What Are Probiotics, Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics are living, single celled microorganisms that can provide many health benefits by maintaining the natural balance of organisms in the intestines.
There are millions of bacteria naturally present in the large intestine. The different types of bacteria are referred to as microbial flora which have many useful functions that support health . A healthy human gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains trillions of bacteria from at least 500 species, estimated to be ten times the number of cells in the human body and 2.2. pounds of our total body weight.
Because we have evolved with these bacteria present in the GI tract, they are necessary for healthy digestion and immune function. Probiotics are safe to use at any age, as they are naturally occurring organism that are already present in the body. Total health begins in the the GI tract. If your gut is not functioning properly, then your overall health will be compromised. There is an increase of constipation, colds, yeast infections and parasites as the number of beneficial types of bacteria decrease.
Probiotics are referred to as “friendly” bacteria and are responsible for several important biological functions.Taking a probiotic formula can regain and maintain a healthy normal balance of bacteria in your system providing you with benefits such as improved digestion, better elimination, keeping other harmful bacteria at bay and stimulating the immune system.
Probiotics can improve nutrient bioavailability, for B vitamins, vitamin A, K, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus, among others. They also improve lactose intolerance and by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon reduce the conversion of bile into carcinogens.
These healthy intestional bacteria aid in the prevention or control of food and skin allergies in children, bacterial vagniosis, premature labor in pregnant women, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent ear and bladder infections, chronic diarrhea, and may also relieve autism symptoms.
Probiotics have also been documented to:
Destroy molds, viruses, fungus and parasites
Help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Increase the number of immune system cells
Protect you from environmental toxins
Reduce toxic waste at the cellular level
Stimulate the repair mechanism of cells
Break down and rebuild hormones
Help manufacture the short chain of fatty acids
Break down protein buildup in the colon
Clean the intestinal tract
Help with weight loss
Good and bad bacteria must exist in balance, for health to be maintained. When pathogenic or harmful bacteria overgrow, the resulting imbalance creates symptoms of disease. Many factors, such as the use of antibiotics, infections, stress, a nutrient poor diet and poor a lifestyle in general can upset this balance, which varies among individuals, and changes with age.
And Anyone Who…
is taking or has ever taken antibiotics
would like a strong immune system
would like to dispose of excess fats and cholesterol
wants to loose weight
wants to support a healthy heart
would like to feel great and have reserve energy
would like clear sinuses
values a clear mind
experiences hunger after a full meal
never breast fed as an infant
has ever had surgery or been hospitalized
wishes to reduce the frequency and serverity of colds
Probiotics help you tidy-up your internal environment by maintaining optimal intestinal health and digestive support and also by reinforcing your immune system.
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From the Blogosphere:
Acidophilus May Help Patients with Small Bowel Obstruction
This study was carried out by the National Taiwan University Hospital and the National Taiwan University, College of Medicine in Taipei.
Probiotics – Good Bugs, Good Health!
Studies have shown that L. acidophilus and B. longum can reduce cold symptoms and in lab studies, they are able to shrink cancerous tumors.
Great Acidophilus an Ally of our Digestive System
Many more studies are being conducted to explore other benefits acidophilus can give to the human body. Some researches have shown that they can also improve gas and bad breath problems.
The Benefits of Acidophilus
Acidophilus or lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used good or friendly bacteria. These bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against the entrance and proliferation of harmful organisms.
Synbiotic May Improve Gut, Immune Health in Elderly
The probiotic culture used for the study was Danisco’s L. acidophilus NCFM, which the company said it chose for its ability to improve intestinal microbiota metabolism, gut health and associated immune function.