Friendly bacteria and fungi – Role in Health
Probiotics are also known as friendly microflora that help in one’s health. Literally probiotic means “for life,” and is a term used to describe the friendly bacteria and fungi which inhabit both the large and small intestines. There are at least 400 different species of micro-flora that live in the human gastrointestinal tract. There are billions of these helpful microbes that help people stay healthy, amounting to approximately three pounds per adult! Some of the most important of these bacteria are the acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus), which inhabit the small intestine and bifidus (Bifidobacterium bifidum), which inhabit the large intestine.
All of our organs are important, but as you’ll learn in the detoxification section, the colon requires your attention first, because when it doesn’t function properly, it affects the ability of all other organs to function optimally. Because of the daily intake of substances that destroy these microorganisms, it is wisely recommended to have a daily food supplement of these important substances, the acidophilus and bifidus. Substances like alcohol, antibiotics, high meat and fat diets, drugs and even stress are claimed to destroy these microorganisms. The small intestine is involved in the digestion, absorption, and transport of food. After passing through the stomach, food is further broken down in the small intestine; and vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat are absorbed. Microvilli, which are hair-like projections along the wall of the small intestine, perform two important functions: they provide necessary surface area for the absorption of nutrients and they help move food through the small intestine. Acidophilus helps to keep the spaces between the microvilli clear so they can function efficiently. Thus, in maintaining one’s good health, acidophilus helps to promote normal peristalsis (movement of food) through the small intestine.
At the same time, helping people’s state of health, acidophilus plays a role in the prevention of and defense against disease, especially of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. As part of the “normal flora,” they inhibit the growth of harmful organisms by competing for nutrients, altering the pH to a more acidic level, and shifting oxygen levels to the detriment of pathogens, disease- producing microorganisms. They are also attached to sites otherwise preyed upon by pathogens.
There are other benefits of acidophilus and these include: production of vitamins (which are absorbed into the blood); the synthesis of many B vitamins, including biotin and folic acid; an increase in the absorption of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium; normalization of cholesterol levels in the blood and production of digestive enzymes. Acidophilus also helps maintain bowel regularity. Acidophilus supplements have been shown to help reduce or eliminate intestinal, vaginal and urinary tract infections. Because these friendly bacteria promote healthy intestinal functioning, it has been found to be useful in helping overcome diseases especially affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
It was found out that bifidus helps repopulate the large intestine with friendly bacteria, creating a favorable environment for large intestine health. Bifidus lowers the pH of the intestines, manufactures specific B vitamins, ensures regular bowel movements, and can help stop gas and bloating while promoting proper immune function and overall health. Finally, eating a diet rich in plant foods will help to naturally cultivate a healthy balance of probiotic micro-organisms.
Enzymes are considered the “sparks of life.” They are also found to be helpful to people’s health. Even with appropriate levels of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, water and other nutrients, without enzymes, life ceases to exist. For this reason, they are said to possess life force energy. These energized protein molecules play a necessary role in virtually all biochemical activities. They are required to digest food and to repair cells, tissues and organs. In fact, they regulate and govern all living cells in plants and animals, and are responsible for providing the energy for all biochemical reactions that occur in nature. Fruit ripening, seeds sprouting, flowers blooming and people healing are all examples of enzymatic activity. Enzymes cannot be made from synthetic material sources, as many vitamins and minerals are made.
Enzymes and coenzymes, molecules that help enzymes do their job, work together to either join molecules together or split them apart by making or breaking chemical bonds. Most enzymes are composed of a protein coupled with an essential mineral, and sometimes a vitamin, which act as the co-enzyme.
and I dont smoke either… Id love to bring my cousin with me but I no longer can do that because the concert is for adults only… Anyway, whatever happens, Ill get one hehehehe…
