Probiotics for Immune Heath and Mood
Health in Berkeley

By Dr. Sue Mullen, DC
January 14, 2018

As a student of Functional Medicine in Berkeley, I am discovering probiotics are a large part of how to heal and prevent diseases.

Did you know 70-80% of your immune system is in your gut?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may be able to help prevent and treat some illnesses by keeping your gut microbiome healthy.  Promoting a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system are their most widely studied benefits at this time. This in turn helps to maintain a healthy brain.

Probiotics Offered in Berkeley

Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilius strains and Saccharomyces Boulardii are most often used as a probiotics to improve intestinal flora balance, inhibit harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection and disease.

The bacteria in the gut directly affects the function of the cells along the vagus nerve.  The vagus nerve exits the brain and connects with all of our organs; hence the origin of the name vagabond. Some of the gut's nerve cells and microbes release neurotransmitters that speak to the brain in its own language.  These microbes are abundant in a healthy brain.

A disturbed or imbalanced microbial intestine can send signals to the brain, just as an imbalanced microbial brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, your stomach or intestinal microbial imbalance can be the cause of anxiety, stress, or depression and many other illnesses. That's because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected.

When starting any regime of probiotics, go slow.  They may cause gastric upset.

Questions about probiotics, these most beneficial bacteria, ask Dr Sue of The Good Life Chiropractic in Berkeley.

Sources: Kresser Institute, Livestrong.com, Dr. Perlmutter.com, Dr. Axe.com