Probiotics Increase Bone Density

A survey has found that the use of probiotics reduces inflammation in the intestines and increases bone density. It has recently been published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology.


The researchers of The Michigan State University fed mice with the bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri for 4 weeks. From previous studies is concluded that Lactobacillus reuteri is effective in reducing intestinal inflammation. The fact that the intestinal inflammation is associated with osteoporosis has led researchers to investigate the efficiency of Lactobacillus bacteriums to the health of bones.

Researchers have found that the bone density of male mice improved after taking Lactobacillus reuteri. However, in females, bone density is not improved. This probably indicates that it is necessary to include other probiotics into the treatment of females.

After the discovery of the connection between probiotics and bone density, several studies are initiated to determine which are the best probiotics to prescribe certain persons as a cure for osteoporosis. Results are expected soon.

Useful also in colds
Previous research on probiotics has shown that they are useful for immunity. The Cochrane Library has reviewed several studies and found that probiotics such as bifidobacteria and lactic acidobakteria can help people to less likely catch a cold, or to heal upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu – even pneumonia.

Several previous studies also confirmed that probiotics are effective in reducing and alleviating the symptoms of the infection caused by persistent diarrhea in children.

To sum up,  the benefits of maintaining healthy intestinal flora are obvious. No doubt it is beneficial to take probiotics after antibiotic treatment (which indiscriminately kill intestinal flora, good and bad). Furthermore, it seems that it is good to take probiotics to prevent cold in flu season, in cases of upper respiratory tract disease, or stomach problems caused by certain infections. Also, now we know that probiotics are good in preventing osteoporosis, and to make the situation better.
How to take probiotics? Certainly, there are supplements (probiotic bacteria culture) and they are quite good. But probiotics are also found in fermented foods (sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh). There are also so-called. prebiotics, or foods that help beneficial bacteria in the bowels to grow. These include fresh, raw vegetables, kefir, and fermented vegetables.

Proper Diet to Longer Life

One of the most intriguing issues that plague the mankind is how to stop the aging process or to prolong life, feel better and look better. To what extent it is affected by genetic heritage and whether one can, with a lifestyle that includes certain diet, to have important influences on the life?

In the modern living environment there are many factors that can affect the expression of our genes, since the sum of what we eat, drink, breathe, think and practice – can overcome our genetic material.

Many years of scientific research has shown that food is not only the source of calories, and it is not just medicine. Food is an effective weapon in the fight against aging because it has a great influence on the hormone, the anti-aging key is the communication between hormones. For these reasons, diet with limited calorie intake is the foundation of anti-aging.

The next step that will contribute to the fight against aging is moderate but consistent exercise. Only permanent physical and mental activity provides a long and productive life. Inactivity implies a weak heart, brittle bones, obesity, depression and premature aging.

Finally, very high importance of anti-aging has the reduction of stress, because of its beneficial effects on longevity of the brain. We must learn to alleviate the problems because they will always be and we can not eliminate them. The best cure for stress is fresh air and walk.

Let us now go back to eating as the most important factor for preserving longevity. First and foremost is a moderate, low calorie and varied diet. For example, Mediterranean diet is ideal with plenty of vegetables and fruits, fish and olive oil. It is necessary to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, avoid salt and use a lot of herbs.

The most important foods for longevity are:

– Olive oil with unsaturated fatty acids. It provides essential fatty acids needed to produce hormones, protects the heart and blood vessels and acts as an antioxidant.

– Nuts (walnuts hazelnuts, almonds) increase the level of HDL (the good fats),  provide dietary fiber and vitamin E, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

– Blue fish – fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D

– Low-fat yogurt – calcium and vitamin D

– Whole grains – dietary fiber

– Legumes (beans, lentils, soy, …) vegetable protein, dietary fiber, folate

– Vegetables: especially cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes because of the abundance of plant hormones, pigments, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals and antioxidants

– Fruits: apples, pears, lemons, oranges and berries due to high content of vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants

– Dark chocolate in small quantities, improve mood, contains antioxidants and boosts immunity

Most people inherit a chance to live about 85 years. Others depend on us and our habits.

Let us be moderate in eating, lead an active life, exercise the  body and thought, maintain friendship and fellowship.

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