Why? The evidence is strong that Probiotics benefit the digestive and immune systems and there are many other reasons to consider taking a probiotic.
Green Med Info www.greenmedinfo.com has over 240 studies relating to 170 health issues that have benefited from a probiotic supplement
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported a study of adults with high cholesterol. Those that took a probiotic twice a day for nine weeks reported total cholesterol levels dropping 9% and LDL by 12%. (Men’s Health News, 11/26/12)
And for those of you who endured a bad and lengthy cold this winter…… A double blind study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in NJ monitored college students for 12 weeks. Those taking the probiotics had cold symptoms for a shorter time, less severe symptoms and missed fewer days of school. (News-medical.net, 10/24/12)
What are Probiotics? Non pathogenic bacteria that naturally live in your gut or more simply put Good Bugs. Your body has give or take a 100 trillion friendly bacterial cells. Some of their functions include digestion, battling viral, bacterial and yeast infections, protecting us against disease i.e. stimulating the immune system and producing vitamins K & B.
Why Supplement? The sad American diet filled with sugar, flour, fast food not to mention stress and antibiotics all contribute to the growth of the bad bugs and don’t provide the food the good bugs need to flourish.
Good vs Bad
Good bugs release an acid that keeps bad bugs in check. Good bugs need high fiber foods, plant based foods, healthy fats and fermented foods. Probiotic rich foods include kefir, kombucha, yogurt, fermented vegetables such as kimchi and sauerkraut. The Nourishing Traditions cookbook has a easy recipe for fermented ketchup which is delicious.
Bad Bugs release toxins into your system. Bad bugs love sugars, fats from processed food, stress.
What we do: We eat plain yogurt & kefir because added sugars cancel out much of the good. We eat some fermented foods but not enough. We supplement.
What we take: American Health Probiotic CD with 10 strains and 12 billion CFUs but there are many good brands out there including Innate Response Formulas Flora 50-14, MegaFood MegaFlora and Nutrition Now PB8. All can be purchased at www.iherb.com (use BOT164 at checkout for discount on first order).
What to look for: A brand with multiple strains of bacteria and at least 5000 CFUs. CFUs are Colony Forming Units.
Because we have trillions of good bacteria and hundreds of strains, it is good to rotate formulas every 3 months once you have a good foundation.
You really are what you eat.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical counseling. Intentional Health and DIY Health & Wellness does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment.
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