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Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Finding Effective 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 these organisms are found in the large intestine, where most of digestion occurs. Some beneficial microbes keep the lining of this organ strong, which prevents leakage of undigested food into the bloodstream. 'Leaky gut syndrome' is a major cause of allergic reactions to foods. Beneficial microbes boost the immune system by suppressing harmful organisms, such as yeasts, that cause health problems. The 'good guys' also produce by-products that reduce inflammation, the underlying cause of many ailments.

Many people groups still eat a lot of fermented and cultured foods and therefore have a better chance of maintaining a healthy population of intestinal flora. Western societies tend to eat less of these probiotic-rich foods. A great deal of the so-called 'good for you' yogurt and kefir products are filled with sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup; these sweeteners are hard on good bacteria but feed yeast.

Dairy foods, even if cultured, are off-limits for vegans, who eat no animal products. They may think that this eliminates Lactobacillus for them, but actually this familiar bacterium is found in kombucha tea and green superfoods like chorella, spirulina, and blue-green algae. The superfoods are also a source of Bifidum, another beneficial microbe.

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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