Probiotics – The Good Gut Bacteria

Almost half of our body isn’t even us. It’s bacteria. Trillions of them. Most reside in our stomach, intestines and colon. They are essential for digestion and to our overall health and well being.

The bacteria on our skin, airways and digestive tract are our first line of defense against infection. We acquire our first bacteria while being born. Some take up residence inside our body and help our immune system develop.

There’s “good” bacteria and not so good bacteria.

Antibiotics are classified as a drug designed to fight the not-so-good bacteria. The ones that can cause illness. However, antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds or the flu.

Antibiotics have saved countless lives. However, antibiotics are rather indiscriminate. They kill good bacteria along with the bad.

Enter probiotics.

The word means “for life.” Probiotics are beneficial or “good bacteria” that can promote good health.

You’ve probably heard that there’s been an overuse of antibiotics. This has created resistant strains that can overtake the good bacteria in our body. This makes treating certain illnesses more difficult.

Probiotics support the body’s natural immune function and helps digest the foods we eat. In fact, the gastrointestinal tract is home to more than 400 different types of bacteria. Acidophilus is among the most familiar. Probiotics also help to keep the level of harmful bacteria down.

The largest percentage of probiotics comes from dairy products. They contain lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.

Probiotics are also available in supplement form.

Studies are assessing the use of probiotics in managing many types of conditions. Among them: Crohn’s Disease, lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, eczema, vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Want to know more about probiotics? Just ask us. We’d be happy to discuss them with you.