Probiotics

Probiotics are similar to the ‘good bacteria’ that colonize our gut keeping our digestive system in balance. Bacteria are usually thought of as unhealthy micro-organisms that we need to eliminate but these particular bacteria are very important in maintaining healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Probiotics help the good bacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora.

When unfriendly yeasts, bacteria and viruses take over our colon we become susceptible to infections, suffer from weakened immune systems, and may become ill with ulcers or diarrhea. Probiotics work in synergy with the good bacteria to fight off these unfriendly inhabitants.

When taken as a supplement, these micro-organisms are ingested in the hope that they will reach the gut and intestines to increase the population of beneficial bacteria. They can be introduced into the digestive system in tablet form or via food such as yoghurt. It is important that the bacteria remain viable and so the storage of food or supplements containing Probiotics is important.

Probiotics also help to digest food more thoroughly; allowing hydrocarbons to be broken down into their most basic elements. This allows for enhanced digestion of nutrients. Probiotics also help to clean the digestive tract, breaking down waste that accumulates in the intestinal walls. They also produce many enzymes that increase the availability of nutrients and vitamins in the food we ingest.

Some believe that Probiotics help to eliminate symptoms of chronic disease and they are especially useful for allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and even cancer. Probiotics are mainly taken as a preventative measure to maintain good health but researchers are finding that they may be useful in treating diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, IBS and rheumatoid arthritis. Probiotics are often recommended to those who are taking antibiotics to prevent Candida from taking over which would otherwise cause symptoms of thrush.

Good digestive health is required for overall good health as the immune system relies on the nutrients provided by the digestive system. Maintaining a balance of healthy intestinal flora can help the immune system to stay strong. Probiotics help to fight infections of the colon but are also useful for warding off other infections such as tooth decay and vaginal infections. They can be used to boost the body’s resistance to all sorts of infection and don’t have any nasty side effects.