For many people, hearing the word probiotics makes them think of yogurt..and that is all they know about it. The word “probiotic” is a compound of two Greek words: “pro” signifying promotion and “biotic”, which means life. The definition affirms life and health. What are probiotics and why are they so crucial to our health?
An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. If you keep these gut flora bacteria’s in check and in good balance, there is a great benefit to many aspects of health.
Some of which are:
- Aid in digestion
- Improve synthesis of B vitamins (many B vitamins are produced in the gut)
- Improve calcium absorption
- Keep the healthy balance of intestinal microflora
- Allergies-A recent study revealed a relationship between woman taking probiotics during pregnancy and a 30% reduction in eczema and allergies of their babies.
- Can shield your colon against cancer
- Treating childhood diarrhea and diarrhea caused by C. difficile bacteria (a superbug)
- Treating colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease
- A study published in 2010 suggests that probiotics may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds.
- In 2006, Stanford University researchers found that obese people had different gut bacteria than normal-weighted people — a first indication that gut flora plays a role in overall weight.
- Supports your immune system (over 80% of your immune system lies in your gut!!!!)
All disease begins in your gut.-Hippocrates
So what reduces the good healthy bacteria in your gut?
Here are a few:
- Taking Antibiotics. (Keep in mind this includes antibiotic residue from industrial farming, i.e. fowl, livestock and milk BUY ORGANIC) It takes over one year to build up the balance of bacteria from just one round of antibiotics.
- Having a body that is too acidic. Normal acidity (i.e. safe for bacteria) for stools is within the 6 to 7.2 pH range.
- Diarrhea. Acute intestinal infection, food poisoning, laxatives, medical intervention (cleansing for a colonoscopy for example), and other conditions may cause prolonged diarrhea, which will literally wash out all of the bacteria from your gut.
- SUGAR! Eating sugar actually nourishes the bad or pathogenic bacteria yeast and fungi in your gut.
- Heavy metals. Mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and silver are toxic, even in trace amounts. Children are the most vulnerable. Sources vary from industrial pollutants, household chemicals, and even food and water. Mercury from dental amalgams. These fillings are a potent poison, neurotoxin and carcinogen; one that can destroy your CNS and kill off friendly bacteria.
- Chemotherapy and radiation is a one two punch for your health and the health of your intestinal flora. They kill bacteria just as they kill cancer cells. They are non-specific.
So now you can see the many things that alter your intestinal health. Restoring your flora may be one of the MOST beneficial things that you can do to restore and maintain health…..But how do you restore it and maintain it?
…Supplemental probiotics are the most accessible, inexpensive, and easiest form of oral bacterial therapy. You can take these supplements continuously, periodically, or on an as-needed basis. (I take them continuously)
…I am no expert on fermenting vegetables but I found a few great articles to help you out!
How to Easily and Inexpensively Ferment your own Vegetables
How to Ferment Vegetables: The Basic Culturing Process
Fermented Food for Beginners: Lacto-Fermented Vegetables
Not all probiotics supplements are alike!
There are a number of products on the market. Here are a few that I have used and seen results with.
If you need something stronger, for example if you have leaky gut of colitis
It is important to note** Do not fall prey to the “myth” that yogurt is an effective way to get your probiotics. The fact of the matter is most commercial yogurts are not a good source of probiotics as they have been heat pasteurized, so much of the “live bacteria” benefits are greatly reduced. Some yogurts, particularly the ones that are frozen, no longer contain any live bacteria at all.
Health starts in your gut!
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
