Benefits of Probiotics

Many people today suffer from digestive problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, excessive bloating and gas, abdominal cramping and many other intestinal disorders. Some people have found a simple remedy for these disorders known as probiotics. Many studies have been conducted on probiotics and results are beginning to show that these microorganisms not only promote a healthy digestive system, but also may be effective at treating intestinal disorders that conventional medicine often cannot.

Why We Need Probiotics

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in the intestinal tract, which help to keep it functioning properly. Due to changes in modern society, probiotics are being depleted in the digestive tract, causing the above-mentioned problems as well as other disorders. Healthy ratios of friendly and unfriendly bacteria should be around 70% good bacteria to 30% bad bacteria. Medical researchers now believe that these ratios have completely reversed in many people. This is due to:

* Processed foods, chemical additives, unhealthy diet

* Pesticides and fertilizers that are added to the soil

* Medication use such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory

* Chlorine that is added to the water supply, destroying good bacteria

* Fluoride in water supply that destroys good bacteria

* Medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation

* Antibiotic use in farm raised animals

* The use of alcoholic beverages

Maintaining Healthy Digestion

Probiotics are essential for a healthy digestive system. The functions they provide are numerous and important because they have a direct link in breaking down foods and making sure they are absorbed properly. Without them, vital nutrients are reduced in absorption, which can result in many health problems. The many ways that probiotics help to maintain a healthy digestive system include:

* Keeping the intestinal tract clean and purified of waste matter

* Destroying harmful bacteria such as fungi, yeast and viruses.

* Breaking down hydrocarbons for better cell growth and development

* Producing enzymes necessary for breaking down foods

* Helping the body to absorb vitamins, fatty acids, calcium and lactase

* Strengthening the immune system

* Regulating bowel movements, eliminating constipation and diarrhea

* Producing antigens, which help the immune system fight off disease

* Promoting an acidic environment, slowing the growth of harmful bacteria.

* Works with organ and tissue cells for proper metabolism of proteins

* Produces large quantities of anti-bodies for protection and fighting of infection

* Increases the production of Lactoferrin , which is essential for proper iron absorption

Helps To Treat Intestinal Disorders and Diseases

Although more research is needed, many doctors are now using probiotics to treat a variety of intestinal disorders that have been unsuccessfully treated with traditional medications. These conditions include:

* Irritable bowel syndrome

* Infection-causing diarrhea

* Digestive disturbances such as indigestion

* Crohn’s disease

* Ulcerative colitis

* Lactose intolerance

Additional Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics cannot only provide optimum health of the digestive system, but also has been shown to successfully treat and prevent common disorders. These include:

* Bacterial vaginosis

* Urinary tract infections

* Destroys parasites and viruses

* Lowers Cholesterol

* Prevents Colon Cancer

* Helps reduce acne and skin problems

* Prevents fungal and yeast infections

* Stimulates the production of alpha-interferon, necessary for proper immune response.

* Eliminates body odor and bad breath by eliminating toxins from the body.

* Reduces inflammation

* Lowers blood pressure

Good Sources of Probiotics

Probiotics are available in a variety of foods as well as supplements. Certain yogurts contain probiotics, which many people have started eating regularly for good digestion and elimination benefits. Others who do not care for the taste of yogurt prefer to take supplements. Although certain foods such as bananas offer some probiotics, it is unsure as to how much should be consumed to provide the important benefits that these friendly bacteria have to offer.