Probiotics

Probiotic Drinks (Photo credit: Jepster)

I am often asked about the use of probiotics so today I am going to tackle this interesting topic. Many researchers today now believe that our overall immunity begins in our GUT (intestinal tract). It is actually now thought that approximately 70% of our immunity begins in our GUT. Our intestinal tract contains what is called a “normal flora” of microorganisms which help to produce natural antibiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that we can take orally to help keep this flora in a healthy balance. We want to keep the balance tipped in favor of the beneficial bacteria which are necessary for health instead of towards the negative bacteria which can set us up for a whole host of health problems!
Probiotics are excellent for everything from irritable bowel and chronic heartburn to the flu and cancer! Cancer patients are now even prescribed probiotics to help increase overall immunity and to help fight off carcinogenic substances we ingest such as pesticides and second hand smoke.
Also fascinating are the effects probiotics have on children. Infants are born with an essentially clean GUT and through the ingestion of breast milk (which contains prebiotics) they colonize their intestinal tracts. Formula fed infants will lack the bifidobacteria in breast milk and will often be those infants with chronic ear infections, diarrhea etc. This is why more and more formulas these days contain a probiotic.  Researchers are also finding that children who lack the healthy balance of beneficial bacteria are more prone to food allergies and asthma. Some research is now even pointing to a link between autism and excessive antibiotic use in early childhood. Often these kids had frequent infections (such as ear infections) and the antibiotics prescribed can allow the overgrowth of a neuro toxin secreting bacteria.
So bottom line….probiotics are a great investment in your family’s overall health! Look for probiotics containing lactobacillus bifidus, l.plantarum, l. casei, or l. bulgaricus.