Supplement Review Part 1 of 3 - Probiotics

Probiotics are an amazing supplement on the market! They are specifically aimed at improving digestion and the health of your gastrointestinal system; by improving and maintaining healthy gut flora, along with assisting in maintaining a healthy immune system. They are particularly helpful in reducing and maintaining the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including bloating, constipation and diarrhoea

A well-known probiotic on the market is Ethical Nutrients Inner Health Plus, found in the fridge at your local pharmacy or discount chemist. Inner Health Plus contains 25 billion bacteria comprised of two strains of beneficial bacteria and colostrum powder. Another probiotic containing 25 billion beneficial bacteria is Orthoplex Multiflora. Multiflora is a practitioner brand of probiotic, and is therefore higher in potency than regular brands. Found in the fridge at your local supplement, health food store, or clinic, Multiflora contains a wider range of strains of beneficial bacteria, and along with maintaining and assisting gastrointestinal health and IBS symptoms, Multiflora is also effective in assisting in the management of allergies. Even though Multiflora may be higher in price per capsule compared to Inner Health Plus, it is higher in potency and contains a wider range of beneficial bacteria, and is therefore more effective in recolonizing bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. This may translate to better relief of IBS symptoms, greater immune system support, and relief of allergies leading to a decreased dose of supplementation long term. 

Probiotics are also found naturally in foods such as yoghurt, kefir, miso, and traditional sourdough bread to name a few. By increasing these foods in your everyday diet you can effectively support your gastrointestinal health and reduce symptoms of bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.

	Inner Health Plus	Orthoplex Multiflora
Price	30 capsules $21.69	60 capsules $61.20
Specific Bacteria	Lactobacillus acidophilus Bifidobacterium lactis Colostrum powder - bovine	Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus gasseri Lactobacillus balgaricus Lactobacillus lactis Lactobacillus longum Lactobacillus breve Streptococcus thermophilus

Visit the Naed Nutrition store for any more questions on probiotics

Boosting Immunity

Need to boost your immune system with cold and flu season well & truly here? The below foods carry anti-bacterial/fungal/inflammatory properties that all assist in reducing sinus congestion:

• Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water fish (Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel, Anchovies), Fish and Linseed oils, Avocado, nuts, seeds and eggs. These essential fatty acids act as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing sinus swelling and congestion. 

• Garlic, which may boost immunity levels enabling you to more easily fight off a Sinus infection. 

• Foods containing high amounts of Vitamin C, such as Citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli and blueberries. The Vitamin C reduces inflammation; boost overall immunity levels and acts as a natural anti-histamine. 

• Pineapple, which contains the bromelain enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory and decongestive properties. 

• Apple Cider Vinegar, which is rich in the Potassium that functions to break down mucous production. 

• Water, which should be consumed in large amounts to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out and a consequent congestion taking place

• Foods that eliminate Candida yeast from the gut (which has linked to Sinusitis), such as cold pressed oils (such as Olive oil) and most fresh vegetables.

Foods that should be avoided include:

• Dairy products, which have been associated with the production of phlegm and mucous. These may be replaced Rice products as Soy may also occasionally cause mucous to thicken. 

• Spicy foods, which may trigger acid reflux that can trigger an episode of Sinusitis. 

• Alcohol, which dehydrates the body thus hardens mucous and inflames sinus and nasal membranes. It may also trigger acid reflux that may aggravate the condition. 

• Caffeine, a diuretic that dehydrates the nasal membranes. Coffee should especially be avoided as it is acidic as well and may cause acid reflux from the stomach.

Ideal Supplements:

• Echinacea: In liquid form is a powerful and well absorbed herb to prevent cold & flu symptoms developing but also reduces the severity & duration of illness 

• Juice Plus+: supports several measures of immune function including higher amounts of immune antioxidants and natural killer cells (which attack viruses), as well as reduce severity of symptoms (particularly in the immunocompromised groups such as children and the elderly)

• Probiotics: Majority of our immune system is found in our gut thus boosting your good gut flora will allow you to fight off more illness. Ideally a refrigerated probiotic will have more live bacteria. See the comparasion here: Supplement Review: Probiotics

Email sinead@naednutrition.com.au for more information about boosting your immune system.