The wonders of probiotic supplementation

CEBU, Philippines - Disasters can lead to more disastrous situations and conditions. That's why we are called to be prepared always to such predicaments. The keyword nowadays is "mitigation" to pad certain ill effects of calamities.

Take the case of 32-year-old Frances, for example, who had to be evacuated together with her two children and mother-in-law after their house in a middle-class subdivision was inundated by a flashflood. Frances knew from the start it wouldn't be any safer at the evacuation center, but where else could they go where food and water will be made available by social workers and volunteer groups, and medical solutions by volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics.

With poor toilet facilities, and the growing number of evacuees now overcrowding the school gym turned evacuation center, Frances began complaining of an upset tummy. Her mother-in-law who has had a home-service manicure-pedicure treat a day prior to the event also had to have a toe checked as it was already swelling for those hours her feet were submerged in floodwaters while they were getting help from rescuers.

At evacuation centers, risk could develop from an epidemic of leptospirosis to e-coli, diarrhea, amoebiasis, tuberculosis, and even A(H1N1).

The children were not spared either from fever, cough and colds. Worse, the strain of colds nowadays go virulent with the combining of the swine flu strain with the avian flu strain. There is a growing resistance also of the body against antibiotics, like the more you bombard it with antibiotics, the more the body gets used to these that when the moment comes for it to fight and ward off infection, functions become impaired.

Today's generation is exposed to a vicious cycle of hapless events said to be triggered by the ill effects of climate change aside from other physical and mental stressors: pollution, risk of improper treatment of garbage, contaminated water supply. This is because, unwittingly, we live in disaster-prone areas where much intrusion of infrastructure developments happen. Housing developments clog waterways and skyscrapers dot fault lines. But that is one thing we readily succumb to because who are we to question the supposed wisdom of licensed builders and bemedalled engineers?

As for our health though, there is one big step we can undertake to boost our immune system. This way, when we find ourselves in evacuation centers (which is already a part of, whether you like it or not, the many surprises of life's uncertainties).

Through microbial supplementation, or through intake of lactobiotics which is a supplementation of good bacteria, we can help promote the growth of 80 percent good bacteria in our gut to tone down the growth of bad bacteria to only 20 percent. This way, balance in the growth of beneficial and harmful bacteria is ensured.

The wonders of lactobacillus

Inside our bodies are billions of good and bad bacteria. When there is more bad than good bacteria,health problems arise. These include having gas pains, getting a bloating feeling, intestinal toxicity, constipation and failure of the body to absorb nutrients.

The imbalance can also bring about chronic ailments like arthritis and immune system disorders like allergies.

Probiotic supplements, in the form of LactoBiotic products, come in two strains: Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis. The former is one of the strongest strains since it is the only variety not harmed by antibiotics, while the latter has the ability to enhance natural immune functions and has anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects.

Lactobacillus contributes as well to the destruction of mold, viruses, and parasites. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lowers blood pressure and LDL cholesterol; reduces the risk of thrombosis; affords protection from environmental toxins, pesticides and pollutants; reduces toxic waste at the cellular level; and stimulates the repair of cells.

LactoBiotic products are made of natural ingredients - molasses, soy beans, purified water and further enriched with Vitamins B2, B3, C, and 33 essential and non-essential amino acids, minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium and iron.

No melting down of defenses

Bobby Puno, who spends most of his time on the road as a trisikad or "padyak" driver, used to experience frequent event of body malaise. "Sobrang sakitin talaga kasi araw-araw nalalanghap mo yung maitim at maruming usok. Halos di na ako makapagtrabaho, pero binigyan ako ng misis ko ng LactoBiotic. Nong ininom ko, pakiramdam ko unti-unting lumalakas ang katawan ko. Nawala yung palagiang pananakit ng tiyan ko," he said in a video-stored interview.

As for Elena Castro, a housekeeper, she used to complain of nausea triggered by hypertension. "Nahihilo ako, hapong-hapo. Hinang-hina ang katawan ko, pakiramdam ko nauupos ang katawan ko. May kaibigan ako na nag-alok sa akin na subukan ang LactoBiotic. Sinubukan ko, pakiramdam ko nanumbalik ang sigla ng katawan ko."

However, the product comes with a disclaimer that it should not be treated as a herbal medicine. "LactoBiotic is a natural food supplement with lactobacilli as main ingredient which our body needs to promote health, beauty and wellness," the waiver read.

As celebrity endorser/product ambassador Kuya Kim Atienza would put it: LactoBiotic is a partner in our battle against life's uncertainties. "Kasangga mo sa laban ng buhay," the Matanglawin show host underlined.