Friendly Bacteria
(Enterogenic Powder)

Over the last century, there has been considerable research and effort put into gaining a better understanding of the role that certain bacteria play in the overall health of the human species. Through this effort, we have come to understand that "friendly bacteria" or "probiotics" play a desirable role in maintaining the balance of the microfloral species present in the human digestive system.

Some researchers have argued that, by a broad definition, the population of bacteria in our digestive systems may represent the largest organ in the body. It is estimated that we have four to six pounds of bacteria in our digestive tract. This bacteria carries out a myriad of functions necessary to preservation of health.

Predominant in the healthy bacteria is the Lactobacillus species (most common forms include acidophilus, bulgaricus and thermophilus). Also found in high concentrations are Bifidobacterium species (although bifidum is most common, other associated species include longum, infantis and breve). Most of these strains of microflora flourish in younger, healthier individuals. They are known to decrease proportionately with advancing age or, in accelerated rates, in medical conditions leading to intestinal dysbiosis. Problems that may contribute to dysbiosis include prolonged use of antibiotics therapy, decrease in immune status (such as with autoimmune illness and chronic infections, such as HIV), maldigestion, decreased gut motility, intestinal infection, altered gastrointestinal permeability or "leaky gut" syndrome, the presence of xenobiotics or toxins from the environment.

Through certain diagnostic tests, such as the CDSA test (Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis), one can clinically determine the adequacy or relative balance (dysbiotic quotient) of a patient. In certain medical situations, supplementation of friendly, or healthy, bacteria can contribute significantly to the improvement of overall biologic function. Benefits derived from supplementation of friendly bacteria include a normalization of the relative balance of bacterial flora. As a result, certain potential pathogens, such as Candida albicans, are prevented from developing into an overgrowth state. Other potentially harmful bacteria can be kept under control by the presence of an adequate population of friendly bacteria. Healthy levels of friendly bacteria have been shown to increase and facilitate better nutrient absorption, help maintain better cholesterol levels, enhance antibiotic action (when antibiotics are given). As a matter of fact it is generally wise to supplement the friendly bacteria culture when taking antibiotics to prevent dysregulation, unhealthy bacteria overgrowth or candidiasis from developing.

Certain species of friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus secrete natural antibiotics, such as acidolin, acidophilin, and lactocidin. These compounds can exercise a powerful inhibiting effect on certain select strains of dangerous pathogens, such as Clostridium botulinum, and certain species of Salmonella and E. coli.

Many patients have noticed improvement in mood and relief of anxiety disorders with the normalization of gastrointestinal flora. This is thought to occur through the metabolic action of amino acids such as tryptophan, which are the body's precursors to mood normalizing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

There has been a great deal of interest placed on the role of friendly bacteria in diminishing the likelihood of the development of certain types of cancers and, also, in slowing the rate of cancer progression in certain situations. In one study, Lactobacillus acidophilus was shown to significantly lower the activity of certain enzymes, such as azoreductase, beta-glucuronidase and nitroreductase, which are all thought to facilitate the production of cancer-producing substances in the digestive tract.

Supplemental friendly bacteria have also been noted to improve dermatologic manifestations, such as idiopathic dermatitis of various sorts and, in general, to reduce acne and blemishes in younger individuals.

The bacteria has been shown to enhance digestive process and improve liver detoxification efficiency.

Many of the friendly bacteria supplements contain a compound called FOS (fructooligosaccharides). This is a simple type of fruit sugar that has been shown to accelerate the growth, strength, and stability of populations of friendly bacteria and is often included in friendly bacteria supplements to enhance the efficacy of the product. Products such as Enterogenic contain about 2,400 mg of FOS per teaspoon and about 10 billion active friendly organisms per gram of powder or 6 billion per teaspoon. Generally, the supplement product should be kept in a cool, dry place, preferably refrigerated, to enhance shelf life.

If you have further questions, please contact the Advanced Medical Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.