Probiotics And Mitochondria: Bacteria Are Not "Other"

[Islander]

Sayer Ji
Wednesday, February 15th 2012

The close symbiotic relationship between our bodies and intestinal bacteria is so profound that some scientists have suggested we be viewed as "metaorganisms."
Indeed, without these friendly bacteria we could not perform critical life-sustaining functions, such as:


Counteract vitamin B12 deficiency (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/lactobacillus-reuteri-may-counteract-side-effects-produced-vitamin-b12-deficiency)
Produce the B-group vitamins, as a whole (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/lactic-acid-bacteria-produce-b-group-vitamins)
Break down pesticides (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/probiotics?ed=6309)
Break down xenobiotic hormones like BPA (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/probiotics?type=summary&sort=ASC&ed=989)

Probiotics also perform at least 30 essential biological functions, with 13 viewable below:

Read more: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/probiotics-and-mitochondria-bacteria-are-not-other?utm_source=www.GreenMedInfo.com&utm_campaign=b06b80e861-Greenmedinfo&utm_medium=email

[StephenX]

The theory of endosymbiosis hypothesizes that the double membrane organelles were once bacterial forms that were incorporated into eukaryotic cells. This includes mitochondria, nuclei and chloroplasts. The bacterial flora in our intestines far out number the cells of our bodies.

[Good-day]

The theory of endosymbiosis hypothesizes that the double membrane organelles were once bacterial forms that were incorporated into eukaryotic cells. This includes mitochondria, nuclei and chloroplasts. The bacterial flora in our intestines far out number the cells of our bodies.

Is taking a probiotic as part of your daily supplemention enough? What about for a child, and how would you assess need?

[StephenX]

Is taking a probiotic as part of your daily supplemention enough? What about for a child, and how would you assess need?

The bacteria in your gut outnumber the cells of your body about 9 to 1. Your poop is about 50% dead bacteria. Most people have sufficient flora in their intestines. I take probiotics on a semi-regular basis. Having healthy "bugs" in your gut is pretty crucial. With a good population other "bad" bacteria cannot get a foothold. (like a weed seed trying to grow in a thick lush lawn, there is just no room for them). I drink kefer, eat yogurt and sauerkraut to keep my tummy happy, as you can figure, I am talking organic high quality here. Supplements are called for if antibiotics have been taken, or anything else to disrupt our friendly little wigglers. As far as determining need, I say listen to your body. If you ain't poopin' right, it is probably time to take action. Most good probiotics have 10's of billions of viable cells in them. They are just "seeds for the garden" as your small intestine has trillions of bacteria working to help absorb nutrients and keep your pH where it should be.