More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Is It Time To Consider a Probiotic Supplement?
Ah, a healthy gut. When digestion is healthy, it helps the body work in harmony; everything “moves” at the right time, which can also help the function of your immune system.
That's not my gut, you say?
Digestive problems of one sort or another are common. Too much processed food and high levels of stress can result in constipation, diarrhea and more serious diseases with autoimmune implications like IBS and Chrohn's disease.
Probiotics are the “good” bacteria that live in the large and small intestines, effectively acting as the police against invading species of bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens. Antibiotic use, processed food, heavy metals, stress, and other normal parts of modern life can leave the body's natural supply of good bacteria overmatched. That's when trouble can start, which is why some people benefit greatly from supplementing with probiotics.
Probiotics can be found in very small amounts in food like yogurt, but the amount in the food is usually not enough to nullify the effects of the added sugars and other additives that are also in that food. I usually recommend a capsule or powdered supplement that can be mixed with water and taken as directed.
But how to choose? There are many brands available. Some are shelf stable and some need refrigeration. I recommend buying a product from a reputable manufacturer that guarantees live organisms at the time of purchase and that's guaranteed to survive the acidity of the stomach so it gets into the gut. There are many good brands, some available to consumers at grocery and health food stores and others available through practitioners.
As with any supplement, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor before beginning any new routine. This article is intended as educational information for general health and wellness and not intended to diagnose or cure any particular condition.
