Good Health Starts with Probiotics

Trillions of bacteria live in our intestines and they are the key to healthy function of our gut, brain, organs and skin!

New research shows the importance of our gut microbiota and how probiotics or beneficial bacteria, can help combat everyday health challenges faced by people everywhere.

How do probiotics change our health complaints?

Frequently you hear people complain about their digestive issues, like gastric reflux, gas, abdominal cramping or diarrhea.

Gluten sensitivity can sometimes be the culprit. Celiac disease which happens when you are gluten sensitive or just allergic to wheat is on the rise.

It is estimated that one in 133 Americans may have celiac symptoms. Many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and originally the blame was genetics as the main reason.

But the quick rise in celiac diagnosis has an alternative explanation, in that having the wrong type of bacteria in the gut could cause more sensitivity to gluten. Some probiotics heal the gut by digesting gluten or repairing the past damage.

In the case of brain issues, studies have shown forgetfulness, cognitive thinking, or even Alzheimer’s, results in mild to moderate improvement with the use of probiotics.

There have been successful clinical trials showing that Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus and several other types of bacteria can help ameliorate these brain symptoms.

Obesity and weight loss may even benefit by using probiotics. It has been the subject of more research lately; recent studies has shown that probiotics B. bifidium, B. longum, L. rhamaosus and enterococcus can help obese people lose 3 times more weight than a placebo.

Probiotics can also help with smooth skin and healthy hair, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles as an anti-aging effect. This is possible due to the suppressing inflammation, normalizing pH and restoring normal hormone levels!

Gut microbiota can help the liver with detoxification by breaking down drugs, toxins, and heavy metals removing them from the body.

How to choose a Good Probiotic

There are so many different kinds with many strains (kinds) of bacteria and colony forming units (CFUs).

What is recommended is to look for variety in these top bacterial strains:

1. acidophilus the most important for the small intestine. It supports nutrient absorption and helps digestion of dairy foods.
2. longum helps maintain integrity of the gut wall and rids it of toxins.
3. bifidium needed in both the small and large intestines, helps break down dairy foods and carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
4. rhamnosus is the “travel probiotic” helping to prevent occasional diarrhea.
5. fermentum helps neutralize digestive by products and promotes a healthy level of gut bacteria.

There are many other strains of bacteria used by different companies all of them do help; some are more specific in certain aspects of health as noted above.

Some of the best products will have of these strains and should have expiration dates.

It is even better if they are time released as to reach the intestines where they are needed.

The second best thing is to start eating more probiotic foods like kefir, yogurt, and fermented vegetables like kimchi or sauerkraut.

References:

https://www.drdavidwilliams.com/how-to-choose-the-best-probiotic-supplement

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-probiotic-supplement

Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist and Nutritional Health Consultant.  Helps individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.