The human gut is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms. We have so many microorganisms living in us that only 1 out of 10 cells in our bodies is our own. It stands to reason that the delicate balance of this microscopic flora would have huge effects on our health.

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[0:07] The human gut is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms,
as a matter of fact we have so many microorganisms living in us that only 1 out of 10 cells in our bodies is actually our own.
It stands to reason that the delicate balance of this microscopic flora would have huge effects on our health, wouldn’t it?

[0:34] Music.

[0:42] Hi my name is Biggi Fraley. I am The Arthritis Coach, and welcome to today’s show on probiotics!
Did you know that recent studies have shown promising links between having the right balance of gut flora and being skinny?
And did you also know that your diet has a huge impact on the type of flora inhabiting you intestines?

[1:09] Combining these two facts can be the key to not only healing your gut,
and ultimately your arthritis, but also weight loss, which I commonly describe as a natural byproduct of a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition habits.

[1:28] It seems that a diet high in plant foods has three ways it interacts with gut flora.
First, the fiber that is only found in plant foods is digested by the good flora in your gut.
The process releases propionate.
You probably don’t care to know all the fancy names, but you should care about what this short-chain fatty acid does for you. It has three main functions that are directly related to your weight.
1. It decreases cholesterol. 2. Slows your digestion by making you feel fuller longer,
and 3. inhibits the formation of new fat cells.

[2:17] Second, the digestion of fiber from your plant intake also forms another short-chain fatty acid called butyrate.
Now, butyrate inhibits the growth of cancer cells in your colon and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.

[2:37] The third way plant foods work with your gut flora to curb obesity is by feeding good bacteria while starving the bad.

[2:48] In a study of the flora in thin people versus obese people,
it was found that skinny people have a higher amount of bacteroidetes in their colon and obese people have a higher amount of firmicutes.
Now, it is known that polyphenols, found in fruits, green tea, and vinegar,
promote the growth of bacteroidetes and suppress firmicutes.
Well that was a mouthful! To put it in plain English, plant food grows gut flora that makes you skinny while hindering the growth of gut flora that makes you fat.
So the burning question is: Should I take probiotics or not?
Well, the answer can be complicated. I’ve long told my clients that not all probiotics work the same for everyone.
Just like bio-individuality when it comes to food, the same logic applies to the kind of probiotics you should take.
For example, lactobacillus acidophilus is better after taking antibiotics and for preventing bladder infections in women.
While lactobacillus plantarum is great for its anti-inflammatory properties and it’s best for people with inflammatory bowel conditions, like Chron’s.

[4:15] Research has also shown that this probiotic is a powerful alternative to prescription drugs in reducing the permeability of damaged gut lining, AKA leaky gut,
which then reduces inflammation, the underlying cause of your arthritis.
So, most people will benefit from taking a probiotic.
But, equally important is to front-load your diet with a lot of plant-based nutrition.
A supplement is a supplement is a supplement. It is not a replacement!

[4:54] Another quick disclaimer, probiotics may be contraindicated if you also suffer from SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Also, if you are taking prescription drugs, like any kind of immuno-suppressant drugs your doctor may have put you on, always consult with your physician before taking any supplements.
How the fiber in polyphenols in your foods and veggies will work with the probiotics to do all the wonderful things that new research is showing to be.
Remember, nothing can replace eating a healthy diet loaded with a rainbow of fresh, clean plant food.
But, when things don’t feel right, a good round of probiotics just might do the trick, and help shed a few pounds too.
I know that I’ve barely scratched the surface of the topic of probiotics here today,
but, I hope I’ve given just enough information to help you decide if it may be a supplement you could benefit from.

[6:05] So, if you enjoyed the show, please do share it on your favorite social media outlets, and I hope you’ll tune in next week for the latest episode of The Arthritis Coach podcast,
available every Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. Pacific on your favorite podcast channel.
Thank you so much, and have a wonderful week! I will talk to you soon.[/spp-transcript]