The World Health organization defines a probiotic as any living microorganism that has a health benefit when ingested. These supplements are associated with many health benefits as they help keep the correct balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body. Organic probiotics are often recommended by health practitioners as they contain no extra ingredients like preservatives or fillers.
The gastrointestinal tract is second only to the respiratory tract in body surface area and during a normal lifetime, many tons of food pass through this canal. It harbors trillions of viable bacteria. Many factors, such as diet, climate, aging, medication, illness and stress can upset the balance of the bacteria. If the balance is incorrect this, this can negatively impact the health of the individual.
Bacteria adhere to sites lining the gastrointestinal tract. If there are enough healthy bacteria, the theory is that they dominate and protect against the adherence of harmful bacteria. Most often, the healthy bacteria in a supplement come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and within each species, different strains.
A probiotic comes in many forms such as tablets, powders, capsules and even in foods like yoghurt. Whatever the form, the importance is that it contains enough organisms to survive and grow in the intestines. The amount of live cells per dose varies considerably and this can also determine effectiveness.
A general purpose probiotic is best for those who simply want to stay healthy and strengthen their immune systems. Other products are designed for specific purposes, such as helping with diarrhea or constipation. A choice has to be based on the purpose for which it is required.
The clearest benefit, backed up by scientific study, comes in the field of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel conditions and diarrhea associated with use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used, the useful as well as the bad bacteria is destroyed and need to be replaced. However, interesting research is being done on their effect on much more than just digestive issues. One of the main benefits appears to be in stimulating the immune system.
There are many currently studies being done regarding the effect of taking these supplements on areas other than digestive health. The idea is that unfriendly bacteria could be prevented from taking hold in the first place or suppressed if already there. Childhood allergies, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections and lactose intolerance are just some of the areas that may benefit.
These products can be purchased from traditional health food stores and from online suppliers. When purchasing from online suppliers it is important to make sure that a reputable company is selected. There are many of these supplements available and some of them are inferior to others. The strain, species and dosage of bacteria is important as it has to survive and establish itself to be effective.
Many health problems today, including allergies and fatigue, are beginning to be associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the body. Organic probiotics provide the most safe, natural and common sense way to keep the correct balance. Some patience needs to be exercised when using these supplements as they do not create overnight miracle cures. They need to be used for some time before the correct balance in the gut is restored.
The gastrointestinal tract is second only to the respiratory tract in body surface area and during a normal lifetime, many tons of food pass through this canal. It harbors trillions of viable bacteria. Many factors, such as diet, climate, aging, medication, illness and stress can upset the balance of the bacteria. If the balance is incorrect this, this can negatively impact the health of the individual.
Bacteria adhere to sites lining the gastrointestinal tract. If there are enough healthy bacteria, the theory is that they dominate and protect against the adherence of harmful bacteria. Most often, the healthy bacteria in a supplement come from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are different species and within each species, different strains.
A probiotic comes in many forms such as tablets, powders, capsules and even in foods like yoghurt. Whatever the form, the importance is that it contains enough organisms to survive and grow in the intestines. The amount of live cells per dose varies considerably and this can also determine effectiveness.
A general purpose probiotic is best for those who simply want to stay healthy and strengthen their immune systems. Other products are designed for specific purposes, such as helping with diarrhea or constipation. A choice has to be based on the purpose for which it is required.
The clearest benefit, backed up by scientific study, comes in the field of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel conditions and diarrhea associated with use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used, the useful as well as the bad bacteria is destroyed and need to be replaced. However, interesting research is being done on their effect on much more than just digestive issues. One of the main benefits appears to be in stimulating the immune system.
There are many currently studies being done regarding the effect of taking these supplements on areas other than digestive health. The idea is that unfriendly bacteria could be prevented from taking hold in the first place or suppressed if already there. Childhood allergies, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections and lactose intolerance are just some of the areas that may benefit.
These products can be purchased from traditional health food stores and from online suppliers. When purchasing from online suppliers it is important to make sure that a reputable company is selected. There are many of these supplements available and some of them are inferior to others. The strain, species and dosage of bacteria is important as it has to survive and establish itself to be effective.
Many health problems today, including allergies and fatigue, are beginning to be associated with an imbalance of bacteria in the body. Organic probiotics provide the most safe, natural and common sense way to keep the correct balance. Some patience needs to be exercised when using these supplements as they do not create overnight miracle cures. They need to be used for some time before the correct balance in the gut is restored.
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