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Articles Tagged with: probiotics

Tanning: It’s not just for the Summer!

tannery-hides Since the middle ages, people have tanned the hides of animals to make leathers to be used for furniture, clothing, and decoration. Unfortunately, the chemicals used by tanneries to create this luxury have proven to be harmful to human, animal, and planet health. With the sustainability of Earth now at the top of every country’s priorities, tanneries have begun to get a bad reputation for their work, despite the efforts made to shrink the environmental impact of these businesses.

The Use of Harsh Chemicals is an Ancient Practice

The use of mercury, arsenic, and selenium are all chemicals used in the practice of tanning leather— well, they were 60 years ago. Now, these dangerous chemicals have been replaced with saline solutions, or chemicals that contain salt as their tanning agent.

Alternatives to Harsh Tanning Chemicals

Probiotics are key! New research has shown that using Probiotic solutions specifically designed for tanning leather has decreased pollution, smell, and overall harmfulness of tanning leather. This solution helps make the leather more flexible, returning it to a more natural-feeling state while ensuring that the harsh chemicals are not present to harm you, your family, or the environment!

Overall, tanning can now be seen as not completely detrimental to society and our sustainability. With these new advances, and more progress being made every day, the practice of tanneries will soon be out of the headlines, with higher quality leathers made by probiotics coming to you soon.

For more the latest industry news, tune into our weekly blog.

Cinco de Mayo: A Fermented Food Fiesta

mexican-fermented-food All of our fans of Mexican cuisine are gonna want to listen up this Cinco de Mayo! Although greasy meats, melted cheeses, and chips with salsa sound like a good idea when celebrating, the next day your whole digestive system and/or health could be jeopardized. Those fatty, sugary foods are NOT going to like you as much as you like them, as they can throw off your microbiome, the power-house of your body’s health. Probiotics are a great way to get your body back on track; but instead of doing damage control after the celebrations, you could eat fermented foods, a great source of natural probiotics! So maybe celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home this year with this list of fermented food recipes that are sure to keep your microbiome and your cravings happy.

Mexican Carrots and Fermented Fiesta Dip!

To substitute those chips and salsa for a healthier option, perhaps try spicy, fermented carrots with a delicious, probiotic-fueled dip! This recipe requires a little planning, so you may want to do a little preparation before your celebrations; however, the taste, spice, and added healthy qualities make this a snack you will not want to miss!

Mexican Fermented Veggies!

We all love a jalapeno every now and again, but did you know that there are plenty of other fermented veggies that are used in Mexican cuisine? This particular blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and cabbage is sure to help bring an extra something to your burritos or fajitas! It is a little spicy, so beware!

Lacto-Fermented Escabeche!

Although you may not recognize the name, this essentially translates to pickled jalapenos; this recipe, however, contains a much larger variety of tasty peppers and spices to give any taco an added kick! You can make this yourself or buy it from the store, so there’s really no excuse not to have something a little extra and a little spicy dolloped onto your favorite Mexican dish this Cinco de Mayo!

For more information on the benefits of probiotics, check out our website!

Do as the Romans Do: History of Probiotics

As you sniff your bottle of probiotics, or you ponder the process of making yogurt, you’re probably wondering: who thought of this stuff? Who in the world thought to get bacteria and see if certain kinds are good for you? Who does that?

Pliny the Elder does, actually. Or, did.

This man was alive in Ancient Rome around 70 AC. He was a naturalist and a healer, using herbs and natural remedies to cure the sick. He eventually found out that fermented milk could help cure an upset stomach, and began administering that to his patients when they complained of a stomach-related illness.

But it didn’t stop there!

Although we can accredit Pliny with the original application of probiotics, it wasn’t until the 1800’s when Russian scientist Ilya Mechnikov saw that lower-class people were out-living the nobility; he attributed this to their consumption of yogurt and fermented food. After further research, Mechnikov and his colleagues began drinking fermented milk, creating the first official “probiotic” which means “for life.”

How much life did probiotics influence?

The trend caught on, mostly in Asian and European countries, and continued to do so throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In Asia, fermented milkshakes were a specialty; in France, cheese was a delicacy that could also be used for medicinal reasons; and in Great Britain, Activia Yogurt became popular before settling in the US.

Since then, probiotics have made their way around the world, coming in many different forms, such as fermented milkshakes, supplements, and yogurt. As they are still being researched and tested, many new functions and applications of them are being discovered, such as being used to treat anything from indigestion to autism. Some research also indicates that probiotics can help fight diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. One thing is known about this miracle cure: when it comes to probiotics, there are Pliny of uses to go around.

In Sickness and in Health: Married to Probiotics

bloating There are some that take probiotics religiously, twice a day, before meals. They lead a healthy lifestyle, keep their gut clean, and exercise. But then…. there are the rest of us who struggle. And struggles lead to being sick — a common health issue that can be prevented with the use of probiotics. Despite what you may have heard, these friendly germs can do much more than straighten out your poo-problem. Go ahead, tie the knot, and get married to probiotics.

Conditions Treatable by Probiotics:

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD): You have an infection. The doctor prescribes an antibiotic and it starts to help, but then… duty calls. Over and over again. It’s painful, and it is a huge disruption. Luckily, probiotics are designed to balance out your microbiome and counteract what the antibiotics are doing do your digestive system, which can make the annoying bowel issue disappear.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Ulcerative colitis, one type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine, is one illness that is the most responsive to probiotics. Much like with AAD, it soothes the stomach bacteria in order to help calm down the pain. As always, if you are in serious pain, consults a doctor no matter what.
Yeast infections: As uncomfortable to talk about as they are, yeast infections are a common complaint from many in America. Caused by a pH imbalance in the body, this infection can cause itching, burning, and swelling in the most uncomfortable of places. Probiotics are regularly prescribed by doctors to help treat this illness; as it can be caused by antibiotics, many doctors also recommend eating yogurt- which is full of probiotics- during all antibiotic treatments as a preventative measure.

Married to Probiotics

Overall, when taken regularly, probiotics can help prevent or lessen the effects of such conditions. A strong relationship with probiotics is essential for staying happy and healthy. With their microbial influence, this type of treatment is best for anyone who wishes to clean and protect their body in a natural way. Probiotics can stay with you through sickness and health, making them the best life-partner.

Be sure to always consult a doctor before trying to treat any conditions yourself.

Smile! You’re on Probiotics!

teeth Smile really big! Now close your mouth. Run your tongue across the front of your teeth. What do you feel? A smooth surface? Or do you feel patches of roughness, almost like bunny slippers on your teeth? What you’re feeling is bacteria. And that bacteria accumulates due to lack of good hygiene, even if you religiously brush your teeth. It can make one a little nervous to smile now, eh?

So what gives?

We humans aren’t the best with our teeth– we brush them quickly and with a lot of force. We tend to eat crunchy, sticky, gummy, or downright rock-hard foods that can damage our teeth enamel. Yes, we can brush our teeth and keep them looking white, but does the surface reflect the actual health of your gums? Unfortunately, the products we use to clean our teeth may actually be making them dirtier.

As it turns out, most of the teeth cleaning products you are using are targeted at removing all bacteria– good and bad– leaving a lot of room for bacteria that is not targeted by the product to grow; unfortunately, the good bacteria that could battle it is the bacteria that we are killing off with harsh tooth pastes and mouth washes. So how can we replenish the good so it can fight the bad?

Probiotics!

We use these friendly little germs to combat bad germs in our microbiome, so we can totally do the same in our mouths! Some toothpastes and even mouthwashes claim to have probiotics, but since you usually rinse and spit those out, a normal probiotic supplement might be just the thing you need for a clean, healthy smile!

So next time you feel those fuzzy slippers around your teeth, don’t panic! Simply brush, floss, rinse, and then take a probiotic supplement to prevent any further damages to your mouth. A healthy smile is a happy smile!

Fun, Fermented Food

fermentation “Fermented” is just one of those words. When you hear or read it, you are reminded of images and tastes that may make you get a little queasy (unless you’re a beer or pickle fan). However gross or sour you may imagine these foods to be, it turns out fermented foods are pretty much the holy grail of foods, when keeping your microbiome in mind.

What is Fermentation?

By definition, fermentation is: “the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat.” So pretty much, it’s a type of decomposition. This practice originated in ancient Rome when herbalist Pliny the Elder began treating his patients’ bad stomachs with fermented milk; once people in the Renaissance era got a hold of it, it became the panacea for the population. Everyone started fermenting everything. In modern times, scientists have recognized fermented foods as a great resource for probiotics. Hence the craze.

But does that make them any more appetizing?

If you could never drink that liquid Tylenol or bring yourself to eat broccoli, you most likely aren’t going to start stuffing your face with richly fermented foods…. unless you find something you like! Below is a list of tasty foods that even the pickiest of eaters can enjoy!

Miso: a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermenting soybeans with salt, a fungus starter, and sometimes grains such as barley or brown rice. It’s sold as a paste that can be added to soups. Although tangy, even adding it as a spice to soups or entrees can make a huge difference!

Yogurt: as long as it’s not full of sugar and preservatives, yogurt is a very good source of probiotics, being used by many physicians as a way to not only stay healthy, but a way to avoid getting yeast infections while taking antibiotics.

Fermented condiments: there is now plenty of probiotic-fueled ketchup, mustard, and mayo to go around… just don’t over-do it. Most condiments contain quite a bit of sugar, so watch it!

Pickle(d anything): if you love pickled eggs, pickled beets, or just pickles, then this is a great source of probiotics for you!

Sauerkraut: if your parents never wanted you to try this sour stuff with some brats, did you really have a childhood? This sour yet bitter concoction is something that, if you have the taste-buds for it, you should definitely keep in stock in your cabinet. It’s a great source of probiotics– and bad breath.

Don’t over-think it!

Trying new foods can be downright terrifying, but with the right amount of research and sense of adventure, you will be a lean, mean, fermented-food-consuming machine.

Singing in the shower: Don’t Drop the Mic(robes)

To be clean, you’re gonna have to get a little dirty. Wait… what? You read that correctly; new studies are showing that good bacteria, called microbes, is not only in us but on us. We constantly have immunity to sickness and disease building up on our own skin cells! However, the biggest threat to the protection of the microbes is not some big scary thing (unless you’re 10 or younger) but a place of sanctity and peace for most people. That’s right: the shower.

The Shower’s Effects

As it turns out, showering everyday actually depletes our skin’s protection against germs — actual germs, not just the air — that we encounter in our daily lives. According to most dermatologists, one should shower every other day at the most. There are a few exceptions. You should shower daily:

If you exercise daily
If your work environment is outside in the elements/with animals or harmful chemicals
If you have young children (0-3 years of age)
If you are overweight or obese (as sweat cells accumulate more)
If you suffer from acne or psoriasis

Save the Microbes!

Other than these exceptions, showering every other day really isn’t as necessary as you think. Most people by the end of the day are not dirty at all; the social construct of our society has dictated that showering every day is normal. Yet, there are major benefits to NOT showering everyday:

You can keep your tan skin even longer, as the water and wash cloth won’t scrub away the tan layers of skin.
Your hair will be healthier, as the natural oils will have time to sit and penetrate the roots and tips, helping to avoid split ends.
You can kiss dry skin goodbye! Showering too often can dry out your skin, causing eczema, flaking/itching, or acne.
IT SAVES THE PLANET. So many countries are without clean drinking water; wasting gallons a day on a shower that isn’t even needed contributes to that problem. Even cutting back shower time by 10 minutes a week can save up to 100 gallons of water. Think about it.

Turn off the Faucet!

In conclusion, your body needs these little microbes to keep itself healthy. So turn off the faucet! If you find that you are one of the exceptions to the “no showering” recommendation, you can replenish your lost microbes by taking a probiotic supplement, using probiotic beauty products or eating more fermented foods.

Child-Friendly Probiotics that Combat Sickness

child friendly probiotics It can’t be.

Just a week after your little one’s last spell, it’s starting all over again:

Tummy aches.

Sobbing.

Toilet fiascos.

More sobbing (you this time).

If sickness is a familiar scenario for your child, you’re not alone. Immune systems take time to mature, and the continual exposure to and domination of nasty viruses and bacteria aid in that growth.

But not all bacteria is bad.

In fact, good bacteria number in the trillions throughout your digestive tract and other parts of your body (about 70% of your immune system lives happily in your gut). These bacteria, called probiotics, defend your little one’s body to the last microbe.

Why Child-Friendly Probiotics are Beneficial for Kids

Whether you’re a full-time mom or working outside of the home, it’s impossible to shield your children from every malady. Those bugs will come, and no swatter can smack ‘em down.

But you can stay proactive, and probiotics can do that job for you. Child-friendly probiotics can be added to any kid’s diet in the form of food or supplementation.

Children’s best defense against any illness lies in their immune system. Probiotics can add that extra “boost” to their immune system to ward off bad bacteria.

Strong nutrients like Vitamin C and calcium are also beneficial to your child’s growth. By ingesting probiotics, your child’s digestion may increase efficiency, providing additional nutrients for your little one’s muscles and bones.

Gut Shot: Probiotics Hit Illness where it Counts

Children can experience a range of minor health problems.

Though scientists are still discovering how probiotics benefit the human body, there’s a few illnesses that probiotics are especially good at fighting:

Lactose Intolerance
Diarrhea
Intestinal problems
Eczema

Supplementing Your Child’s Health

Natural, child-friendly probiotics found in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and cheese are great for everyday ingestion. But many require additional probiotics for optimum levels, which is where supplements come in.

Check with your pediatrician to determine what types and amounts of probiotics are best for your child.

Bloating Bible: Food to Avoid

bloating-probiotics Let’s talk about the uncomfortable truth. Sometimes we’re bloated, and that sucks. We love food and know you do, too. To help ensure mealtime is a favorite time of day, instead of a period of pain and uncertainty, we’ve got some tips for you. The good news is that by simply reducing or removing certain items from your diet, you’re likely to experience less bloating.

Common Food That Causes Bloating

Milk & Cheese

Milk and cheese offer a decadent finish to dishes and make for a rich snack when enjoyed alone. The issue is that for some with lactose — a main ingredient in dairy– intolerance, this rich, decadent flavor is accompanied by gas, bloating, and sometimes painful bowel movements.

If you experience sensitivities when eating milk, cheese, or other dairy, there are great dairy alternatives that will still satisfy your rich and creamy hankerings.

Beans & Lentils

Beans and lentils are both savory and fiber-rich. Like their dairy counterparts, beans can be hard for some individuals to seamlessly breakdown because of their sugars and fibers. Interested on what’s happening on the inside of your body? Here’s what is going on in the digestive tract.

“So when legumes reach the large intestine, your gut bacteria take the lead and feast on them. This process leads to gas and can balloon out your waist,” reports Health.

If you’re not extremely sensitive and only notice the occasional discomfort, try pairing beans with whole grains for easier digestion. This helps legumes get better assimilated into your digestive tract for future processing.

Less Bloated, Happier You

The reality is that sometimes we’re going to feel bloated. But by being aware of these bloating offenders, you can find ways to enjoy these foods moderately or replace them altogether, with less disruptive alternatives.

Stop by next time for a look at foods that help reduce bloating and keep your tummy flat just in time for bathing suit season.

Hawaiian Poi: Why It’s Our New Favorite Probiotic Food

poi The groundhog predicted an early spring, and ever since, we’ve been dreaming of tropical breezes and island food. The good news is that you can enjoy a little piece of Hawaii that will leave your body and soul feeling good from the inside out. You don’t have to go all the way to the Big Island to enjoy some of the homeland’s native Poi, a great source of beneficial microbes.

The 101 on Poi

Poi is a staple in the Hawaiian diet, and with good reason! If the name has you scratching you chin, rest assured that we wouldn’t lead you astray. There’s nothing deceptive about this dish. It is simply boiled taro roots that have then been pounded and mixed with water. This starch has made a reputation for itself being what the Polynesian Cultural Center representative calls …one of the most nutritious starches on the planet.”

Freshly fermented poi is a great way to get in your daily dose of beneficial microbes. However, you will have to make your own if you live in the states. Mind Body Green elaborates, saying ” While poi is loaded with good germs, it’s stirred up some controversy as there’s currently no way to mass produce it in a way that’s 100% sanitized. (In order to pass health and hygiene standards in America to prepare and sell anything, everything has to be 100% sanitized.).”

To make your own, try this authentic recipe.

Poi, As You Like It

One of the more attractive qualities about poi, aside from it’s subtle purple hue, its versatility. It’ not unusual for people to prepare it to their preferred thickness. This popular probiotic food can also be dressed with salt, sugar, or even soy sauce.

What are your favorite probiotic foods? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest and let us know.

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