The era of considering all bacteria bad is behind us. Research is helping to clarify how beneficial bacteria actually help us with many body functions, including proper immune-system function, improved gut function, vitamin production, neuronal/brain health and metabolism. The bacteria that make up our microbiome contribute approximately 2 kilos (4.4 pounds) to our total body weight, average about 30-50 trillion CFU (Colony Forming Units) and outnumber the cells in our bodies about 3 to 1. 

Many of us grew up with antibiotics being used without regard to the disruption of our microbiome and are now experiencing the late effects, including autoimmune disease, irritable bowel syndrome/colitis, fatigue, asthma, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity and yeast infections. Researchers are finding correlations with certain microbe populations being wiped out or added that affect how our internal ecosystem functions and interacts with our bodies. 

“Dysbiosis” refers to the unhealthy, unbalanced proportion of bacteria in our gut. This could be due to lack of beneficial bacteria or increased growth of opportunistic bacteria and yeast. Our bodies do best with a large variety of beneficial bacterial colonies.

What we put on and into our bodies communicates with our microbiome. Everything we eat directly affects which bacteria will proliferate and which will starve. Foods contaminated with pesticides and herbicides, such as glyphosate, also kill off our healthy bacteria. Even the overuse of hand sanitizers is allowing for more virulent bacteria strains to persist unimpeded due to lack of normal flora on our skin.

We are learning that probiotics and probiotic-rich foods are a part of a healthy plan to reverse disease or maintain a healthy state. Increased consumption of fermented foods like kefir, non-sugary yogurts, kombucha, kimchi, pickled vegetables, natto and miso can help support a healthy microbiome. Make sure your fermented products are not pasteurized to preserve the benefits. Reducing sugar intake can also positively affect your microbiome by slowing the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria/yeast.

Individuals who are take antibiotics to deal with a pathogenic bacterial infection inadvertently kill off all susceptible bacteria along the entire gastrointestinal tract. This is why people may suffer from loose stools, diarrhea, upset stomach or yeast infections with antibiotic use. The average person can take a probiotic preparation in addition to the antibiotic to mitigate these side effects and ensure preservation of their microbiome. An adult can take roughly 20-50 billion CFU daily and children 5-10 billion CFU daily of mixed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Depending on an individual’s health history and symptoms more or less may be needed. 

As the research continues to evolve, we will be better able to target probiotic therapy based on ailments and history. In the meantime, discuss with your health-care provider how to mitigate negative outcomes by using probiotics any time antibiotics are being recommended for you.