Probiotic Plus Prebiotic Reduces Cholesterol and Inflammation

January 9th, 2015 by Loretta Lanphier, NP, BCTN, CN, CH, HHP

Probiotic Plus Prebiotic Reduces Cholesterol and Inflammation

Most people understand the majority of the body’s immune system originates in the digestive system; in fact, 70-80% according to some estimates. However, the usual concern is that digestive tract and immune functions are often found to decline as we age thus contributing to disease through the entire body. New research indicates that the use of a good probiotic plus prebiotic can support healthy cholesterol levels and a healthy inflammation response. If you are a user of statin drugs, the following research should be important to you.

Prebiotic Plus Probiotic

Billions of bacteria inhabit the colon. Many of these healthy bacteria enhance immune function and prevent diseases in parts of the body beyond the digestive tract, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain billions of these and other “beneficial” bacteria in living form. After they are ingested, they eventually deliver beneficial bacteria into the intestinal tract where they increase in number and amplify their health-promoting and balancing effects.

Prebiotics also complement the action of probiotics.  Prebiotics are a class of nutrients that help immune-supporting bacteria to proliferate in the colon. They have been shown to optimize immune function, generating a broad array of health benefits. Cutting-edge clinical research indicates that they help to combat cancer and bone loss, reduce the incidence of allergies and even lower cholesterol levels.

Scientists have found that complex carbohydrate molecules rank among the most effective of prebiotic nutrients. The chemical bonds that hold these carbohydrates together are especially resistant to the onslaught of acids and enzymes aimed at breaking down the food we eat.

There are only two official prebiotics, both of which are oligosaccharides. The two accepted prebiotics are fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharide. Many companies sell other compounds that have “prebiotic-like effects” such as agave, dextrin, lactulose or even isomalto-oligosaccharide. The main reason that fructo-oligosaccharide and galacto-oligosaccharide are officially considered prebiotics is because they have been shown in clinical studies to have true prebiotic effects.

One of the most common types of FOS is inulin. Inulin describes a mixture of fructose polymers that is found in nature. A subgroup of inulin is oligofructose, which consists of polymers along with some polymerization. Inulin makes it way to the lower gut, where it functions as a prebiotic, or food source for the beneficial bacteria that reside there. Your gut bacteria converts inulin as well as other prebiotics into short-chain fatty acids, which in turn nourish colon cells and provide various other health benefits.

There are a variety of health benefits of inulin which include include improving digestive health, relieving constipation, promoting weight loss and helping control diabetes.

Floratrex Probiotic and Prebiotic

Recent Study – Probiotic Plus Prebiotic FOS

Approximately 71 million American adults (over 33%) have elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, putting them at increased risk of heart disease. A study published in October 2014 reports that using a probiotic plus prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation improves cholesterol levels, inflammation, and gut bacteria.

Researchers randomly assigned 45 young healthy subjects to receive six weeks of supplementation with:

  1. the probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius
  2. Lactobacillus salivarius plus the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (synbiotic group), or
  3. placebo.

The investigators evaluated serum lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, gut bacteria, and inflammatory markers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1-beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha at the beginning of the study and again after the intervention.

Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in both the probiotic and synbiotic groups after six weeks of supplementation compared to the placebo group. However, the decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was greater in the synbiotic group.

Inflammatory markers CRP, IL-6, IL-1-beta, and TNF-alpha significantly decreased in both the probiotic and synbiotic groups compared to placebo, and this improvement was also greater in the synbiotic group. Additionally, after the supplementation period, fecal lactobacilli counts increased and coliforms and Escherichia coli decreased in both the probiotic and synbiotic groups.

“Overall, the combination of L salivarius with FOS was observed to be more beneficial than L salivarius alone, thereby advocating that such synbiotic combinations could be therapeutically exploited for improved health and quality of life,” stated the researchers.

MORE INFO: Health Benefits of Probiotics

References:

Rajkumar H, et al. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Oct 20. [Epub ahead of print.]

Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep;153 Suppl 1:3-6.

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;119(1):192-8.

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Sep;42 Suppl 3 Pt 2S224-33.

J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401-12.

Loretta Lanphier is a Naturopathic Practitioner (Traditional), Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Clinical Herbalist as well as the CEO / Founder of Oasis Advanced Wellness in The Woodlands TX. She has studied and performed extensive research in health science, natural hormone balancing, anti-aging techniques, nutrition, natural medicine, weight loss, herbal remedies, non-toxic cancer support and is actively involved in researching new natural health protocols and products.  A 14 year stage 3 colon cancer survivor, Loretta is able to relate to both-sides-of-the-health-coin as patient and practitioner when it comes to health and wellness. “My passion is counseling others about what it takes to keep the whole body healthy using natural and non-toxic methods.” Read Loretta’s health testimony Cancer: The Path to Healing. Loretta is Contributor and Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Check out Oasis Advanced Wellness and our natural skin care site Oasis Serene Botanicals.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.

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