Probiotics, Your Gut’s Best Friend

Probiotics, Your Gut’s Best Friend

04/08/08

Anti-biotics are essential, but at times they leave us feeling worse than the infection they were targeted to destroy. A general ill-feeling coupled with gas, diarrhea, bloating, and/or stomach pain are “normal” symptoms after a course of anti-biotics. Anti-biotics do not discriminate – they destroy bacteria, good and bad. Unfortunately, this result in the devastation of your normally healthy intestinal flora.

To restore our intestinal flora and eliminate the pain and suffering described above, we need to replace the good bacteria. Although many people are unaware of their beneficial role or even their existence, billions of probiotics are alive and kicking in our large and small intestines.

What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are “good” or “friendly” bacteria and are vital to a healthy digestive system. Sounds like an oxymoron? It is…generally we don’t associate “good” and “friendly” with “bacteria”. However, certain species of intestinal microflora are more beneficial than you might imagine. They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and promote good digestion. They also boost our immune system which increases in our resistance to infection. Probiotics create a healthy flora in our intestines which results in a healthy gut. Yes, probiotics are gut friendly bacteria.

When the Bad Guys Take Over
A healthy digestive system can usually be maintained by a healthy diet which includes products containing “live cultures”, such as yogurt and kefir (a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms). However, stress, poor nutrition, parasites, anti-biotics, antacids, painkillers, hormones, steroids, chemotherapy, infections, and alcohol can quickly devastate intestinal flora.

As the bad bacteria increases the good bacteria decreases, creating a serious imbalance. This imbalance is called “dysbiosis” and can result in a host of illnesses, including:

Bowel Dysfunction (including diarrhea & constipation, IBS)

Canker Sores

Chron’s Disease

Eczema

Food Allergies

Immune Problems

Ulcerative Colitis

Vaginitis

Yeast Infections

Fortunately, the digestive tract can be repopulated with enough good bacteria to overpower the advancing bad bacteria. Unfortunately, a healthy diet and yogurt is no match for an invasion of bad bacteria. This imbalance generally requires a high-potency probiotic supplement.

What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement
Most probiotics supplements are made up of several species of Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria. Look for supplements containing multiple species of “living cultures”, those which live in the digestive tract (L. acidipholus, B. bifidum, and B. longum ) and the transient ones, that just do their job and pass through (L. casei, S. lactis, S. thermophilus). The normal recommendation is at least 2 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day. There are a variety of probiotics on the market, some refrigerated, some not. Although technology has greatly improved the shelf life, many in the natural health community prefer probiotics supplements that require refrigeration. Be sure to tell your health care providers of any alternative medicine practices you choose to use to ensure safe and well coordinated care.

Yes, probiotics play a vital role in your health; they are truly your guts best friend!

For more information on probiotics go to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Introduction to Probiotics.

Be well,
Medicine Plants™

Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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