Bowtrol Probiotics

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: 'Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host'. [1] Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but acts as a preservative, by lowering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow.

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to assist the body's naturally occurring gut flora to reestablish themselves. They are sometimes recommended by doctors, and, more frequently, by nutritionists, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for gut related candidiasis. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system. [2]

The rationale for probiotics is that the body contains a miniature ecology of microbes, collectively known as the gut flora. A number of bacterial types are thought to be thrown out of balance by a wide range of circumstances including the use of antibiotics or other drugs, excess alcohol, stress, disease, or exposure to toxic substances. In cases like these, the bacteria that work well with our bodies (see symbiosis) may decrease in number, an event which allows harmful competitors to thrive, to the detriment of our health.

Maintenance of a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on many factors, especially the quality of food intake. Including a significant proportion of prebiotic foods in the diet has been demonstrated to support a healthy gut flora and may be another means of achieving the desirable health benefits promised by probiotics.

Experiments into the benefits of probiotic therapies suggest a range of potentially beneficial medicinal uses for probiotics. For many of the potential benefits, research is limited and only preliminary results are available. It should be noted that the effects described are not general effects of probiotics. All effects can only be attributed to the strain(s) tested, not to the species, nor to the whole group of LAB (or other probiotics).

by: matthew holdway

5 Helpful Tips For Constipation Treatment Part 2

5 Helpful Tips for Constipation Treatment –Part 2

In the first part of these series on constipation help, we examined the causes of constipation and also stated one of the solutions. In this concluding part, we will be seeing the five various tips leading to the cure of constipation.

1. Exercise

Individuals who do a lot more exercise are often better physically that those who live a sedentary life. They look younger, brighter, their eyes sparkle, they have boundless energy and are generally healthier. They have a limitless zest for life and as a result of all these can fight diseases because they have a vibrant, healthy immune system. Recent stats have proved that people who lead sedentary lives are more easily prone to constipation that those who are active. So, just getting up and walking around the block in the morning is good enough to get your bowels moving.

2. Hyperosmolar Laxatives

These are compounds that can't be digested or absorbed into the intestine. As a result they remain in the colon to retain the water that is in the colon. Hence, there is a softening of the stool as a result of the presence of moisture. Examples of this are sorbitol, lactulose and polyethylene glycol. These laxatives are only available by prescription. They have side effects –hence the restriction in access to it- and are used for the long term treatment of constipation. Part of the side effects it has on the body is abdominal bloating and flatulence. This occurs as a result of the laxative being digested by bacteria and its subsequent turning into gas. If this continues, a reduction in the dosage usually reduces the incidence of bloating and flatulence. In some cases however, the gas may reduce in volume by itself.

3. Saline Laxatives

These are laxatives that are made up ions that can't be absorbed by the colon. Examples of such ions are phosphate, citrate which can be found in the following combinations: sodium phosphate, and magnesium hydroxide. They function by drawing water into the colon which in return softens that stool. This constipation help method has its disadvantages. The disadvantages of using saline laxatives are people with weak kidneys may find it hard to expel resulting in the formation of kidney stones. This happens if it is used over a long period of time. Thus, short term usage in perfect order. It may also cause diarrhea which may lead to dehydration if the amount of fluid lost by the body is not replaced immediately. Saline laxatives are found in solutions such as Milk of magnesia or Epsom Salt.

4. Stimulant LaxativesThese incite the small intestine and colon muscles to push their substance faster. This they do by increasing the water content in the small intestine or inhibiting the amount of water absorbed by the colon. These laxatives can be found in Castor oil, Senna and Aloe Vera oils. They are quite useful in alleviating and curing constipation but also has its disadvantages. Because of its potency, it can instigate diarrhea which would result in dehydration if the individual does not take liquids. They can also cause intestinal cramping and long term intensive use can result in colon damage and worse constipation.Finally, not all of the constipation help methods are applicable. You can either consult your physician or get a a quick, fast relief from constipation. The methods mentioned above could take quite a few days before you can start seeing results.

by: matthew holdway

How to Increase Your Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the rate and method in which your body processes the food that you eat. A person with fast metabolism tends to be slimmer because processed food does not remain inside the body. Instead of forming into fat cells, they are utilized and burned by the body accordingly.

A person with slower metabolic rate has the bigger problem. When his metabolism is slow, high are the chances that he'll find it hard to lose weight. The only way to successfully cut inches around your belly and the rest of your body is to increase your metabolic rate.

Here are the suggested effective ways on how you can increase metabolism and facilitate weight loss:

1. Determine the problems that causes slow metabolism.

The most common reasons why a person suffers from slower metabolic rate are age, sex, heredity, and physical disorders. While you can't do so much about the other factors, you can certainly do something about your disease. Make sure that you get the proper medications for it. As for the others, it is best that you consider your options very carefully when attempting to increase your body's metabolic rate. Consult with a certified health expert to guide you through it.

2. Create a functional diet plan.

To increase your metabolism, it is necessary to eat decreased quantities of food several times throughout the day. Make sure that you take in 5 to 6 small meals daily. This way, you are forcing your body to process food during your waking hours. Over time, your body would get used to this process and keep on burning fats around the clock.

3. Drink water frequently.

Water can keep you filled. Besides, water forces your body to burn fats. On the other hand, if your body is deprived of water, it would save instead of burning calories. A person's metabolic rate is greatly affected by the body's water content. So be sure to drink more than enough water on a daily basis.

4. Do aerobic exercises.

When doing exercises, be sure to include aerobic workouts in your routine as well. This type of exercise increases heart rate. You are going to need the full functions of your heart to increase metabolism. Your heart will be able to efficiently pump blood throughout the body, decreasing instances of fat cells forming. Aerobic exercises are known to temporarily increase a person's metabolic rate.

5. Weight training.

For a more long-term effect on speeding up your metabolism, try to do some weight training exercises. Improving your muscle tone would decrease your body's calorie count. The more lean muscles built, the better your metabolic rate will be. This is when you can virtually say that you are burning fats even as you sleep.

Increase your metabolism by following these five easy steps. With regular practice, you'll notice that your body is slowly getting back in shape and getting the form that you desire. Lose weight fast and easy. Make your body's increased metabolic rate do wonders for you.

by: James Pendergraft