In Greek, “pro” means supporting and “bios” means life. Hence the word “probiotic” means “for life”. Placed in the context of intestinal health, probiotics often refer to friendly bacteria that enhance good intestinal function. The most common friendly bacteria that inhabit our digestive system are L. Acidophilus, L. Salvarius, B. infantis, B. Bifidum, B. Brevis, and B. Longum.

Probiotics have been proven to:-

1.increase our resistance to infections – it has been observed that when the number of friendly flora in our gastro-intestinal tract (GI tract) falls in number, our inner environment becomes vulnerable to invasion by destructive microbes such as E coli, salmonella (bacteria), giardia (parasites) and candida allbican (yeasts).

2.improve our digestion- probiotics help people who are lactose intolerant. These people typically are deficient in an important enzyme known as lactase which breaks down milk sugar (lactose). Lactose digestion is enhanced when the lactose sensitive person supplements his diet with L.acidophilus.

3.provide us with essential vitamins – bifidobacteria in the large intestine synthesize vitamins, produce thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12) and vitamin K. Bifidobacteria also improve absorption of amino acids in the GI tract. This in an important fact for all depression and chronic fatigue sufferers, who are often deficient in these key nutrients. Our ability to absorb and utilize minerals like calcium, phosphorous, zinc, manganese and iron also depends on the presence of friendly bacteria in our gut.

4.lower our cholesterol levels – L.acidophilus bacteria can inhibit the reabsorption in the liver of bile acids that carries cholesterol. This promotes the removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream through excretion.

5.reduce risk of vaginal infections – L.acidophilus bacteria produces hydrogen peroxide that helps the body get rid of unwanted bacteria in the vagina.

6.protect against cancer – researchers found that people who supplement their diets with L. acidophilus have reduced levels of potentially harmful enzymes in their digestive tract.

7.suppress tumors – a number of studies have found that the L.bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus bacteria found in yoghurt has the effect of arresting the growth of tumors or to suppress it altogether.

Vibrant health is only possible when our gut ecology is in balance. We can increase the numbers of friendly bacteria in our gut system by taking more fermented food such as yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and pickles. Another way to boost the good bacteria in our body is to eat foods that contain fructo-oligosaccharides or FOS, which is what probiotics feed on. Foods rich in FOS are bananas, barley, onions, soya beans, garlic and wheat. But if your hectic lifestyle does not allow you to adopt a healthy diet, then the fastest way for you to replenish your good bacteria is to take flora supplements of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, available from many health food stores.

Probiotics supplements are made by culturing bacteria and then freeze-drying them. When they come in contact with the fluids in our body, they come back alive. Freeze-dried probiotics in capsules form are convenient and can last for many months, if not years.

• The Benefits of Using Personal Training to Market a Health Club
• Alli Slimming Pills Review
• Lake in the Hills Boot Camps Meet All Your Fitness Needs
• How to Lose Body Fat - 10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Fast
• Advises To Create A Healthy Workout Routine
• Fast Weight Loss Diet Program - See Which Diet Has Proven Highly Effective For Quick Weight Loss!
• How to Lose Weight and Gain Energy FAST - What is the Right Weight For You?
• New Better Ways to Lose Weight
• Flatten Your Stomach in 20 Days - The Most Incredible Diet to Easily Lose Belly Fat Lightning Fast!
• Tips For Healthy Weight Loss - How to Choose a Healthy Weight Loss Plan

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.