Do I Need Probiotics?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, particularly the intestinal system. Our body is full of bacteria, good and bad. There isn’t one particular probiotic strain that does it all, which is why they are grouped together in supplements. Probiotics are often provided in a delayed release capsule, coated to survive stomach acid. Because it is live bacteria, it is best not to be exposed to heat. Refrigeration might be recommended, although not always required with today’s technology. I carry several different probiotic formulas, so I thought it might be helpful to describe them to you.
Our main probiotic is a professional brand and contains 51 billion with 14 strains of beneficial bacteria. Helpful for symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or candida yeast infection. This probiotic contains enzymes to break down the cell wall of yeast or bacteria, allowing destruction of the pathogen. We also have a formula with 101 billion, which is designed specifically for respiratory, heart, and gut health. This beneficial probiotic is helpful in reducing inflammation in lungs and blood vessels. I love to use this one after a respiratory illness, to strengthen immunity.
We carry SBO probiotics too – soil-based organisms. Many beneficial spores are in the soil, which is why it is good for children to play in the mud and get dirty. Remember the days of pulling a carrot from the ground and eating it fresh? Now, we are afraid of the toxins sprayed on that soil, but even our dirt used to be healthy! Spore probiotics survive stomach acid and heat, so they are much more stable. We have formulas that have herbs or mushrooms added to focus on different things: mental clarity, immune, or vaginal health. We also have one that works as a cleanse, ridding the body of bad bacteria. This one can reset the whole microbiome! Get rid of the bad bacteria and restart your body into a good balance.
Did you know that skinny people have different gut bacteria than fat people? Really? I want some of that! I recently found a probiotic that helps you to lose weight. I will let you know how well it works for those who try it.
Probiotics are good for children and babies too! We carry chewable ones for kids, and recommend them for earaches or tummy issues. Thrush? Have Mom take probiotics. Then open up a capsule, dip your finger in the powder, and place it on the baby’s tongue each time they nurse.
Do I need probiotics? They are especially needed after taking an antibiotic. Many drugs do affect good bacteria in the gut, including antibiotics and birth control pills. Your good bacteria may also be compromised if you have a stomach bug or experience diarrhea. Probiotics help with various symptoms: skin issues, earaches, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence. Probiotics also help with immunity and mental outlook. Did you know? Much of your serotonin-the feel good hormone- is made in the gut, by you guessed it…bacteria!