A probiotic is a supplement containing live bacteria which is ingested to restore beneficial bacteria to the gut. The effectiveness of a probiotic in restoring balance varies according the various factors like dosage, strain and species. Some of these supplements contain sugar, preservatives or fillers and that is why organic probiotics are favored by health practitioners.
The gut is home to many bacterial species and each person has a varying mix of bacteria crucial to their well being. When food passes through the gastrointestinal tract these bacteria facilitate digestion and up to 10 percent of the daily energy needs of the individual come from the byproducts of good bacteria. Various factors like diet, medication, stress and illness can destroy the good bacteria.
Bacteria adhere to sites lining the gastrointestinal tract. If there are enough healthy bacteria, the theory is that they dominate and protect against the adherence of harmful bacteria. Most often, the healthy bacteria in a supplement come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and within each species, different strains.
It is important to select the most effective probiotic to take as there are some brands that are better than others. Some products contain only the strongest, most resilient bacteria that are able to survive the onslaught of stressors once they enter the body. They survive in the gut and repopulate it with good bacteria.
A general purpose variety is available for those with no specific problems but simply wish to maintain their health and boost their immune systems. Others are designed to promote specific functions, such as those that help with constipation. Selection has to be made with the specific purpose in mind.
Research has shown that when taking antibiotics, both good and bad bacteria are destroyed. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused and many people suffer from health problems as a result. Many people are aware that they should take a probiotic after taking an antibiotic to healthy gut flora but studies are beginning to show that their value goes far beyond simply improving intestinal functions. There is also evidence that they help maintain a strong immune system.
Studies are being done to see how successful they are at treating conditions like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. There is even evidence emerging that these supplements may help those suffering from food allergies by restoring the balance of gut flora. Another interesting study conducted on those suffering from obesity, revealed that they have different gut flora from individuals of normal weight.
These products can be purchased from traditional health food stores and from online suppliers. When purchasing from online suppliers it is important to make sure that a reputable company is selected. There are many of these supplements available and some of them are inferior to others. The strain, species and dosage of bacteria is important as it has to survive and establish itself to be effective.
Taking organic probiotics is a safe, natural way to improve the balance in the gut. They are not some miracle overnight cure-all but when taken for a period of time, they have great health benefits. They not only benefit the digestive system but boost the immune system too. Research is beginning to show that there could in fact be many other health benefits to taking them too.
The gut is home to many bacterial species and each person has a varying mix of bacteria crucial to their well being. When food passes through the gastrointestinal tract these bacteria facilitate digestion and up to 10 percent of the daily energy needs of the individual come from the byproducts of good bacteria. Various factors like diet, medication, stress and illness can destroy the good bacteria.
Bacteria adhere to sites lining the gastrointestinal tract. If there are enough healthy bacteria, the theory is that they dominate and protect against the adherence of harmful bacteria. Most often, the healthy bacteria in a supplement come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and within each species, different strains.
It is important to select the most effective probiotic to take as there are some brands that are better than others. Some products contain only the strongest, most resilient bacteria that are able to survive the onslaught of stressors once they enter the body. They survive in the gut and repopulate it with good bacteria.
A general purpose variety is available for those with no specific problems but simply wish to maintain their health and boost their immune systems. Others are designed to promote specific functions, such as those that help with constipation. Selection has to be made with the specific purpose in mind.
Research has shown that when taking antibiotics, both good and bad bacteria are destroyed. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused and many people suffer from health problems as a result. Many people are aware that they should take a probiotic after taking an antibiotic to healthy gut flora but studies are beginning to show that their value goes far beyond simply improving intestinal functions. There is also evidence that they help maintain a strong immune system.
Studies are being done to see how successful they are at treating conditions like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. There is even evidence emerging that these supplements may help those suffering from food allergies by restoring the balance of gut flora. Another interesting study conducted on those suffering from obesity, revealed that they have different gut flora from individuals of normal weight.
These products can be purchased from traditional health food stores and from online suppliers. When purchasing from online suppliers it is important to make sure that a reputable company is selected. There are many of these supplements available and some of them are inferior to others. The strain, species and dosage of bacteria is important as it has to survive and establish itself to be effective.
Taking organic probiotics is a safe, natural way to improve the balance in the gut. They are not some miracle overnight cure-all but when taken for a period of time, they have great health benefits. They not only benefit the digestive system but boost the immune system too. Research is beginning to show that there could in fact be many other health benefits to taking them too.
No comments:
Post a Comment