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Your poop is important to understand because, guess what, we're all full of it. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know s**t. We produce over 1,000 pounds of feces every year (approx weight of a concert piano)! Furthermore, at any given time, four pounds of our poop is made up of bonafide bacteria. Thats right, bacteria. But not all bacteria is bad. In fact, if it wasn't for the good and the bad - we need 'em both - our immune systems would be dysfunctional.

most of our immune system is found tied up in our guts. It’s known as G.A.L.T or gut associated lymphoid tissue. What may surprise you is that our guts are also chemically similar to our brains in that they share similar neurotransmitters. Intestines are loaded with nerves that stimulate the muscles that line your pipes to move food down the line. So, if our guts ain't happy, nor are we.

There are important factors to consider when you take audit of your poop.First, pre and probiotics. Although you can't see them with the naked eye in order to audit these buggers, they do need to be accounted for. Prebiotics are key elements found in foods like onions, garlic, asparagus, and artichoke which all contain inulin that feed the beneficial probiotics in question. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria - sometimes called the “friendly germs” - that help maintain a healthy intestine, where it is believed that up to 80 percent of our immune system lives. There are various tests to help your health care practitioner determine the health of your poop, including what amount and types of bacteria - good and bad - grow there.There may be an unhealthy war against bacteria these days. It may be hight time to summon our natural allies. If we don't pay close attention to the balance of power that is in our guts, then bacteria will learn their way around our most powerful medical weapons and our most prudent methods of hygeine prevention. Rather than a futile effort to eradicate 99.99% of germs on our countertop and sparying our fruit and veggie crops with such harsh pesticides, perhaps we should pay some attention to our own immune systems. Take for example antibiotic resistant bacteria. They may be small, but they're not "dumb". Bacteria have evolved for billions of years with an M.O. to survive. And, yet, is is the natural health products that play an important role in slowing the development of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (or MRSA) and similar bacteria. Rather than throwing powerful antibiotics at nearly everything that presents as an infection - including viral infections, which are not affected by antibiotics - we should consider using antibacterial and antiseptic herbs, homeopathics and nutraceuticals as a first line of defence. These are far less likely develop resistant strains. Save antibiotics - which can be life saving - for when you really need them.Some excellent modern research shows that probiotics help maintain a healthy intestine by keeping harmful bacteria and yeasts in the gut under control. Probiotics can be taken as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, therapeutic 'yogurts' and other foods. An increasing number of studies support the use of probiotics as a supplement to antibiotic therapy and even treatment in C.Diff infection which causes sever diarrhea. Sadly, there was an outbreak of C.Diff infection at a hospital in southern Ontario resulting in one death and eleven more palced in isolation at the time this article was written. Some probiotics may also help prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and evidence with daycare children given probiotics suggests a reduction in the number of sick days, the frequency of respiratory tract infections, and the frequency of related antibiotic treatments.An interesting recent study suggests that supplementation of infant formulas with probiotics is one approach for the management of cow's milk allergy. Probiotics have been found to enhance the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats, calcium and phosphorus. It may also turn out that they can help to overcome lactose intolerance.Probiotics also help you to fend of colds, bacterial infections, and other diseases. Food, hormones, stress, and exercise all influence composition and activity of probiotic status in your gut. And other than C.Diff, probiotics also help prevent and treat Allergies, prevention of Atopic Dermatitis, IBS, IBD, UTI’s, Yeast and other Vaginal infections.

The diagram to the right illustrates the probiotic layer (green) living on the surface of a layer of mucus (turquoise). The arrows indicate their ability to repel yeasts, bacteria and fungi.

Acidophilus actually looks like thisThis friendly bacteria has many helpful functions and lives as the dominant species in the small intestine. Here, it creates an acidic microenvironment next to the absorption cells, promoting iron absorption. One of the causes of anemiacan be damage to this acid layer as inceliac disease. Many people are anemic and correcting this lack by taking acidophilus daily can help promote iron absorption. A good acidophilus can be obtained directly from a reputable company

When acidophilus is in a healthy condition, one may observe projections from the tips of the bacteria - acidophilus buds. These are the beginning of new acidophilus cells which signifies the health of the bacteria.

The following drawing shows an illustration of the healthy intestinal villi. These finger-like projections are how we absorb our food. Probiotic bacteria stand on guard to protect us from potential bacterial, viral and yeast invaders. The probiotics are illustrated in green.

This illustration demonstrates the situation in which antibiotics have largely killed off the probiotic bacteria (in green). The tips of the villi are exposed - a situation created by using NSAIDS which decrease mucus production. This leaves the intestine susceptible to invasion by yeasts and can lead to a condition called leaky gut.During a course of antibiotics and for an extended period afterward it is important to protect the intestine by taking probiotics . Don't take the probiotics with the antibiotic - they just get killed. Take them in between.

Probiotics for marine aquaculture health

Aquaculture is currently the fastest growing food-production sector in Asian-Pacific countries. Aquaculture farming is a main production activity of poor coastal communities because of its high profit for food export and excellent natural conditions yearround for culture. However, there is a serious problem with microbial disease outbreaks, leading to an annual total loss of millions of $ in shrimp culture. A major bacterial disease of shrimps is vibriosis, which is caused by Vibrio species. Owing to the problem of antibiotic resistance and subsequent reluctance of using antibiotics, the usage of beneficial bacteria as probiotic biocontrol agents is becoming increasingly popular. A few species of microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus species, are attempted as probionts against pathogenic Vibrio. Some commercial probiotics are currently available, but all of them are either very expensive for farmers or unsuitable for local cultured conditions.

A fraction of ingested probiotics are able to interact with intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and dendritic cells (DCs), depending on the presence of a dynamic mucus layer. Probiotics can occasionally encounter DCs through two routes: DCs residing in the lamina propria sample luminal bacterial antigens by passing their dendrites between IECs into the gut lumen118, and DCs can also interact directly with bacteria that have gained access to the dome region of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) through specialized epithelial cells, termed microfold or M cells119. The interaction of the host cells with microorganism-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) that are present on the surface macromolecules of probiotic bacteria will induce a certain molecular response. The host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that can perceive probiotic signals include Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the C type lectin DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN). Some molecular responses of IECs depend on the subtype of cell, for example, Paneth cells produce defensins and goblet cells produce mucus. Important responses of DCs against probiotics include the production of cytokines, major histocompatibility complex molecules for antigen presentation, and co-stimulatory molecules that polarize T cells into T helper or CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) or subepithelial dome of the GALT. IFNγ, interferon-γ; IL, interleukin; TGFb; transforming growth factor-β.

 Interaction of probiotic bacteria with IECs and DCs from the GALT.

Schematic diagram illustrating potential or known mechanisms whereby probiotic bacteria might impact on the microbiota. These mechanisms include (1) competition for dietary ingredients as growth substrates, (2) bioconversion of, for example, sugars into fermentation products with inhibitory properties, (3) production of growth substrates, for example, EPS or vitamins, for other bacteria, (4) direct antagonism by bacteriocins, (5) competitive exclusion for binding sites, (6) improved barrier function, (7) reduction of inflammation, thus altering intestinal properties for colonization and persistence within, and (8) stimulation of innate immune response (by unknown mechanisms). IEC: epithelial cells, DC: dendritic cells, T:T-cells

The intestinal environment modulates cellular differentiation in the immune system to control defence against pathogens and tolerance to commensal species. Tolerance depends, among other things, on appropriate innate defence mechanisms that limit microbial entry into intestinal tissues. Intestinal epithelial cells provide a physical barrier between the luminal microorganisms and the underlying intestinal tissues to control homeostasis and tolerance. Specialized epithelial cells produce a mucus layer (goblet cells) and secrete antimicrobial proteins (Paneth cells) that limit bacterial exposure to the epithelial cells. Production of large amounts of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) by B cells provides additional protection from the luminal microbiota. Innate microbial sensing by epithelial cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages is mediated through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Activation of PRRs on innate immune cells normally induces pathways that mediate microbial killing and activate pro-inflammatory T helper 1 (TH1) and TH17 cells and adaptive immune cells. During the maintenance of homeostasis and immune tolerance, however, activation of PRRs on macrophages and DCs in the intestinal lamina propria does not result in secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. DCs instead present antigen to T cells in the Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, and this can lead to differentiation of regulatory T (TReg) cell populations that are regulated by interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) and retinoic acid. Factors secreted by epithelial cells in the intestinal environment can contribute to tolerance of intestinal immune cells.FM, follicular mantle; GC, germinal centre; IFNγ, interferon-γ; M cell, microfold cell.

Mechanisms of host defence against and tolerance to intestinal microorganisms

Probiotics are friendly microorganisms inhabiting our digestive tract that aid digestion and may confer additional health benefits. Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbs that serve as food for Probiotics

Probiotics are, for the most part, bacteria that reside in our intestinal tract. Other types of probiotics are yeast. Probiotics get into our intestines from foods we eat or supplements. There are many types of probiotics, and each one behaves a bit differently in our gut. Although the term “probiotics” is relatively new, we’ve been ingesting them for thousands of years. Any food that is cultured or fermented has probiotics

On to prebiotics. Unlike probitoics, these are not alive. Most prebiotics are some form of fiber. Our body does not digest fiber, but the bacteria in our gut, including the probiotics, digest the fiber. Feeding these helpful bacteria keeps them doing what they are supposed to do in order to help our health

Synbiotics are defined as products containing both Prebiotic(s) and Probiotic(s). The presence of Prebiotic(s) has a beneficial effect on both the stability of the Probiotic(s) in the product and its survival after introduction in the gastro-intestinal tract, throughout the presence of the Prebiotic. 

Both work together in a synergistic way more efficiently promoting the probiotics' benefits.

Prebiotics are selectively fermented, dietary ingredients that result in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal micro flora thus conferring benefits upon host health. Unlike probiotics, a prebiotic targets the micro flora already present within the ecosystem, it acts as a 'food' for the target microbes. 

The most widely accepted prebiotics are FOS (fructo- oligosaccharides) and GOS (galacto- oligosaccharides). FOS and GOS occur naturally in foods such as asparagus, garlic, artichoke, onion, wheat and oat, as well as soybean. However, it would take a large quantity of these foods for their active oligosaccharides to exert a useful prebiotic effect. A more realistic method involves fortifying popular foodstuffs with defined amounts of prebiotics. Thus, you will find that prebiotic compounds are added to many foods including yogurts, cereals, breads, biscuits, milk desserts, nutritional supplement bars, ice-creams, spreads, drinks, water, infant formula, as well as to some animal foods. 

There are over 400 distinct species of microorganisms that inhabit the various regions of the adult human digestive tract, making up nearly two kg of total body weight. This includes harmful as well as useful bacteria.Pro: Biotics are foods or concentrates of live organisms that contribute to a healthy microbial environment and suppress the potential harmful microbes. Probiotics can be bacteria, molds or yeast. But most probiotics are bacteria. Among bacteria, lactic acid bacteria are more popular. The first recorded probiotic was fermented milk. 

The strategy is based on interfering with pathogen–receptor or toxin–receptor interactions by engineering the expression of host-receptor mimics on the surface of a harmless bacterium, so that this 'designer probiotic' strain (blue) can bind and neutralize toxins in the gut lumen or interfere with the adherence of pathogens (white) to the intestinal epithelium.

Overview of the anti-C. difficile potential of designer probiotics.

Sleator R D , and Hill C J Med Microbiol 2008;57:793-794

Overview of the anti-C. difficile potential of designer probiotics. Bacteriocin produced by the probiotic (dark shading) can lyse invading C. difficile cells (light shading) (a), while heterologously expressed receptor mimics on the surface of probiotic cells can antagonize pathogen adherence to the host (b) and neutralize toxin production (c).

Influence of Streptococcus salivarius probiotics in the oral cavity. Health benefits can occur through the direct inhibition and exclusion of pathogens, modulation of the human immune system to reduce pathogen-induced inflammation or by 'priming' the immune system to respond rapidly to viral or bacterial infection.

“the microbiota can be viewed as a metabolic organ exquisitely tuned to our physiology that performs function we have not had to evolve on our own”Backhed et al. 2004. PNAS 101:15718-15723Figure 1: The Human Body and number of bacteria present in the total microflora.

Probiotics and Beneficial Effects in the Intestine. Depiction of the interactions between beneficial bacteria (left side), their secreted factors, pathogens, and the intestinal mucosa (right side). Potential beneficial effects of probiotics are listed. Only two host cell types are shown, intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages although other cell types including dendritic cells, lymphocytes, myofibroblasts, and neutrophils comprise the intestinal mucosa. The arrows indicate the release and possible distribution of secreted factors derived from probiotics.

Diseases influenced by gut microbial metabolism. The variety of systemic diseases that are directly influenced by gut microbial metabolism and its influence on other mammalian pathways, such as the innate immune system, are shown. Specifically highlighted are the metabolic pathways involved in drug metabolism and obesity that are directly influenced by the gut microbial content. Ags, antigens; C. bolteae, Clostridium bolteae; DCs; dendritic cells; SCFA, short-chain fatty acid; TLR, toll-like receptor. 

Ensuring identity: Comprehensive identity validation

As living organisms, probiotics continually modify their own metabolism and composition in response to genetic and environmental factors. Consequently, conventional testing methods predicated on metabolism and composition produce variable and unreliable results. Genotyping, the exemplary method of modern microbial taxonomy, excludes these factors to precisely authenticate genus and species according to DNA sequence. Since this genetic method can only validate genus and species, a second method is required for strain verification. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis examines the profile of fatty acids in a probiotic and searches for a match among 2,000 strain-specific reference profiles. This comprehensive identity validation of all Pure Encapsulations Probiotics, as part of our patent-pending product process, is conducted through independent laboratories equipped with the most advanced microbial identification technology and expertise.

Ensuring viability: The Pure Probiotic Initiative*

Bacteria are delicate organisms that are particularly sensitive to temperature and moisture. To properly optimize these parameters, handling and manufacturing procedures must include strict specifications that extend beyond the scope of standard GMP compliance. Pure Encapsulations' patent-pending manufacturing process focuses on the vulnerability of probiotics at the most critical steps. Based on a model that minimizes the cooperative impact of the three most important factors—temperature, humidity and timing—the process maximizes viability from the moment of raw material receipt through the date of finished product expiration. It is widely recognized that control of ambient temperature supports probiotic survival. Of equal importance is avoidance of sudden and severe temperature shifts, such as those resulting from freezing and thawing. Circumventing these fluctuations during production is a focal point of the Pure Encapsulations process (Figure 1). Operating within a defined temperature range, together with rigorous observance of time limits for sensitive operations such as blending, enhances probiotic resistance to another threat—moisture.*

Lab Exploration of Survival of Probiotic Cultures Inside Human Digestive Tract

Scientists often model complex biological phenomena in vitro , mimicking conditions found in living organisms. To develop our own in vitro model for testing the survival of bacteria from probiotic supplements. To decide which factors are important for survival of bacteria in a chosen portion of the human digestive tract. Create in vitro models of organs such as stomach and/or intestines and expose a probiotic supplement to conditions mimicking the chosen portion of the human digestive tract, and measure the effect of those conditions on the survival of bacteria found in the supplement. Can focus on conditions such as low pH found in stomach or pancreatic enzymes found in the upper intestine.

What does it takes to design and carry out a meaningful in vitro experiment in order to model and investigate a complex biological phenomenon –survival of bacterial inside the digestive tract.

Learning objectives• Develop a specific research question to investigate survival of probiotics inside the human digestive tract.• Explain major factors that influence survival of probiotic cultures in the human digestive tract.• Develop their own model for testing survival of probiotic cultures inside the human digestive tract.• Calculate and analyze the survival of bacterial cultures in their model system.

Interested in more Research?

Statement of Purpose:to contribute to the advancement of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota research in the United States.

Grant Program Objectives• To stimulate innovative research relevant to the field of gastrointestinal

microbiota in the United States• To impact academic and career development of young investigators in the

United States and attract them into the field of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota

• To provide preliminary data for future funding from NIH and other funding sources

http://www.probioticsresearch.com/grantprogram.asp

Human Microbiome Project

In conclusion…