Probiotics
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are friendly microbial flora inhabiting the human body. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, (collectively referred to as microbiota) act symbiotically with the human body and assist in many bodily functions such as digestion and immune protection.
Health Benefits
Vastly outnumbering the cells in the human body, microbial flora have an important and friendly relationship with the body. In addition to aiding digestion, microbiotic colonies establish in the gastrointestinal tract and defend their “territory” by attacking any invading pathogens, thereby helping to boost the immune system. Research also shows that certain probiotics increase the circulation of specific antibodies in the blood, thereby eliminating the need for antibiotic medications in some cases. Because resistance to antibiotics is becoming a serious and widespread problem, probiotics seem to be a very promising alternative. More research is needed, however.
Studies show that breastfed babies have a strong advantage over their bottle-fed counterparts, as the former receive immune-boosting microbiota through the breast milk of their mothers. In addition, these babies also enjoy better digestion and less gastrointestinal upset than those fed formula. Probiotics may soon be included in infant formula to provide bottle-fed babies with these important health benefits.
Usage Indications
Consult your physician and manufacturer instructions, as there are many types of probiotics and dosages vary widely. Be sure that the probiotic supplements you purchase contain live “active” cultures, and that there are 1-2 billion organisms per capsule if taking pill form. Check the expiration date, and store all probiotics in the refrigerator, as freezing and hot temperatures may harm the live cultures.
Probiotics are commonly available in powder, liquid, tablet and capsule form.
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Product List for Probiotics |
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