The Importance of Gut Bacteria and Probiotics

Written by: Em Wooden

Between February 2013 and February 2014 the kombucha industry grew by 29 percent.  US sales during that year came to $122.7 million, and since then they have only gone up.  Euromonitor International estimates that, by 2019, the kombucha industry will net $656.7 million.  One of the driving factors in kombucha’s commercial success seems to be the drink’s probiotic content and the inherent health benefits of those probiotics.

Probiotics are microorganisms which, when ingested, can be incredibly beneficial to health.  There are many different types of bacteria that are considered probiotics, but the most common ones fall into the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups.  According to the National Center for Complementary Integrative Health, some types of probiotics may be helpful in treating diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.  Research is being conducted in hopes of proving that probiotics are helpful in treating tooth decay, liver disease, colic, the common cold, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory infections, and even allergies.  Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface in terms of understanding how probiotics work and which ailments they might be able to alleviate, but many studies seem promising.

A 2013 study conducted at UCLA suggests that probiotics might be beneficial for mental health as well as physical.  While scientists have long understood that stress can affect the gut, the new research proves that the gut also sends signals to the brain which can affect emotional health.  A person’s gut is home to a plethora of bacteria which help regulate gastrointestinal processes; probiotics allow a person to maintain an appropriate number of these important bacteria.  Several months after the UCLA study was published in Gastroenterology, a similar study appeared in Biological Psychiatry.  The second study explored the possibility of using a certain type of probiotic to treat mental illnesses such as depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.  The researchers dubbed them “psychobiotics” and found that they could stimulate production of serotonin and other neuroactive chemicals in rodents.

Probiotics are generally considered to be safe for people who are healthy, although anyone with a compromised immune system or serious illness should consult their healthcare provider before adding a probiotic supplement to their diet.  Probiotic dietary supplements are currently available over the counter and do not require FDA approval, which means that their packaging cannot claim that they remedy any particular illnesses at this time.  As more research is conducted, this is likely to change.  While some people may find that a capsule is the easiest way to add probiotics into their diet, there are many other options as well.  Kimchi, a fermented Korean dish, contains a large amount of healthy bacteria.  Sauerkraut, miso, kefir, yoghurt, and aged cheeses such as Gruyere and Roquefort are also excellent sources of probiotics.  Arguably the most enjoyable way to get your daily dose of healthy bacteria is via a probiotic-rich beverage.  At Evolution we carry two types: Health-Ade Kombucha, and KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drink.

Health-Ade is a Los Angeles-based company that ferments their kombucha in 2.5 gallon batches.  The main ingredients are tea, sugar, water, and scoby.  Their entire brewing process takes place in glass containers rather than plastic or metal, and they flavor their organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher product with raw juice rather than artificial flavorings.  The resulting beverage is slightly vinegary and lightly carbonated, which makes for a delightfully refreshing drink.

Also hailing from Southern California, KeVita adds a probiotic culture, plant extracts, and apple cider vinegar to pure filtered water to make their Sparkling Probiotic Drink.  Just like Health-Ade, they use certified organic, kosher, vegan, and gluten-free products to ensure that they are creating the best possible product.  With flavors like Mojita Lime Mint Coconut, what’s not to love?

Sources:

Carr, C. (2014, Aug 9). Kombucha cha-ching: A probiotic tea fizzes up strong growth. Retrieved from: http://www.cnbc.com/2014/08/08/kombucha-cha-ching-a-probiotic-tea-fizzes-up-strong-growth.html

Champeau, R. (2013, May 28). Changing gut bacteria through diet affects brain function, UCLA study shows. Retrieved from: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617

Dinan, TG, Stanton, C, & Cryan, JF. (2013). Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic