Probiotics For Diabetes: Do They Help?
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus bulgarius
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Streptococcus thermophilus
Probiotics are found in fermented foods. Note that all fermented foods aren’t probiotic-rich food.
Probiotics for Diabetes – The Relation
The primary role of probiotics is to aid in normal digestion. Diabetes will affect the gut bacteria and disturb the digestive system. Adding probiotics to your daily diet will dramatically enhance the confer health benefits. Some studies proved that probiotics will reduce the insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs due to high consumption of fructose and glucose.
Fat is mobilised in the absence of insulin. If there is excess carbohydrate consumption in diet, the body will trigger insulin secretion. This results in more insulin levels in the body and less fat metabolism. Prolonged consumption of sugars, not only causes insulin resistance but also accumulates unnecessary fat deposits.
By summarising the findings, it is evident that probiotics enhance insulin resistance and fat metabolism. This will greatly reduce blood glucose levels. They also increase the blood glucose consumption by individual body cells. There is a strong evidence that probiotics will reduce low-density lips (LDL) levels. A common phenomenon, seen in diabetic patients.
There is an indirect but effective relation between probiotics and diabetes. They also help in other medical ailments such as:
- Stress – Mood stabilizers
- Autoimmune diseases (Crohn’s Disease)
- Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
- Leaky Gut Syndrome
- Healthy skin
- Weight Loss
- Immunity Booster
- Diabetes
The population of friendly bacteria decrease when you consume excess quantities of processed food. When you eat unhealthy food, harmful bacteria infestation will deplete the levels of friendly bacteria. this result in increased secretion of sugars into the body. Antibiotics will also contribute to the reduction of good bacteria. People with chronic medical conditions who need a prolonged use of antibiotics will observe this condition. A healthy diet supplemented with probiotics will greatly improve the health of gut and overall health.
Will Probiotics Alone Will Help Cure Diabetes?
Absolutely No. Probiotics for diabetes is an adjuvant for your lifestyle. You must follow a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Increase in probiotic levels alone will not help you fight diabetes. Follow a diet which contains these friendly bacteria. Additional supplements can be helpful. But natural food (real food) is always a right choice. A group of patients with diabetes and obesity were given probiotic supplements for 12 weeks. They showed a significant reduction in weight, reduced blood glucose levels and improved digestion. Probiotics and fermented foods maintain the normal balance of the gut. There are many fermented foods which contain probiotics abundantly. Let us know some of them.
Top 10 Great Probiotic Foods
1. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is the most popular probiotic food. It contains high amounts of gut-friendly bacteria. Before buying, make sure that the yoghurt is not pasteurised and it is from grass-fed animals. The present market is filled with many artificial foods which do not have any health value. Read the manufacturer label before buying it.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Perhaps the best daily health supplement. It is good for reducing cholesterol levels, weight loss and digestion.
3. Kimchi
Made from fermented cabbage, this Korean recipe is a great source of gut-friendly bacteria. It is also a rich source of organic acids and enzymes. Kimchi aids in the growth of gut bacteria. It also has high amounts of fibre which is helpful in digestion.
4. Natto
A Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Great for cardiovascular health, digestion and immune system. This particular food contains bacteria that increase the immunity. It also has anti-inflammatory enzymes.
5. Kefir
Kefir is similar to yoghurt but is a liquid form. It has an acidic taste. It is rich in probiotics because it is fermented with excess yeast and bacteria.
6. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is similar to kimchi. Made from fermented vegetables, it is very popular in Europe. It has rich cultures of probiotics and contains high amounts of Vitamins A, B, C and K.
7. Dark Chocolate
People with diabetes can consume dark chocolate in limited quantities. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of gut-friendly bacteria. Consumption of dark chocolate stimulates secretion of endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers secreted by the central nervous system. They are also good as mood stabilisers.
8. Kombucha Tea
An effervescent drink made by fermentation of green or black tea. This drink is fermented by yeast and bacterial cultures (SCOBY). A rich source of probiotics. It is very easy to prepare at home. Some people may not feel tongue friendly taste with Kombucha.
9. Pickles
Pickles are fermented vegetables which are a great source of friendly bacteria. Note that all pickled veggies aren’t fermented. To get the minimal supply of probiotics through pickles, they must be fermented. Pickles are also easy to make at home. All you need is salt, water and your desired veggie.
10. Aged Cheese
The more the age of the cheese, the more it has the probiotic value. Not all varieties of cheese have friendly microbes. Some varieties such as cheddar and swiss cheese are examples of aged cheese.
Before buying any probiotic or probiotics for diabetes (products and supplements), check the label. FDA has no regulation or control over these products. The market is flooding with more products promising a ‘healthy’ supplement which include these so-called probiotics. They aren’t necessarily harmful but your money should be worth buying it. Check all ingredients, packaging and shelf life.
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