The better the gut health, the better the immune system
10/2016
By HEATHER RIGGLEMAN
Hub Staff Writer
Washing your hands isn’t the only way to protect your immune system.
A new kid on the block known as probiotics may be avenues to better health, according to Abbie Richardson, a nurse practitioner at CHI Health Quick Care at Hy-Vee.
“The better the gut health, the better the immune system. Essentially, probiotics are a source of good bacteria that helps fight the bad bacteria in your gut,” she said.
Alisha Sobotka mirrors Richardson’s opinion. The owner of Natural Foods and Supplements at 3704 Second Ave. says probiotics are the No. 1 recommendation she gives when consumers enter her store looking for natural ways to help the immune system.
She says experiences in the earlier years of her life inspired her to research natural health alternatives.
She said the benefits of probiotics are numerous. However, she cautions that while it has become a good choice for natural health remedies, people should do their own research and talk with their doctor.
“I’ve found more and more research shows findings that your gut health is related to your overall health. If you aren’t taking care of your body, you’re more likely to run down your immune system, making you susceptible to illnesses,” Sobotka said.
But people ask “What is a probiotic?” Richardson, along with the World Health Organization, define it as live microorganisms. When administered in adequate amounts, probiotics offer health benefits by protecting the lining of the gut and fighting bad bacteria with good bacteria.
Richardson and Sobotka say the healthy microorganisms help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria just as the existing good bacteria in one’s body already do.
Richardson says not all probiotics are equal.
“It’s important to understand what your body needs and the benefits of taking probiotics,” she said. “I can’t recommend one brand compared to others, but you want to look for probiotics that contains at least 10,000 live cultures per serving.”
Some doctors such as gastroenterologist Arif Nawaz of Good Samaritan Medical Group said research does not prove or disprove the effectiveness of probiotics.
“It’s really a personal preference and working with your doctor to learn what’s right for you,” he said.
The Mayo Clinic says more research is needed but there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help prevent and treat yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome, help against intestinal infections, and prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu.
However Nawaz says people already have the tools to stay healthy.
“Eat a nutrient-rich diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grain and low in saturated fat. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation,” he said.
“Exercise, adequate sleep and not smoking helps, as well as visiting your doctor regularly to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. And don’t forget to wash your hands,” he added.
http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/life/richardson-the-better-the-gut-health-the-better-the-immune/article_eef3890a-9d54-11e6-8a3b-1b19a89cb7db.html
By HEATHER RIGGLEMAN
Hub Staff Writer
Washing your hands isn’t the only way to protect your immune system.
A new kid on the block known as probiotics may be avenues to better health, according to Abbie Richardson, a nurse practitioner at CHI Health Quick Care at Hy-Vee.
“The better the gut health, the better the immune system. Essentially, probiotics are a source of good bacteria that helps fight the bad bacteria in your gut,” she said.
Alisha Sobotka mirrors Richardson’s opinion. The owner of Natural Foods and Supplements at 3704 Second Ave. says probiotics are the No. 1 recommendation she gives when consumers enter her store looking for natural ways to help the immune system.
She says experiences in the earlier years of her life inspired her to research natural health alternatives.
She said the benefits of probiotics are numerous. However, she cautions that while it has become a good choice for natural health remedies, people should do their own research and talk with their doctor.
“I’ve found more and more research shows findings that your gut health is related to your overall health. If you aren’t taking care of your body, you’re more likely to run down your immune system, making you susceptible to illnesses,” Sobotka said.
But people ask “What is a probiotic?” Richardson, along with the World Health Organization, define it as live microorganisms. When administered in adequate amounts, probiotics offer health benefits by protecting the lining of the gut and fighting bad bacteria with good bacteria.
Richardson and Sobotka say the healthy microorganisms help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria just as the existing good bacteria in one’s body already do.
Richardson says not all probiotics are equal.
“It’s important to understand what your body needs and the benefits of taking probiotics,” she said. “I can’t recommend one brand compared to others, but you want to look for probiotics that contains at least 10,000 live cultures per serving.”
Some doctors such as gastroenterologist Arif Nawaz of Good Samaritan Medical Group said research does not prove or disprove the effectiveness of probiotics.
“It’s really a personal preference and working with your doctor to learn what’s right for you,” he said.
The Mayo Clinic says more research is needed but there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help prevent and treat yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome, help against intestinal infections, and prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu.
However Nawaz says people already have the tools to stay healthy.
“Eat a nutrient-rich diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grain and low in saturated fat. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation,” he said.
“Exercise, adequate sleep and not smoking helps, as well as visiting your doctor regularly to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. And don’t forget to wash your hands,” he added.
http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/life/richardson-the-better-the-gut-health-the-better-the-immune/article_eef3890a-9d54-11e6-8a3b-1b19a89cb7db.html