By Ross Pelton, Rph, Phd, CCN
Balance and diversity are important concepts related to a healthy microbiome. High-dose probiotics (billions and billions) do not promote microbiome balance. It is better to have a smaller quantity of a wider range of probiotics rather than a high dose of just one or several strains.
Microbiome diversity refers to the number of different species of friendly probiotic bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract. In general, higher diversity, meaning a greater number of different strains of bacteria, equates to a healthier microbiome and a healthier individual
This also helps explain why taking high-dose is not a good idea. Large numbers of one or several strains of probiotics do not promote diversity.
How to Create & Maintain a Healthy Microbiome:
The most important factor related to maintaining a healthy microbiome is the following:
You must learn how to feed your probiotic bacteria well….!!!
The foods that probiotic bacteria require are fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. It is not enough to just take probiotics. If you don’t feed your probiotics well, they will not thrive and survive. Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics® are produced in large fermentation vats. 12 strains of probiotic bacteria are allowed to digest & ferment a wide range of organically grown foods for a period of 3 years.
Some of the prebiotic foods supplied to Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic bacteria include the following: Goji berries, Blueberries, Figs, Prunes, Red Bayberries and Yazu fruit, several types of Japanese vegetables, Maitake, Shitake and other kinds of mushrooms and several kinds of seaweeds.
Postbiotic Metabolites:
Postbiotic metabolites are compounds that bacteria produce in your gastrointestinal tract. The compounds produced by your friendly probiotic bacteria have a wide range of functions related to regulating and controlling many aspects of your health. However, the postbiotic metabolites produced by pathological bacteria are toxic.
Most probiotic products just contain bacteria in a capsule. Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics deliver probiotic bacteria, prebiotic foods, and most importantly, hundreds of postbiotic metabolites. Postbiotic metabolites are the new frontier of microbiome science and research. Scientists now realize that postbiotic metabolites, which are the compounds produced by probiotic bacteria are vast master command center that is involved, either directly or indirectly, in regulating and controlling virtually everything that happens in your body. This is why it is so critical for people to learn how to create and maintain a healthy microbiome.
How To Create and Maintain A Healthy Microbiome:
- Take 2 capsules of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics daily
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of multicolored fiber-rich vegetables (2 2/3rds) & fruits (1/3rds)
- Exercise regularly and be happy