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.
The clearest benefit, backed up by scientific study, comes in the field of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel conditions and diarrhea associated with use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used, the useful as well as the bad bacteria is destroyed and need to be replaced. However, interesting research is being done on their effect on much more than just digestive issues. One of the main benefits appears to be in stimulating the 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 found at many different health stores and are also available from a multitude of online stores. This is why it is so important to select a reputable company. Reliable products should state the name of the precise probiotics they contain, as well as how many organisms a single dose provides.
Many health problems today, including allergies and fatigue, are beginning to be associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the body. Organic probiotics provide the most safe, natural and common sense way to keep the correct balance. Some patience needs to be exercised when using these supplements as they do not create overnight miracle cures. They need to be used for some time before the correct balance in the gut is restored.
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.
The clearest benefit, backed up by scientific study, comes in the field of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel conditions and diarrhea associated with use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used, the useful as well as the bad bacteria is destroyed and need to be replaced. However, interesting research is being done on their effect on much more than just digestive issues. One of the main benefits appears to be in stimulating the 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 found at many different health stores and are also available from a multitude of online stores. This is why it is so important to select a reputable company. Reliable products should state the name of the precise probiotics they contain, as well as how many organisms a single dose provides.
Many health problems today, including allergies and fatigue, are beginning to be associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the body. Organic probiotics provide the most safe, natural and common sense way to keep the correct balance. Some patience needs to be exercised when using these supplements as they do not create overnight miracle cures. They need to be used for some time before the correct balance in the gut is restored.
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