Probiotics, Prebiotics, Antibiotics

Dear Friend,

We will finish off the fiber newsletter series with a discussion regarding probiotics, but first let’s refresh some definitions:

• Prebiotic: Nondigestible fiber in food that fosters growth of beneficial microorganisms

  • Ex: Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onion, asparagus, banana

• Probiotic: Live microorganisms (bacteria) administered in adequate amounts to provide health benefits

  • Ex: Kimchee, yogurt, sourdough bread, supplements

• Antibiotic: Antimicrobial substance that kills bacteria. Also a common cause of microbiome imbalance.

  • Ex. Penicillin, Keflex, Ciprofloxacin, Flagyl

Previously we discussed nutritional fiber and that falls in the prebiotic category. Antibiotics resolve illnesses caused by bacterial infections and specifically for the GI system can be helpful to kill an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (ex. C. difficile or H. Pylori).

Probiotics:

Probiotics restore the balance in the microbiome with an influx of healthy bacteria. The majority of probiotics found on the market consist of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, mainly because they are bacteria that are relatively easy to grow and store: Thus an ideal option to turn into a pill.

Akkermansia Probiotic:

The cause of the imbalance in the microbiome is multifactorial and includes a poor diet, stress, and antibiotic use. Akkermansia was recently identified as a beneficial bacteria that promotes a healthy mucus GI layer, improves blood sugar regulation, lowers inflammation, and modulates the immune system.

There is evidence that Akkermansia has indirect effects related to GLP-1 agonist activity, which is a hot topic these days.

The challenge with Akkermansia is in being an obligate anaerobe, meaning oxygen kills it. This makes isolating the live bacteria a technically difficult process.

Currently there are two companies who can produce Akkermansia, so assume all other companies are fake: “Fakermansia”

• Pendulum - Live Akkermansia municipal

• The Akkermansia Company - Pasteurized form of Akkermansia muciniphila

We prefer the live form and therefore recommend Pendulum combined with tailored supplements to optimize GI health.

At BodyTimeMD, we believe the body works best when it is in balance and our microbiome is key to many processes beyond the gut. Hope this provides some insight, let’s talk if you are interested in finding out more about your body.

 This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute giving medical advice or endorsing any treatment. The use or application of the content herein forms no doctor-patient relationship. The information in this newsletter should not substitute for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

BodyTimeMD Events:

• 10/23/24 12:00pm: Kathy from the BodyTimeMD team will talk about resistance training and bone density at Pure Yoga - Downtown location

• 11/6/24 6:30pm: Kathy will talk about planks and posture at Pure Yoga - North location

• 11/7/24 5:00-7:00pm: Q&A with Mike at Red Fridge Society

  • The first of regular meetups with the BodyTimeMD community to discuss all things health related

• 11/14/24 - BodyTimeMD team to talk about health and longevity at Rok Golf

Thanks,

Mike