Numerous studies have shown that an imbalance of friendly to unfriendly gut bacteria (too few friendly bacteria) can cause or aggravate various health conditions. Moreover, supplements aimed at increasing the number of friendly bacteria have been shown to help combat many types of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, ulcerative colitis; reduce the incidence of canker sores and vaginal yeast infections; and exert positive effects on the immune system. Friendly gut bacteria consist of lactobacillus acidophilu; L. bulgaricus; L. reuteri; L. plantarum; L. casei; B. bifidus; S. salivarius; S. thermophilus; and the yeast saccharomyces boulardi.
Recent studies, however, have shown that taking probiotic supplements (those containing friendly bacteria) may not be reliable: Random tests performed on probiotic supplements taken from the shelves of retail outlets indicated that most products contain no live bacteria by the time they reach the marketplace. These bacteria can only divide and replicate themselves a finite number of times before the final bacteria dies off. As such, it is very difficult for any manufacturer of probiotic supplements to guarantee the number of live bacteria in a supplement at the time of purchase (as opposed to at the time of manufacturing, which is what is usually claimed on the label).
In recent years, prebiotics have demonstrated an ability to increase the concentrations of friendly gut bacteria, and there is a suggestion that supplementation with these may be the more reliable method to favorably influence the ratio of friendly to unfriendly gut bacteria. Health practitioners should be aware of the physiology and clinical studies that pertain to the use of prebiotics in clinical practice, as they represent a viable alternative to the use of probiotic supplementation.
General Features of Prebiotics
"Prebiotics" refers to short-chain polysaccharides (carbohydrates), not completely digested by the human intestinal tract, that serve as a food supply for the friendly bacteria of the large bowel (bifodobacteria and lactobacilli), enhancing their growth and cell division rate.1-3 The official definition of prebiotics is: "Nondigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of one species or a limited number of species of bacteria in the colon."4
Human studies show that fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplements increase bifodobacteria and lactobacilli populations in the flora of the large intestine, while simultaneously reducing the colonies of detrimental bacteria. The same has been shown for supplementation with two other prebiotics: inulin and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).5-9
FOS and inulin consist of short chains of fructose molecules. GOS consist of short chains of galactose molecules.1-3 The estimated average daily intake of FOS from food sources (mostly vegetables) is 800 mg.10 Supplement studies demonstrate that 2,000-3,000 mg a day of additional FOS can favorably alter the bacteria populations of the large bowel.5-9 Higher doses may help to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and better regulate blood glucose in type II diabetics.11,12
From a standpoint of general wellness, both prebiotic and probiotic supplements have been shown to improve digestion and absorption of some nutrients; enhance detoxification by intestinal mucosal cells; reduce the concentrations of large bowel mutagens and carcinogens; aid elimination processes; and favorably affect the immune system of the gut and the systemic immune system. These benefits are related to favorable changes in the concentrations of friendly gut bacteria resulting from pre- and probiotics. In regards to immune modulation, these positive effects include reduced hypersensitivity reactions secondary to food sensitivities, improved control of autoimmune conditions, and a lessening of skin reactions secondary to food-induced hypersensitivity reactions.4,13,14
An important feature of prebiotics is their potential impact on reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in North America (combining statistics for men and women). Human studies demonstrate that both pre- and probiotics encourage the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Experimental data and some epidemiological evidence indicate that increased LAB protects against colon cancer development. Experimental data demonstrates that increased proliferation of LAB, through fermentation of prebiotics and other fiber sources, also gives rise to the production of short-chain fatty acids and lowers the pH of the colon, making it a more acidic environment. In various studies, lower colonic pH has been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, apparently related to an inhibition of certain enzymes known to produce bowel carcinogens.
Human studies have shown that prebiotics reduce concentrations of components that are genotoxic in human colon cells. Butyrate has been shown to increase the proliferation of normal cells, while inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells. This short-chain fatty acid also induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of colon cancer cells under experimental conditions. It is an important fuel for colon cells, and evidence suggests that these cells, when exposed to various carcinogens, are less inclined to be transformed into malignant cells in the presence of adequate butyrate supply. Butyrate has also been shown to increase the concentrations of glutathione transferase enzyme in colon cells. It has been reported that "enzyme induction by butyrate, or by the microflora and increased activity by Prebiotics, may be an important mechanism or protection against carcinogen-enhanced colon cancer."15
Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action
Generally, oligosaccharides are well-tolerated. Some individuals report increased flatulence initially. At very high levels, (40 gm), FOS and other oligosaccharides may induce diarrhea.1
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
There are no well-known drug interactions with FOS or other prebiotics.17
References
James Meschino, DC, MS
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
www.renaisante.com
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
