Prebiotic vs Probiotic – What’s the Difference?

Prebiotic vs Probiotic – What’s the Difference?

You may have seen probiotic yogurt advertised as having “live active cultures.” This indicates that the yogurt contains living, beneficial organisms intended to help your body with digestion. Many people wonder if there’s any truth in that or if it’s just a marketing ploy. Well, considering the nature of advertisers, you might be surprised to know that although “probiotics” has become a hot buzzword in health food advertising, it’s not just a bunch of hype. In fact, probiotics http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/supplements/probiotic-bacterium-supplement.html?a_aid=141637&a_bid=c5985807 do promote healthy digestion. What’s not often discussed is that, like all living organisms, probiotics need nutrition. That role is taken on by prebiotics. Let’s explore the world of probiotics and prebiotics and their relationship.



Prebiotics and Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

Probiotics is the term most people are familiar with, especially individuals who indulge in fermented foodshttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=32185 like kefir and kombucha http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32363. When consumed, probiotics populate and colonize the digestive tract with beneficial bacterial colonies http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32283. Many people consume probiotics because illness, environmental pollutants, processed food, and even stress can cause a bacterial imbalance in the gut. When there are more bad bacteria than good bacteria, health problems may result.



Unlike probiotics, prebiotics aren’t living organisms. Prebiotics are the food and nutrients that feed probiotics to stimulate probiotic activity in the gastrointestinal tracthttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/integrated_med/amalgammercurydentalfilling.php. Probiotics are fighting a constant battle and need prebiotics from fiber-rich foods (among other sources) to stay strong. They have the added benefit in that not only do prebiotics encourage probiotic colonies to thrive, they also promote general well being. [1] [2]

What are the Other Benefits of Prebiotics?

Other benefits associated with prebiotics include metabolic support, mineral absorption, vitamin utlization, laxation, and immune system benefits. [3] Prebiotics may also encourage normal blood sugar. [4] It is worth mentioning that prebiotics affect everyone differently and the current intestinal health of the individual taking prebioticshttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=31804 needs to be considered. Some research has shown that people suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome may upset their symptoms by taking prebiotics. [5] It’s necessary to achieve internal harmony before it can be optimized.

What are the Benefits of Probiotics?

Probiotic bacteria supports digestion and offers many benefits to long-term health, even at the earliest stages; intestinal health has a substantial impact on early childhood development. [6] Probiotics have been recommended for inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal distress. Oral and periodontal health also respond positively to probiotics. [7] Since antibiotics do not discriminate in which bacteria they destroy, probiotics are commonly taken during antibiotic therapy to maintain internal balance.

Studies suggest that some probiotics can even suppress the mechanisms that lead to autoimmune disease and sensitivity to pollens, dust, and other environmental debris. [8] Breathing ability has also shown to be positively affected by probiotic bacteria. [9] Researchers have even determined that probiotics reduce intestinal transit time, which can help to promote regular bowel movements. [10]

In animal studies, probiotics have even exhibited some benefit with regard to serotonin levels, thus providing additional support against anxietyhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31815 and cognitive decline. [11] Considering that 90% of serotonin production and regulation occurs in the gut, these findings aren’t terribly surprising. [12]



Sources of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics are mainly derived from fiber, like inulin. Often, yogurt marketed as probiotic yogurt will contain inulin (prebiotic) and live active cultures (probiotic)http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1071. Other good sources of prebiotics include acacia gum, dandelion greens, garlic, asparagus, beans, oats, and chicory root.

Two of the most well-known strains of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These strains can be found in yogurt, kefir, other fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso and tempeh, and pickled vegetables. If you don’t eat these foods, probiotic supplements are a really easy way to enjoy the benefits of probiotics. However, be aware that quality can vary substantially and it’s important to choose a product from a known company that has a production process you can verify.

Do you take probiotics? Got a favorite probiotic food? What benefits have you noticed? Leave us a comment below and let us know how probiotics affect your own intestinal health.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7782892. J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401-12.

2. Roberfroid M. Prebiotics: the concept revisited http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17311983. J Nutr. 2007 Mar;137(3 Suppl 2):830S-7S.

3. Macfarlane GT, Macfarlane S. Fermentation in the human large intestine: its physiologic consequences and the potential contribution of prebioticshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992950. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Nov;45 Suppl:S120-7. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e31822fecfe.

4. Barengolts E. Vitamin D and prebiotics may benefit the intestinal microbacteria and improve glucose homeostasis in prediabetes and type 2 diabeteshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23823585. Endocr Pract. 2013 May-Jun;19(3):497-510. doi: 10.4158/EP12263.RA.

5. Whelan K. Mechanisms and effectiveness of prebiotics in modifying the gastrointestinal microbiota for the management of digestive disordershttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23680358. Proc Nutr Soc. 2013 Aug;72(3):288-98. doi: 10.1017/S0029665113001262. Epub 2013 May 17.

6. Oozeer R, van Limpt K, Ludwig T, Ben Amor K, Martin R, Wind RD, Boehm G, Knol J. Intestinal microbiology in early life: specific prebiotics can have similar functionalities as human-milk oligosaccharides http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23824728. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Aug;98(2):561S-71S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.038893. Epub 2013 Jul 3.

7. Singh VP, Sharma J, Babu S, Rizwanulla, Singla A. Role of probiotics in health and disease: a review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23894906. J Pak Med Assoc. 2013 Feb;63(2):253-7.

8. Özdemir Ö. Any role for probiotics in the therapy or prevention of autoimmune diseases? Up-to-date review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23921494. J Complement Integr Med. 2013 Aug 6;10. pii: /j/jcim.2013.10.issue-1/jcim-2012-0054/jcim-2012-0054.xml. doi:10.1515/jcim-2012-0054.

9. Das RR, Naik SS, Singh M. Probiotics as additives on therapy in allergic airway diseases: a systematic review of benefits and riskshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23956972. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:231979. doi: 10.1155/2013/231979. Epub 2013 Jul 15.

10. Miller LE, Ouwehand AC. Probiotic supplementation decreases intestinal transit time: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23922468. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Aug 7;19(29):4718-25. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i29.4718.

11. Luo J, Wang T, Liang S, Hu X, Li W, Jin F. Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain anxiety and improves cognitive function in the hyperammonemia rathttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24554471. Science China Life Sciences. 2014 March;57(3):327-35. doi: 10.1007/s11427-014-4615-4.

12. F De Ponti. Pharmacology of serotonin: what a clinician should know http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1774227/. Gut. October 2004; 53(10): 1520-1535

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The Cancer-Fighting Power of Veggies Work With Your Genes

The Cancer-Fighting Power of Veggies Work With Your Genes




You may recall how a chemical in green vegetables http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31926 like broccoli and cauliflower can improve the repair of cellular DNA and prevent them from becoming cancerous. Another cancer-fighting chemical present in both vegetables -- sulforaphane (SFN) -- may prevent the occurrence of hereditary cancers too.

Rutgers researchers tested their theory on a special breed of mice that were mutated to turn off the Apc genes that suppress tumors, the same gene responsible for the development of colon cancer in humans.

Then, mice were fed SFN, either in doses of 300 or 600 ppm, or none at all for three weeks. Compared to the control group, the mice that ate SFN decreased the number of polyps in their small intestine by a fourth in the 300 ppm group and nearly half in the 600 ppm group.

Despite all their natural cancer-fighting power, remember broccoli and cauliflower may not be good for your health due to your body's unique metabolic type. For example, protein types (like me) who eat dark green vegetables http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34066 can over-alkaline their system, worsening their health instead of improving it. Read more

Nascent Iodine in Vegetable Glycerin vs. Nascent Iodine in Alcohol

Nascent Iodine in Vegetable Glycerin vs. Nascent Iodine in Alcohol

There’s been much discussion lately regarding the best form of nascent iodine — glycerin based or alcohol based? Because it’s not practical or safe to simply consume pure iodine in its elemental form, it needs to be stabilized into a extraction medium. The medium may either be alcohol or vegetable glycerin.



What’s the Difference?

The alcohol used in alcohol based nascent iodine products is simply ethanol, or grain alcohol, the same alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It needs to be remembered that alcohol is an intoxicant and may not be appropriate for everyone, especially children, recovering alcoholics or pets. Also it is important to note that most alcohol is produced from genetically modified corn.

Conversely, glycerin, also known as glycerine, glycerol, and glycerite, is commonly derived from animals. Safer, vegetable based glycerin can be derived from palm, GMO or non-GMO http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=117&t=33432 soy, GMO or non-GMO corn, or other safe or potentially toxic sources. [1] It’s safe, gentle, and a very effective preservation medium that does not present any of the problems associated with alcohol consumption. When using vegetable glycerin for nascent iodine production it should be certified organic or USP grade/kosher certified.

A Brief History of Glycerin

Glycerin was first produced in the late 1700’s. Made from the saponification of fats and oils, it’s an odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Although it has an oily texture, it’s not an oil or sugar, but in fact a triatomic alcohol. [2] One of the first things to understand is that glycerin is a fantastic moisturizer and began to be used medically around 1844 for skin diseases. Beginning in the 1840’s it was used as a meat preservative. By the 1850’s it had gained recognition as one of the best general solvents and extraction mediums in existence. [2]

• Detoxadine
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At a Glance: The Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin

Glycerin is a remarkable substance http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33892. It does not evaporate in air, it absorbs moisture when exposed. It does not spoil. It has an antiseptic effect on organic materials. For these reasons, it was used in the 1800’s to prevent pills from drying and becoming hard. Glycerin does not irritate the skin; conversely, it moisturizes very effectively. When applied to burns, it soothes discomfort and penetrates to deliver moisture. It’s an excellent wound dressing and was used in the 1800’s to discourage gangrene. Glycerin is a terrific emollient, and used in many bath and body products to soften the skin. When taken internally, it’s gentle and even comfortable enough to provide delivery of ulcer medications. [3]

Is Alcohol Toxic to the Body?

Alcohol provides no nutritional benefit whatsoever. In fact, research proves quite the opposite.

- Alcohol concentrates, and is attracted to, cell membranes. When it concentrates within nerve cells it can change their function. The change in behavior is called intoxication. Intoxication comes from the latin word intoxicare, which means “to Poison”. [4]
- The British Medical Journal published a study that linked alcohol consumption to at least 13,000 cancer cases a year in the UK. [5]
- According to BMC Immunology, alcohol impairs the body’s ability to counteract viral infections. [6]
- Once in the body, alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, which is toxic and damaging to DNA. [7]
- The Lancet published a study by the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs that discovered that alcohol is three times more harmful than tobacco or cocaine and more damaging than crack or heroin. [8]

Vegetable Glycerin and Nascent Iodine

Vegetable glycerin is an extremely effective medium to hold iodine. One of the primary benefits of vegetable glycerin based nascent iodine is that it takes advantage of iodine’s ability to hold an electromagnetic charge. Using a proprietary process, a mixture of glycerol-iodine is “blasted” with a pressure sensitive, high-energy, thermodynamic, electro-sound pulse — similar to a “sonic boom”. This breaks the diatomic bond of the iodine and each atom retains an electron, giving it an electromagnetic charge.

Nascent iodine is the form of iodine most easily used and absorbed by the human body and vegetable glycerin is the medium that encourages absorption the most. Using energy to break the diatomic form to create monatomic “nascent” iodine is a primary difference between nascent iodine and diatomic, or iodine/iodide products such as Lugol’s.

The benefits of monatomic nascent iodine are well known. As far back as 1926, iodine in its atomic state was called “atomodine” and accepted to be exceedingly beneficial and safe.

“The lethal dose of Atomidine (1926 to 1935) in animals is very large, which accounts for the absence of untoward effects in clinical use. Due probably to its rapid absorption and its ready combination with harmless protein or other organic compounds in the body, iodism very rarely occurs even in sensitive persons.”
Schieffelin and Company, 1930’s

Benefits of Using Glycerin Instead of Alcohol for Nascent Iodine Production



Better Absorption

Unlike alcohol, which has a drying and puckering effect that negatively affects absorbability, glycerin is a humectant that moisturizes and hydrates to promote iodine absorption. [3] Not only is vegetable glycerin a natural substance that’s recognized by the body, it triggers salivation to supply the enzymes necessary for absorption. [1]

Better Preservative

Glycerin and alcohol have different preservation mechanisms. Whereas glycerin gently encapsulates a substance in its molecular matrix to preserve the characteristics, alcohol has a harsh, denaturing action that alters cell structure and renders vitamins, enzymes, and other beneficial constituents inert. [1] [3]

Better Solvent

Alcohol has a long history of use as a solvent, mostly because of its low cost. However, glycerin is a natural, non-toxic, food substance that extracts more constituents than grain alcohol. Also, because it’s one of the most iodine hungry compounds in existence, glycerin is the solvent of choice for those who demand the best form of nascent iodine.

Better Micro-Encapsulating Properties

Alcohol is a harsh and rigid solvent that disrupts cell membranes and DNA. Glycerin has unparalleled micro-encapsulating qualities that fully capture complete constituents and compounds in its matrix. This reduces ingredient inversion, evaporation, precipitation, and slows REDOX reactions. [1]

Better for Children



Alcohol is an intoxicant and not appropriate for children. Children may also lack the enzymes necessary to convert alcohol to sugar. Functionally, glycerin is far more gentle and safe. [1]

Tastes Great, Doesn’t Burn!

Vegetable glycerin has a pleasant, mildly sweet taste. [3] Alcohol based iodine products burn like alcohol and are quite harsh. [1] In addition to a horrible taste, the burning sensation affects absorption by constricting and dehydrating oral tissues!

Doesn’t Upset Blood Sugar

Vegetable Glycerin is a superior choice for people who wish to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. The human body metabolizes alcohol into sugar very quickly, which can aggravate diabetic conditions and upset weight loss efforts. Conversely, glycerin converts to sugar very slowly and does not cause blood sugar spikes. [1]

More Stable, Longer Shelf Life

Alcohol based nascent iodine is prone to evaporation, sublimation, and oxidation; all of which affect product integrity and formula concentration. Studies have demonstrated that this effect can happen as early as six months after production. Vegetable glycerin does not evaporate and preserves stable nascent iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33657 that does not breakdown or change with time. [2]

No Cross Contamination

Alcohol based iodine products recommend adding the drops to water before ingesting. This can be dangerous if distilled water is not used because most water contains chlorine or fluoride — halogens that fight iodine for absorption by the thyroid. Glycerin based nascent iodine contains only USP glycerin and USP elemental iodine that have been produced using Good Manufacturing Practices and can be directly taken orally. [1]

More Safe


Glycerin is produced according to stringent standards to ensure its status as a safe and effective, high-quality preservative. [3] It gently suspends the iodine and presents an accurate and complete imprint. Alcohol based iodine products contain ethanol, or grain alcohol — the same alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is toxic to the liver and can be problematic for those who are ill as well as children. [1] Vegetable glycerin based nascent iodine is safe for everyone.

Safe for Pets

It’s known that thyroid problems from inadequate iodine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33540 don’t only affect humans. Dogs, cats, and other pets are known to be at risk, too! Vegetable glycerin based nascent iodine can safely be given to pets. Alcohol cannot!

Does Not Dehydrate

Glycerin is a moisturizing humectant that does not irritate. 
Its use for skin disorders extends as far back as the 1800’s when it was used to keep wounds hydrated but free of air contact. Prior to winter expeditions, Russians were known to spread a thin layer of glycerin on their face to protect their skin against the cold since it would neither evaporate nor congeal. Glycerin is in fact so gentle and hydrating that it’s even been used during eye surgery to keep the eyes moisturized [3]

The Bottom Line: There’s No Advantage to Alcohol

Alcohol doesn’t taste good, it’s harmful to the liver, alcohol is toxic to the body http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=33776, it’s an endocrine disrupter, and it’s not appropriate for children or pets. Glycerin is a better solvent and a better preservative that is completely safe. There is no question — glycerin offers the best delivery method for the high quality nascent iodine your body needs!

Vegetable Glycerin Based Iodine is the Best

If you’re looking for a nascent iodine supplement that offers the most benefits, the choice is clear — vegetable glycerin based nascent iodine is the most health promoting form of iodine available. As a carrier of iodine, and even by itself, alcohol simply cannot compete against the benefits of vegetable glycerin.

GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/oDRd40VK5PY

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



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Viagra overdose forces man to have his penis amputated

Viagra overdose forces man to have his penis amputated

A Colombian man recently experienced the ultimate strike to his manhood following an overdose with the popular erectile dysfunction http://bit.ly/treatment-for-ed drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate). According to Colombia's La Nacion newspaper, 66-year-old Gentil Ramirez Polania had to have his entire penis surgically removed after the little blue pill caused him to experience a constant erection that lasted several days.

Polania was apparently trying to impress his new girlfriend when he purposely overdosed on Viagra, severely damaging his genitalia in the process. The U.K.'s Independent explains that, when Polania eventually went to the hospital about his abnormal erection and corresponding pain, doctors told him that his penis was inflamed and fractured, and showed signs of gangrene. So in order to prevent the disease from spreading, doctors decided there was no other choice but to amputate Polania's penis.

"I took the medicine on Saturday at seven o'clock at night but by nine I was in so much pain I had to ask my neighbor to take me to the hospital," Polania is quoted as saying to the U.K.'s Mirror Online. "When I got there, they said there was nothing they could do so I went home, but it didn't get any better. I suffered for a while but I couldn't cope anymore and got a bus to a bigger hospital in Neiva. I had bruises all over my genitals."

Recreational Viagra use can kill you

Polania's recovery following surgery has reportedly been a success, at least relatively speaking. But medical professionals in the region have since put out a warning to other local men about the dangers of using Viagra inappropriately or without a prescription. Since the drug works directly to inhibit the PDE5 enzyme, and thus artificially increases blood flow to the penis for prolonged periods of time, it should never be used indiscriminately or without proper medical oversight.

"Overdosing on Viagra, or other brands of the drug sildenafil, can cause prolonged erections, known as priapism, nausea, chest pains and irregular heartbeat," explains The Independent. "If priapism is not treated within 24 hours the penis may become permanently damaged, leading to difficulties achieving an erection in the future."

Polania is fortunate that his penis was the only thing he lost, however, as another man from Yemen recently lost his life after taking too much Viagra. According to Yemeni news source Okaz Al Youm, the unnamed 25-year-old popped five Viagra pills on his wedding day and later fainted and collapsed following the reception. The man later died while being rushed to the hospital.

And there have been hundreds of reported deaths associated with Viagra in recent years, many of which were found to have been spurred on by drug-induced heart attacks. But many men are still grossly unaware of the serious risks associated with Viagra, risks that put many of them, especially recreational users, in grave danger of serious illness or death.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/man-abuses-erection-drug-has-penis-amputed/nZ4pZ/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mans-penis-amputated-after-viagra-overdose-8835146.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/penis-amputated-after-viagra-overdose-2294716

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Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More Likely

Metabolic Syndrome May Make Breast Cancer More Likely

Women with high blood pressure, elevated glucose and other components of metabolic syndrome might be at increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer, a new study suggests.



Metabolic syndrome http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/metabolicsyndrome.php, also known as insulin resistance syndrome, consists of a cluster of such conditions as abdominal obesity, high blood glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, abnormal lipid levels and hypertension http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodpressure.php.

The study included 4,888 women, ages 50 to 79, who did not have diabetes at the start of the study and were periodically tested for components of metabolic syndrome over eight years as part of their participation in the Women's Health Initiative study. During that time, 165 of them received breast cancerhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/breastcancer.php diagnoses.

The presence of metabolic syndrome at the start of the study was not associated with breast cancer risk. However, "women who had the metabolic syndrome during the three to five years prior to breast cancer diagnosis had roughly a doubling of risk," researcher Geoffrey C. Kabat, senior epidemiologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, said in a news release from the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study also found that high diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) alone was associated with more than a twofold increased risk, whereas elevated triglyceride and glucose levels were each associated with about 1.7 times increased risk.

The findings appear in the July issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

It is already known that metabolic syndrome, which is associated with poor diet and lack of exercise, can increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

"This study suggests that having the metabolic syndrome itself or some of its components may increase a woman's risk of postmenopausal breast cancer," Kabat said. "However, much more work is needed to understand the role of these metabolic factors and their interplay with better established breast cancer risk factors, such as reproductive and hormonal factors."

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about breast cancer risk.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/estimating-breast-cancer-risk

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