Benefits of Probiotics

Do you know there are many benefits of probiotics in terms of health and wellbeing?

It is now quite common for doctors to recommend probiotics after a course of antibiotics, but before we talk about the benefits and how it can help you, let’s start with…

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are foods or dietary supplements that contain live, beneficial bacteria -- often referred to as “friendly” or “good” bacteria -- to help restore intestinal balance, maintain digestive health and strengthen the immune system.

Lactobacillus bacteria form a significant part of the natural intestinal flora and, along with other lactic acid producing bacteria, regulate the levels of friendly bacteria to reduce the levels of toxic pathogens that cause poor health.

Only live active bacteria have the ability to tolerate the acidity of the stomach and the alkalinity of the intestine so you need to consume lactobacilli fermented foods on a regular basis to attain and maintain positive health benefits.

Benefits of Probiotics: Bacteria Count Credibility

There are a number of products on the market promoting the health benefits of probiotics and some companies are claiming their products have “billions” more bacteria than other products to gain a marketing edge.

Unfortunately this is very misleading to consumers and nothing more than sales hype.

These companies intentionally shake the colonies apart – bacteria live and work in colonies and are called Colony-Forming Units or CFU’s – to increase the bacteria count of their products.

In addition, some commercial growers of bacteria cultures use faecal matter to fast-track or speed up the production time of bacteria.

The reproduction ability of the bacteria in the gut is the single most important factor in probiotics products so the bacteria must be in their natural state and alive so that once they arrive in the gut they can multiply and produce all the sub-strains necessary to maintain a healthy intestinal flora.

The only way to ensure that the bacteria are in a natural organic state and have not been tampered with or altered in any way is to choose a certified organic probiotic with all the bacteria being derived from fruits, grains and vegetables.

Benefits of Probiotics: Lactobacilli Bacteria Research

Research has shown that Lactobacilli bacteria:

• Reduce cholesterol in the blood

• Increase nutrient assimilation, including calcium

• Reduce high blood pressure

• Assist in the elimination of ailments such as colon irritation, constipation, diarrhoea and acne

• Retard yeast infections

• Strengthen the immune system

• Manufacture and assimilate B complex vitamins (which include niacin, biotin, folic acid, riboflavin and B12)

• Help digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats

• Produce natural anti-bacterial agents (antibiotics)

• Produce cancer or tumour suppressing compounds

• Control the pH or acidity-alkaline levels in the intestines

• Reduce unhealthy bacteria in the intestinal tract

• Detoxify poisonous materials in the diet

• Detoxify harmful chemicals added to foods like nitrates

Things that kill bacteria in the body include stress, antibiotics, birth control pills and hormonal drugs, fluoride, chlorine, coffee and tea, carbonated drinks, synthetic vitamins, preservatives, additives, pesticides and fertilisers.

Common Warning Signs of Bacterial Imbalance

The health benefits of probiotics when taken daily will not only put back the good bacteria and help build a strong immune system, it will also help to guard against these common warning signs or symptoms of a bacterial imbalance:

• Allergies and food sensitivities

• Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving

• Frequent fatigue and poor concentration

• Frequent constipation or diarrhoea

• Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders

• Sleeping poorly, night sweats

• Painful joint inflammation, stiffness

• Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems

• Frequent colds, flu or infections

• Chronic yeast problems

• Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus

• Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

Benefits of Probiotics: Conclusion

We are exposed to so many toxins and pollutants on a daily basis from the air we breathe, to the food we eat and water we drink to the chemicals we slather over ourselves in skin care and body products

As our toxin levels rise our immune system becomes compromised.

The skin is a direct reflection of what is happening on the inside so to achieve vibrant health and prevent the effects of premature aging:

• nourish your body with a good certified organic probiotic that contains an abundance of super foods
• choose a good probiotic skin brightener for skin clarity and vitality so you look good and feel great at any age.