Probiotics are good bacteria that are essential for many vital body functions, including healthy digestion. Your immune system is very closely linked with your digestive system.
Did you know that there are 10 times more Probiotics than cells in our body? A healthy person has more than 100-300 trillions probiotics. Probiotics live throughout our whole body, not just our gut. There are present in our eyes, ears, nose, esophagus, mouth tonsils joints, vagina and urinary tract. Research shows there are well over 400 probiotics strains residing in our bodies that keep us healthy.
We get our first dosage of the powerful probiotics through the vaginal birth. The second dosage comes from consumption of breast milk which makes up around 40% of the content.
By balancing our intestinal tract, which is where the highest concentrations of chemical detection and signaling molecules affect your entire body, you can strengthen your immune system greatly.
As we get older, our gut flora gets disrupted and causes problems throughout our body by increasing inflammation. When the gut’s flora is unbalanced, it contributes to impaired immunity, respiratory issues, ulcers, hair loss, diabetes, obesity, ulcers, anemia, eczema, autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Two of the most studied bacteria are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. They have both been proven to protect against several chronic diseases.
Probiotics can even regulate your mood, treat diarrhea, improve your mental health, fight infections, help with IBS and IBD, lower risks of type 2 diabetes, increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis, support weight loss, support healthy digestive system, detox your body and boost your immune system, regulate blood pressure, kill Candida, fight allergies, heal inflammatory bowel diseases, support vaginal, liver, lung and heart health, increase nutrient absorption and help fight cancers. Not only do they allow for better absorption of your vitamins and minerals, but probiotics also help with utilization of proteins, carbs, fat and sugar. It has been proven to decrease lactose intolerance.
There are many foods loaded with such good bacteria. Most common are: kefir, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha tea, and pickles. Sauerkraut has been called by some “the king of probiotics” with 13 strains! This powerful fermented food is blasted with immunity support. Keep in mind homemade fermented foods are going to have a higher effect, not to mention being much more affordable. Kefir is another great source. Not only is it rich in probiotics but it also contains high levels of vitamin b12 , calcium. vitamin k2, biotin, folate and enzymes.
Another great way to increase probiotics intake, especially when on the go or traveling, is by using a supplement (usually in capsule form). When choosing a brand to use, make sure you always choose on that is in the billions of CFUs. Those in the millions ranges simply don’t cover much and don’t have much effect on your health. When adding these into your regimen, one can experience some mild side effects at the beginning such as: bloating, diarrhea, cramps or rashes. Don’t be alarmed! These are just signs that your body is detoxing and the probiotics are in effect. Make sure you stay well hydrated, start with a small dosage and let your body get adjusted. The side effects should vanish within 2 weeks. Probiotics are often combined with prebiotics because they feed, nourish and increase the beneficial bacteria.
There are many different strains on the market. Depending on your needs, consult your healthcare or your product specialist provider for your optimal health today.
– Veronika, Medical Product Specialist
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