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Unless you’ve been hiding out somewhere recently, I would venture to say that you’ve “heard the word” about probiotics. The importance of maintaining healthy gut flora is being recognized in a big way in the health community and almost everywhere you turn- from sleek medical offices to your average convenience store- these friendly bacteria are being praised for their ability to help control body weight, increase energy, and prevent disease. Given the shear volume of information out there at this point, you might even consider yourself a “pro-at-probiotics” of sorts. But have you heard anything about prebiotics? Essential to the proper growth and resilience of probiotic bacteria, prebiotics are a critical piece of the gut health conversation that simply should not be ignored. 

The article published in last Wednesday's newsletter left many of you looking for more information on probiotics. We received lots of positive feedback and questions and felt it would be helpful to provide a more in-depth look at probiotics. “Probiotic” has become a common word in any American “health enthusiast’s” lingo, especially when talking about digestive health. If you walk into any pharmacy or health food store these days, you will likely see a rainbow array of vibrant, diversely-sized boxes and bottles of probiotic supplements lining tightly stocked shelves. Mass-produced, sugar-full yogurt containers are even boasting about their probiotic-containing qualities with bright splashes of text on the labels. Primary care physicians are also regularly prescribing these supplements as an adjunct to medication to heal an array of digestive symptoms. Yet, in the midst of all this spectacular “newfangled” hype, the truth is that many probiotic supplements on the market today are completely ineffective in restoring any sort of digestive equilibrium, and may even be doing more harm than good. 

Did you know that up to 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? The mucosal layer, only a single cell in thickness, serves as the first line of defense in your immune system. This layer, often referred to as GALT (gut-associated lymphatic tissue), is found in both the gut and the lungs. GALT contains the antibody, Immunoglobulin A (IgA). It is the secretion of IgA that alerts the body of invasions by unwanted antigens and microbes. Stress, excessively low or high cortisol levels, infection, poor diet and food sensitivities can strip IgA from the gut and lungs, rendering them extremely vulnerable. It makes sense to maintain and protect your gut's mucosa!