Why everyone needs probiotics, herbs for eye health

PRIME – March 2013 By Jonathan Evans The Herbarium Lots to write about this month, and I promised to include some information about probiotics, so here goes Probiotics: The term literally means "pro life." According to Merriam Webster, a probiotic is "a preparation (as a dietary supplement) containing live bacteria that is taken as a dietary supplement to restore beneficial bacteria to the body." These are the bacteria that help, rather than harm, your health. Many of you may be familiar with acidophilus, the bacteria strain that is used to make yogurt and cheese. Although we are born without it, the acidophilus bacteria soon establish in our intestines and helps prevent intestinal infections. It also flourishes in women's vaginas, where it protects them against yeast infections. In fact, there are hundreds of strains of bacteria in the human gut, with specific strains benefiting certain parts of the digestive tract. For example, lactobacillus strains work better in the small intestine, while bifidobacterium do better in the colon or large intestine. Probiotics play an important role in nutrition by synthesizing certain vitamins and helping with absorption of key nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and iron. In addition, probiotics protect the intestinal lining, support and stimulate the immune system, and enhance detoxification. Things that can negatively impact this good bacteria include aging, antibiotics, parasites and acid suppressing – medications. Think about this: How many individuals are now taking anti-acid products? Certain medications can also interfere with the functioning of healthy bacteria in the gut – for example, how many women are forced to take Boniva or Fosamax to allegedly build their bones (it doesn't by the way). Perhaps part of the problem has been lack of good bacteria. Use a good probiotic in the range of 10 to 50 billion bacteria per capsule, with at least 10 different strains for both upper and lower intestine. Make sure the product is refrigerated, whether the bottle says shelf-stable or not! Believe me, it truly makes a big difference. For more information on probiotics and their use, stop by the Herbarium for plenty of free literature. Readers' questions Dear Jonathan, I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, but very early stage. Are there any herbs that can help this condition? – Anita Dear Anita, There are a lot of herbs and supplements that can help with eye health. Two herbs that come to mind for macular degeneration are bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and lutein. Bilberry is a European blueberry, which is very high in flavonoids called anthocyanins. As with other flavonoids, bilberry compounds are antioxidants that protect cell from free radical damage. These flavonoids also help to strengthen blood vessels, increase circulation and build up the macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that have great results and showed strong protective effects for age related macular degeneration. Lutein can be found in foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli and marigold flowers. Zeaxanthin is found in okra, Swiss chard, chicory and beet greens. Most people will take these nutrients in a supplement form to get the proper amount. The daily dose for bilberry is suggested at 160 to 240 mg., while an average dose for lutein is from 2 to 6 mg., with a dose of from 30 to 40 mg. suggested if you have a problem. Interestingly enough, our government reduced the suggested vitamin A level for individuals some years ago, and it seemed shortly after there was a rash of vitamin A deficiency-related conditions, including macular degeneration. Sometimes, I wonder about these guardians of our health. Other supplements that are helpful for general eye health include: beta-carotene, to help keep macular tissue healthy; gingko biloba, to reduce inflammation and increase circulation; quercetin, to help maintain lens transparency; lycopene, to reduce free radical damage; and several amino acids. A complete list of foods and supplements for better eye health is available free of charge at The Herbarium. – Jonathan Dear Jonathan, Is there anything that helps with Plantar fasciitis? I can't walk some days, and all the stretching exercises I've been prescribed make it hurt even more. – Art Dear Art, I've had plantar fasciitis once or twice and know just how painful it can be. One of the best products I have found is a combination of MSM – which is a sulfur compound – and several anti-inflammatory herbs such as bromelain, turmeric and devil's claw. This product is very effective and very inexpensive. The sulfur compound MSM is an anti-inflammatory, and adds more flexibility to the ligaments and tendons. Using this and doing the prescribed stretching exercises will help a great deal. Note: MSM is sulfur, not sulfa. Sulfur is the eighth most common element on earth; people are not allergic to it. Sulfa drugs have nothing to do with sulfur or MSM. Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.