Probiotics and fermented foods for autoimmune diseases

     When you are constantly eating foods that you can’t digest properly, you are fuelling the inflammatory fire. This reduces the beneficial bactéria in your gut and encourages the growth of bad bacteria and undesirable yeast. This imbalance of flora in your gut is called dysbiosis. Not only do these bacterial changes cause food to ferment in the intestines without being digested, leading to undesirable digestive symptoms, but the new bacteria and yeast are also recognized by the immune system as another offending invader, leading to more inflammation, more intestinal permeability, and more immune response in the bloodstream.

    Klebsiella and Prevotella are two bacteria, which, if in excessive amounts in the microbiome, become inflammatory and start this autoimmune process. Also, some bacteria have similar DNA to ours which can prompt our immune system to make antibodies similar to the bacteria, again leading to molecular mimicry.

    Probiotics, in the form of supplements and fermented foods, can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. These beneficial microorganisms can help modulate the immune system and promote a balanced, controlled response. By fostering a healthier ut microbiome, probiotics contribute to immune system regulation,  reducing the risk of it going haywire. Additionally, probiotics may help reduce inflammation by producing anti-inflammatory compounds and enhancing the gut barrier's integrity. 

Supplements

    While it is best to get your probiotics from a diversity of fermented foods, probiotic supplements can also be called for at times. Strains that are particularly useful in modulating the immune system and dampening inflammation in autoimmune conditions include Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG).

    Clinical expertise and advice from a qualified health practitioner can help you find the right probiotic strain for you as an individual. The right strain will help you replenish and grow your own unique strains of bacteria that are living inside you. A qualified health practitioner will also be able to recommend good-quality probiotic supplements.

    However, if you need to choose a probiotic supplement on your own, here are some key things to look out for:

1. Opt for brands that use strains that have been tested in clinical trials at the same dose or a dose similar to that which is contained in the product.

2. Ensure that the product you use has been third-party tested to verify that the product that you take home lives up to the promises on its label.

3. Pay attention to CFUs (Colony-Forming Units) When investigating labels. This is a measure of live species that are contained within the product. Generally speaking, this number should be in the billions, not the millions.

4. Look for a product that contains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with several different strains and soil-based bacteria which help to stabilize an imbalanced gut.

5. Diversity is the goal of a healthy microbiome. While inferior brands commonly contain just one strain of probiotic, high-quality products feature a variety of strains that have been  shown to work together to support the gut.

6. Avoid products that contain binders or fillers, such as lactose or corn starch, which can trigger digestive upset.

7. Always check the expiration date to ensure that your product is guaranteed to last for the duration that you’ll be using it.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY

    Probiotics are generally considered safe for most people. However, they can cause side effects, especially when first starting to take them.

    These can include gas, bloating, upset stomach, and diarrhea. These side effects usually subside after a few days or weeks. In rare cases, probiotics can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a compromised immune system or serious illness.

How to take

    If you begin using a new probiotic supplement and find that you develop digestive symptoms, such as bloating or gas, it may not be the right probiotic for you. Alternatively, it may be the right probiotic, but you may need to start at a lesser amount.

    In this case, start by taking a miniscule amount. Open the capsule, dip your finger in and try just a tiny little bit. If this small amount triggers digestive symptoms, then it’s probably best to try a different strain.However, if the finger tip dose does not create any negative symptoms, you can very gradually increase the amount you consume until you have reached the indicated dosage on the product label.

    The best time to take probiotic supplements is shortly (15-30 min) before food. It is also recommended to drink a glass of water first. Your stomach is highly acidic, so water helps to dilute the acid and help the bugs survive. Refer to the product for storage instructions, as some may need to be kept in the refrigerator. Not all probiotics need to be refrigerated to remain viable; actually, most can be kept at room temperature.