Did you know there is such a thing as “good” bacteria?
Probiotics are just that!
Your digestive system’s best friend, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that colonize your intestines and play a critical role in your overall health.** Probiotics—the name of which means “for life”—work to help neutralize harmful bacteria that would otherwise reproduce unchecked throughout your digestive system and could cause occasional constipation, gas and bloating, among other issues.**
At their most basic level, probiotics are the great equalizers: working to help your internal environment be well-balanced and work correctly!**
By supplementing these friendly flora, you are aiding your body in the fight against these bad bacteria in your digestive system.** There are over 400 strains of probiotics, the two most prevalent in supplementation being Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. Acidophilus is the show-runner for probiotics, playing an especially important role and wearing many hats in support of the digestive system!
So just what can Acidophilus do for you?
These good bacteria help to promote regularity, digestive wellness and comfort, optimize nutrient absorption throughout your gastrointestinal tract and support the overall function and health of your intestines.** They help to move food along through the intestines by supporting a healthy mucosal lining all while kicking the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates into high gear.**
And that’s not all!
In addition to supporting overall digestive health, comfort and efficiency, which helps to promote peak nutritional status, probiotics are also powerful supporters of the immune system.**
It is important to note that certain medications, including antibiotics, can decrease the levels of these friendly flora, so probiotic supplementation is especially important during this time. In addition to supplements, you can also find probiotics naturally in yogurt, cheese, miso and fermented foods.
Have you added probiotics to your daily regimen??