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.
One tends to think that all bacteria are bad but this is far from true. The human gut is home to millions of bacteria that are vital to health. There are many factors like diet, aging, medication and illness that can destroy the balance. This can cause all sorts of health problems for the individual.
The digestive tract is lined with sites to which bacteria adhere. The idea behind using supplements is that beneficial bacteria are introduced which adhere to these sites. When the good bacteria dominate, they present a barrier against harmful bacteria.
It is not just a matter of swallowing random bacteria. Firstly, the right strain has to be used. Secondly, it has to be encased in something strong enough to survive the acid-filled stomach, but strong enough to prevent the friendly bacteria from growing in the intestines. It is also hard to assess how many viable bacteria one is getting in each dose.
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.
Research has shown that when taking antibiotics, both good and bad bacteria are destroyed. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused and many people suffer from health problems as a result. Many people are aware that they should take a probiotic after taking an antibiotic to healthy gut flora but studies are beginning to show that their value goes far beyond simply improving intestinal functions. There is also evidence that they help maintain a strong immune system.
Studies are being done to see how successful they are at treating conditions like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. There is even evidence emerging that these supplements may help those suffering from food allergies by restoring the balance of gut flora. Another interesting study conducted on those suffering from obesity, revealed that they have different gut flora from individuals of normal weight.
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.
A scientific understanding of the probiotic and and its potential for preventing and treating health conditions is still at an early stage. However, the fact that they appear to have a strengthening effect on the immune system is undisputed. Organic probiotics are those that do not contain any added ingredients that may actually affect the growth of the healthy bacteria.
One tends to think that all bacteria are bad but this is far from true. The human gut is home to millions of bacteria that are vital to health. There are many factors like diet, aging, medication and illness that can destroy the balance. This can cause all sorts of health problems for the individual.
The digestive tract is lined with sites to which bacteria adhere. The idea behind using supplements is that beneficial bacteria are introduced which adhere to these sites. When the good bacteria dominate, they present a barrier against harmful bacteria.
It is not just a matter of swallowing random bacteria. Firstly, the right strain has to be used. Secondly, it has to be encased in something strong enough to survive the acid-filled stomach, but strong enough to prevent the friendly bacteria from growing in the intestines. It is also hard to assess how many viable bacteria one is getting in each dose.
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.
Research has shown that when taking antibiotics, both good and bad bacteria are destroyed. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused and many people suffer from health problems as a result. Many people are aware that they should take a probiotic after taking an antibiotic to healthy gut flora but studies are beginning to show that their value goes far beyond simply improving intestinal functions. There is also evidence that they help maintain a strong immune system.
Studies are being done to see how successful they are at treating conditions like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. There is even evidence emerging that these supplements may help those suffering from food allergies by restoring the balance of gut flora. Another interesting study conducted on those suffering from obesity, revealed that they have different gut flora from individuals of normal weight.
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.
A scientific understanding of the probiotic and and its potential for preventing and treating health conditions is still at an early stage. However, the fact that they appear to have a strengthening effect on the immune system is undisputed. Organic probiotics are those that do not contain any added ingredients that may actually affect the growth of the healthy bacteria.