Probiotics

Probiotics may be a new word to some of you, but for some it might sound familiar. Everyone knows that antibiotics are drugs used to kill bacteria in the body. Probiotics are just the opposite. Their purpose is to promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the body. Probiotics are also called intestinal flora, gut flora, or microflora. There are many different kinds of bacteria that make up intestinal flora. The kind that most people are familiar with is acidophilus. This is only one of four hundred different species of bacteria that live in your intestines.

It's strange to think that you can treat and even prevent illness with bacteria, but it's true. Your body contains trillions of bacteria - some are good and some are bad. When the number of good bacteria starts to decrease due to antibiotics or a poor diet your chances for illness are increased. This is because much of the immune system is located in the gut. If you’re trying to stay healthy and avoid illness then you must maintain intestinal health.

Research has shown that taking high quality probiotics can help aid digestion and keep you regular. Studies show they can also help eczema, vaginal and urinary infections, and they can help prevent or lower your chances of catching a cold or the flu. If you're having stomach issues like an upset stomach from an illness, antibiotics, traveling or because you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), then you should try probiotics. If you’re suffering from any inflammatory or autoimmune disease, a probiotic can be taken to help control the disease.

Millions of women get urinary or vaginal infections each year, many due to antibiotics which can kill both the bad bacteria in your body and the good. Probiotics can help restore the good bacteria and prevent these infections from occurring.

If you or your child takes an antibiotic, then a probiotic should be supplemented at the same time and afterward. This will restore the good gut bacteria that the antibiotic has killed.

In addition to the above health benefits, studies are also showing that probiotics can actually help you lose weight. In fact, if you’re pregnant or just had a baby, taking a probiotic supplement during your pregnancy or starting soon after giving birth may help you drop that extra weight you might have gained.

There are so many other health benefits from probiotics. You must remember though that not all supplements are created equal. Be careful when choosing a probiotic. Make sure that it is of high quality because if it’s not, your stomach acid can actually destroy it before you have time to reap the benefits.

Chance M. Haugen, D.C.