Although unable to recommend a specific probiotic, Dr. Allan Walker, of Harvard Medical's Division of Nutrition agrees that probiotics may help patients deal with constipation and other health problems. While more research is warranted, select studies have shown that having an unbalanced "leaky" gut full of "bad" bacteria can be improved by ingesting "good" bacteria from cultured foods or probiotics.
These foods might include lassi, kefir,yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, or kombucha, or probiotic supplements. According to the Arthritis Foundation without treatment an inflamed intestinal tract becomes permeable or "leaky", thus permitting toxins, germs, and waste into the bloodstream. In such a compromised condition the body's immune system is less able to fight disease and joint inflammation can be an issue. By consuming the "good" bacteria in cultured food or probiotic supplements, whether in capsule, powder, or tablet form, studies have shown that patients experience a reduction in gas and bloating, improved blood pressure, and the alleviation of inflammatory issues, with improved bowel function.
While research is incomplete, there is growing scientific consensus that nutrition is key to optimal health and patient wellbeing. Food is medicine.
