study shows that bio-therapeutic agents may be useful in preventing viral and bacterial infectious disease," wrote lead author Jun-Song Lin from Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital in Hualien.
According to the FAO, probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host. This definition is important, and the Taiwanese researchers do use the term `probiotic' incorrectly. Study details Working in collaboration with researchers from National Chiao Tung University, Tzu Chi University, and National Dong-Hwa University, Dr Lin recruited 986 children and randomly assigned them to one of four groups:
The first received no supplements and acted as the control group, the second group received a daily supplement of L. casei rhamnosus (200 million colony forming units (cfu), Antibiophilus, Laboratoires Lyocentre, France). The third group received daily supplements of L. rhamnosus T cell-1 (10 billion cfu, T Cell-1 Probiotics, Chang Gung Biotechnology Corp, Taipei, Taiwan). The fourth group received a supplement containing 12 bacterial strains (seven species of Lactobacillus, three types of bifidobacteria, one type of Streptococcus, and one type of Enterococcus) .
Significant reductions in bacterial infections were observed in the single strain (1.8 times) and the T-cells 1 (1.92 times) groups, but no reductions were observed in the multiple strain group. Reductions in gastrointestinal diseases were observed in the multiple strain group, with a 42 and 44 per cent decrease in the short- and long-term. A non-statistically significant reduction in GI disease was also observed in the group receiving L. casei rhamnosus.
Viral infections reduced by 18 per cent in the L. casei rhamnosus group, but no reduction was observed in the multiple probiotic T cell-1 groups. "This large population study has successfully demonstrated that probiotics could induce differential effects upon infectious disease in preschoolers among the three orally administered commercial probiotics," wrote the researchers.
When is a probiotic, not a probiotic? "The efficacy of many commercial probiotics is suspect, due to insufficient growth of various strains in the human intestinal tract, and hardly any probiotic manufacturers have solid evidence to match their claims," said the Taiwanese researchers. Furthermore, poor adherence to FAO's definition is also a problem. Commenting independently on the study, Professor Gregor Reid from the Canadian R&D Centre for Probiotics at the Lawson Health Research Institute, and The University of Western Ontario, told NutraIngredients. com that, although the study is interesting, errors exist in the manuscript
"Unless a strain is designated and shown to confer health benefits in humans, it should not be referred to as probiotic. In the case of the one strain termed L. rhamnosus T cell-1, this is a strange designation, and the journal should have questioned it,"
said Prof Reid. "The name implies that the strain somehow confers an anti-infectious benefit through T cell modulation, yet the study does not examine T cell activation. "The authors state that "The investigation clearly showed that single strain probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of bacterial infections by an average of 1.8 times for L. casei rhamnosus and 1.92 times for L. rhamnosus T cell-1". Yet, Figure 3 shows a drop from 0.6 to 0.5 infections per month which is not a 2 fold drop!" added Prof Reid.
Source: Vaccine
11 February 2009, Volume 27, Issue 7, Pages 1073-1079
"Different effects of probiotic species/strains on infections in
preschool children: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study"
Authors: J.-S. Lin, Y.-H. Chiu, N.-T. Lin, C.-H. Chu, K.-C. Huang, K.-W.
Liao, K.-C. Peng
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