Probiotics and prebiotics: Nurturing a healthy gut ecosystem

Trillions of body microbes form a crucial microbiome. Imbalance from aggressors causes issues like IBS, acne, obesity, vaginosis, and yeast infections. Probiotics promote gut and vaginal health, by re-establishing the native microbiota of the body, we can remedy them. In this regard, probiotics and prebiotics can promote gut microbiota, influencing our overall health and well-being.

Our body lists trillions of microbes, which, though microscopic, play a key role in our overall health and well-being. They form a microbiome that often loses balance when overexposed to several aggressors, including antibiotics, alcohol, oily fatty food, spicy food, and even contaminated food or water.

Interestingly, even a brief change in location for a short business trip across cities can disrupt the gut microbiome’s balance.

Such imbalances is often linked to drastic changes in the composition of food, water, and spices consumed during the trip.

Microbial imbalances triggered by aggressors are not necessarily immediate, but the disturbances can become noticeable as irritable bowel syndrome, acne, gastric ulcers, obesity, vaginosis, and yeast infections. However, by re-establishing the native microbiota of the body, we can remedy them. In this regard, probiotics and prebiotics can promote gut microbiota, influencing our overall health and well-being.

 Exploring the scope of probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are live organisms consisting of good bacteria and some yeasts that can improve our well-being. Probiotics, found in fermented food such as buttermilk, yogurt, kombucha and kimchi, plays a crucial role in digestion, facilitating nutrient absorption, alleviating symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea and supporting immune function. Moreover, research states that probiotics may help manage concerns like indigestion, eczema, allergies and obesity.

Another major concern that probiotics help tackle is UTIs and related symptoms that bother most women who travel frequently for work or leisure. Dirty public toilets and even seemingly clean restrooms om hotels and restaurants are often infested with bacteria and viruses, which disturb the balance of the vaginal environment, causing UTIs. Probiotics promotes vaginal healthy by helping treat infections and providing relief from their symptoms. For instance, the vaginal microbiota, which mainly comprises Lactobacillus species, are vital in preventing infections and maintaining a balanced vaginal environment. Lactobacillus species, are vital in preventing infections and maintaining a balanced vaginal environment. Typically, by introducing probiotics that belong to the favourable vaginal microbiota, Lactobacillus strains, women can retain their natural balance and reverse conditions like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Besides food, individuals can take supplements to administer probiotics into their bodies. Today, one can get probiotics capsules featuring strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG,  L.Crispatus, L.Gasseri, L. Johnsonii, L. Acidophillus,  or L. Reuteri, to promote gut and vaginal health.

Alternatively, prebiotics are non-digestable fibers found in bananas, oats, onions, legumes, and whole grains. When consumed, the prebiotics present in the food pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract and stimulate the activity of good bacteria, facilitating a balanced microbiota.

 

The symbiotic connection between probiotics and prebiotics and their favourable impact.

A balanced combination of probiotics and prebiotics creates a symbiotic relationship that balances the gut microbiome, which helps in these ways-

A healthy gut ecosystem effectively facilitates smooth digestion and absorption of essential nutrients from consumed food. By aiding digestion, it relieves symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, especially diarrhea.

A balanced gut microbiota can also safeguard against harmful microorganisms and prevent the onset of overactions that rigger inflammation or autoimmune illnesses. By conditioning the body’s immune response, both prebiotics and probiotics strengthen the human immune system, making one less susceptible to rampant infections.

According to ongoing research, the gut environment can also impact one’s mood, overall behaviour, and cognitive function, making them crucial for mental well-being.

In addition, it can help address concerns like UTIs and provide relief from discomfort. This way, it safeguards the wellness of urinary and gut health.

The synergy between probiotics and prebiotics is key to nurturing a healthy gut ecosystem and supporting vaginal health. One can facilitate a harmonious balance by consciously adding food and dietary supplements rich in probiotics and prebiotics into the dietary regime. 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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The Many Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is an active agent composed of nothing more than water and oxygen. The oxidation process of this substance is incredibly good at killing disease organisms. In fact, it's considered to be one of the world's safest, all-natural, sanitizers. It literally "burns" micro-organisms through oxidation.

However, this material has so many other uses, it was really hard to pick only the best or most useful ones to share with you. So, I've done my best to highlight some of the nifty things you can do with it. 

 

Tip: Make sure to only use the 3% solution for most of these items, and do not use it for internal purposes (do not swallow). Higher-strength solutions such as 30% may cause damage if ingested.  

 

1. Whiten your clothes with HP instead of bleach

By adding a cup of HP to the white clothes in your laundry, you will see a marked improvement in how white they are. This is a great way of getting rid of really incessant stains such as blood or wine. For blood, just pour directly on the spot, wait a minute, and then rub and rinse under cold water.

2. Boost your immune system 

Your body makes its own HP to battle infections. Our white blood cells, also known as Leukocytes, are the cells responsible for fighting disease, viruses, and infections, and some of them produce HP as their first form of attack and defense from toxins, infections, viruses, parasites and alike. 

 

3. Make a rejuvenating detox bath  

Take 2 quarts of 3% HP and pour it into a tub of warm water. Get in and enjoy a good soak for about 30 minutes, adding hot water as needed. This will help skin blemishes, detox your body and rejuvenate you in a way you haven't felt before. 

 

4. Treat foot fungus 

To use HP to cure your foot fungus, make a mixture of 50% HP and 50% water, and use a spray bottle to spritz the infected area (especially the toes) every night. Let it air dry. 

 

5. Treat Yeast Infections 

Add 2 caps or 2 tablespoons of 3% HP to warm, distilled water once or twice a week and use it to treat the problematic area. 

 

6. Cleaning your toothbrush and other hygienic tools  

There are many objects we use that need to be kept clean and sanitized, such as your toothbrush, or your child's retainer. Use a small amount of HP and dilute it with cold water to make a cleansing brew that will make sure they are clean and germ-free.  

 

7. Treating exterior Infections

If you have a cut that is infected, soak it in 3% HP for about 5-10 minutes, several times a day. HP is extremely good for treating infections, and you can also pour half a bottle of it in your bath to get rid of the fungus, boils or any other skin infections. 

 

Note: Do not leave on open wounds for a long time, use the solution and then wipe it off. HP can do tissue damage to open wounds if left on them for too long. 

 

8. Killing mite infections 

Patients have reported that spraying HP on skin infected by tiny mites that bite and cause irritation, effectively kills them with incredible efficiency. Spray the area a few times, and wait a few minutes between applications. 

 

9. Taking care of your Sinus Infection 

 Add a tablespoon of 3% HP to 1 cup of (non-chlorinated) water, and use it as a nasal spray. You may have to adjust the amount of HP used according to the severity of the problem. Start with just the 1 spoon first. 

 

10. Use as a mouthwash and for tooth care 

Take a capful or a tablespoon of 3% HP and hold it in your mouth for 10 minutes, once a day. Do not swallow, just spit it out. This will not only get rid of and prevent canker sores but will also whiten your teeth. It will also help in the event of a bad toothache you can't treat right away. 10 minutes several times a day will lessen the pain to a more manageable level. 

 

It also makes for a great and inexpensive mouthwash. Again, make sure not to swallow and rinse your mouth with regular water after use. 

 

11. Lighten the color of your hair 

HP is a bleaching agent and can be used to lighten your hair. Take a bottle of 3% HP and dilute some with water (50/50). Take a shower and, while the hair is still wet, spray it with the solution, then comb it through. It won't look like a burnt blonde color, but a more natural highlight for those with light brown, reddish or dirty blond hair. It is also a gradual change so you won't have a drastic new look on your hands. 

 

12. Clean your contact lenses  

As a great disinfectant, due to its remarkable skill in breaking down the proteins that build upon the lens, HP can not only clean contact lenses but will also increase the level of comfort if you have sensitive eyes, removing those little biological irritants that most solutions don't clean. 

 

13. Boosting your dishwasher

Add about 2 oz. (60 ml) of 3% HP to your regular formula, and see how much cleaner the dishes are. 

 

14. Make sure your cooking surfaces are disease-free 

Fill a spray bottle with the 50/50 solution we've talked about (50% water 50% HP) and use it to spray your wooden cutting boards and cooking areas after you are done, to kill salmonella or any other bacteria that might be growing there. To be extra sure, use vinegar after the HP. 

 

15. Make a cheap and effective disinfectant 

Make a cheap and very effective disinfectant agent that is non-toxic and can be used to disinfect fruits, vegetables, pet bowls, equipment and alike. Combining vinegar and HP has been proven in several studies to kill pretty much all Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli bacteria. For this, prepare TWO spray bottles. Don't mix these two together. One will contain regular vinegar and the other regular hydrogen peroxide. Tip: Light is bad for peroxide, rending it inactive. So the best thing will be to keep it covered and in the bottle. 

 

16. Treating Mold 

If you have those little spots appearing on your walls, probably from water damage, taking care of them is better done sooner than later, or they can become toxic and dangerous. Clean them with HP a few times a day to kill them off. 

 

17. Help sprouting seeds  

If you're trying to get a seed to grow stronger, add an ounce (30 ml) of 3% HP to 1 pint of water and let the seeds soak in it overnight. Every time you rinse the seeds, add the same amount of HP. They will grow faster and healthier. 

 

18. Preparing Vegetables  

Wash or soak vegetables in a full sink of cold water mixed with a 1/4 cup of 3% HP. Thin-skinned vegetables (such as lettuce) should soak for about 20 minutes, while thicker-skinned ones (such as cucumbers) can soak for about 30 minutes. Then drain, dry and refrigerate. This will not only kill all bacteria and neutralize chemicals but will also make sure they keep fresh in the refrigerator for longer.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Thyme Is More Beneficial For You Than You Think!

You may enjoy a bunch of chopped thyme in a salad or season your meat dishes with this savory herb… But did you know that the pleasant aroma of thyme is just one of countless beneficial ways this herb can help your life and well-being? If you enjoy thyme in your diet or aromatherapy, you’ll surely be glad to know that this humble herb comes with an impressive list of health benefits and uses. Learn what they are in this educational guide.

The origins and history of thyme 

Thyme is a perennial evergreen herb in the mint family. There are hundreds of thyme species, but the kind that’s most commonly used in cooking, medicine, and landscaping is the species Thymus vulgaris. Thyme grows naturally all across the Mediterranean, but it was likely first cultivated in the Levant, where it grows in the wild to this day.

Humanity has long since discovered the culinary, aromatic, and medicinal value of thyme. The Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming, the Ancient Greeks took baths and burnt incense containing thyme in temples, and the Romans flavored foods and drinks with it. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates recommended thyme for respiratory illnesses, which is why it was often used to purify the air in rooms. 

 

This last tradition continued well into the Middle Ages, but it was but one of many ways Europeans used this aromatic herb. Thyme was believed to ward off nightmares and promote sleep, so people would often place it beneath their pillows. Women would gift thyme leaves to knights and warriors, believing that the herb would bring them courage. Today, we still use thyme in aromatherapy and in cooking, but what is this aromatic herb really good for?

 

The health benefits of thyme

The beauty of adding herbs to your diet is that they add flavor and offer health benefits without adding any calories. One serving of thyme (which is around 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme) has less than 1 calorie, zero fat, 0.2 g of carbs, and 0.1 g of fiber. The herb also has low amounts of vitamin A, C, as well as some copper, magnesium, iron, and potassium. 

 

Besides these general nutrients, thyme is rich in active plant compounds that account for its many health benefits, which we outline below: 

 

1. Helps with a cough

Since ancient times, thyme has been used as a natural cough remedy, and current research tends to confirm that thyme leaves and thyme extract may be able to ease a cough. For example, a research paper from 2006 suggests that taking a syrup consisting of thyme and ivy leaves reduced the cough in patients with acute bronchitis by 50%. A more recent test-tube study suggests that a mix of thyme and primrose extract reduces mucous production and inflammation in acute bronchitis as well. 

 

Therefore, drinking some thyme tea may be a good idea the next time you have a cough! To prepare thyme tea, take 2 sprigs of thyme and steep them in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the sprigs and enjoy alone or with a squeeze of lemon and some honey. 

 

2. Fights bacteria that cause food poisoning

In the history section, we briefly mentioned that thyme was used in food preservation. Lo and behold, those Romans were onto something, as scientists are now discovering that thyme has potent antibacterial properties. In fact, thyme essential oil may be able to eradicate strains of bacteria that cause foodborne illness and other infections. 

 

A 2011 paper from Poland points out that thyme oil kills strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, and Enterococcus bacteria resistant to antibiotics. A more recent test-tube study looked at thyme’s preservative properties and concluded that even low doses of thyme oil killed off foodborne pathogens, so simply adding thyme to your meals can reduce your risk of food poisoning. 

 

3. May reduce high blood pressure

More recently, researchers have started to suspect that thyme may be capable of reducing blood pressure, and the current research is promising albeit not fully conclusive. A 2016 study carried out at the University of Belgrade suggests that wild thyme extract can reduce blood pressure. 

 

A similar experiment conducted in 2014 used a species of thyme native to Pakistan and Afghanistan called Thymus linearis benth. and concluded that it had a significant capacity to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Both of these studies were conducted in rats, which have a similar but not identical response to high blood pressure in humans.  

 

4. May be beneficial for yeast infections 

As we’ve already established, bacteria are afraid of thyme. But they’re not alone in this regard. The aromatic herb may also be effective against fungi. The fungus called Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common cause of yeast infections, also known as thrush. Thyme essential oil was found to wipe out C. albicans strains, even those that are resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole. 

 

This anti-fungal activity was observed by a 2012 study carried out in Italy that demonstrated the ability of thyme essential oil to destroy the C. albicans fungus in human cells. Another in vitro study from 2021 confirmed these effects and further suggested that even minimal doses of thyme oil were effective at killing resistant strains of the fungus. Currently, human trials are needed to confirm that this effect is preserved in live subjects.

5. Kills acne bacteria  

Acne is caused by the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacterium. Given that thyme has a known antibacterial effect, thyme essential oil may be a good way to eradicate these acne-causing bacteria from the surface of the skin. Research from 2010 suggests that thyme essential oil is indeed effective against P. acnes. 

 

Further research from the Leeds Metropolitan University, England, in 2012, confirmed these findings and compared the antibacterial activity of thyme to benzoyl peroxide, a common clinical acne-fighting ingredient. The antibacterial effect of thyme was stronger than that of benzoyl peroxide. What’s more, the thyme tincture didn’t have the unpleasant side effects of benzoyl peroxide, such as irritation or a burning sensation on the skin.

If you want to try using thyme essential oil on the skin, mix only 1 drop of the oil with your moisturizer on the back of your hand, and only then apply it on the skin. Diluting the oil is key to preventing burns or irritation. We also recommend patch-testing this mixture behind your ear to make sure that your skin can tolerate thyme oil. 

 

6. The aroma of thyme can lift your mood  

The smell of thyme may not be able to make you more courageous, as was believed by people in the Middle Ages, but it can certainly lift your mood! In aromatherapy, thyme essential oil is extensively used in times of stress, fatigue, or even grief. And there is one study suggesting that the smell of thyme can positively influence our brain chemistry. The active substance in thyme essential oil called carvacrol was stated by the study to boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the two so-called happiness hormones. So if you enjoy the smell of thyme, try diffusing some thyme essential oil to lift your mood.  

 

7. May have cancer-fighting properties

Cancer research started investigating thyme as a potential cancer-fighting herb only recently. Nevertheless, in-vitro research suggests that the herb may be beneficial for fighting breast and colon cancer. Research from Turkey in 2012 looked at the effect of Thymus serpyllum, or wild thyme, on breast cancer cells. The test-tube experiment concluded that thyme eradicated breast cancer cells. Since then, two other studies - one from 2018 and another one from 2021 - made identical conclusions. 

 

As for colon cancer, a study conducted in Lisbon in 2012 suggested that thyme extract may be effective against colon cancer, and a 2015 study observed similar findings in regards to colorectal cancer. 

 

Home uses of thyme 

Apart from having a direct positive effect on your health, thyme is also beneficial for your home and cooking. Thyme can be easily added to any meat, fish, pasta, and vegetable dish or enjoyed as a tea. But you probably already knew all that. So here are a few extra ways you can use thyme leaves or thyme essential oil around the home.  

 

1. Keeps pests away

Did you know that thymol, a variety of thyme oil, is a common ingredient in pesticides? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), thymol is used to kill bacteria, viruses, rodents, and pests both indoors and outdoors. Thyme essential oil naturally contains between 20-60% thymol. More recently, research also found that thyme essential oil can kill mosquitos and their larvae, particularly the tiger mosquito known to carry countless deadly illnesses. 

 

Make your own pest repellent by combining 5 drops of thyme oil with ¼ cup (60 ml) of water or mixing 4 drops of thyme oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba oil. You can apply this mixture on the skin or diffuse this mixture around your home. Some people also place dried thyme sprigs in-between laundry to repel pests.  

 

2. Extends the shelf life of cooking oils

If you live in a warmer climate or simply buy oil in bulk, you may struggle with your cooking oil going rancid faster than you can use it up. Even here, thyme can come to the rescue, provided that you enjoy the taste of thyme and use it in cooking quite often. According to Polish scientists, thyme extract can stabilize sunflower oil and prevent it from spoiling at various temperatures. 

 

You can purchase pre-infused cooking oil in-store, but if you want to try infusing your own cooking oil with thyme, follow these steps: 

 

1. Combine 1 cup of cooking oil with ¾ cup of washed and pat-dried fresh thyme in a saucepan. 

2. Heat oil to 180°F (80°C) to kill any germs that may be lurking in the herb.

3. Let the oil cool, strain, and bottle it up. That’s it! 

 

3. Disinfecting 

Those who live in a humid climate will know that the risk of mold suddenly growing in the basement, bathroom, and other places in the home is no joke. Even though thyme oil will not solve a serious mold problem, it can be super helpful at preventing the issue, especially if you already had a mold problem in the past. Diffusing and spot-treating problem areas with thyme essential oil are both beneficial.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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