Probiotics/Acidophilus

What are probiotics?

They are the beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract.

What do they do?

They are needed for

*proper digestion, if you are not digesting properly you are not assimilating nutrients in your foods and supplements
*to protect against disease
*to prvent overgrowth of yeast (Candida) and other pathogens
*they are essential for detoxifying the body

How is good bacteria in the digestive tract destroyed?

They are destroyed by:

*use of antibiotics
*birth control pills
*chlorine & fluoride in tap water
*physical or emotional stress
*tobacco use
*alcohol use
*poor dietary habits
*age

What conditions could develop from lack of probiotics or an imbalance of probiotics?

Lack of the proper amounts of probiotics could lead to:

bowel conditions – colitis, IBS, diarrhea, constipation
Candida overgrowth, yeast infections, other fungal infections
hormonal imbalances
skin problems such as acne
lowered resistance to disease (such as recurring colds, infections, & flu)

How to I keep a balanced & sufficient number of probiotics?

Some people think that if they use yogurt they must have sufficient amounts of probiotics. Yogurt is somewhat helpful, but there are not enough cultures to be of therapeutic value. If have any of the factors listed under How They are Destroyed, you should start taking Probiotics immediately for several months. I recommend taking probiotics for several months every year as a preventative, usually winter is the best time to do this.

What brand of Probiotics should I choose?

Choose a reliable brand with a high number of cultures (billions), it should be in the refrigerated section of the store or have a guarantee that it is stable on the shelf until opened, and then it should be kept refrigerated.

Any information presented here is for informational purposes only and not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a medical practitioner.