You’ve probably heard of antibiotics — the medications we use to fight off infections and illness. But do you know about probiotics?
Probiotics are a supplement form of microflora — the good bacteria in our bodies. Microflora in the digestive system help the body synthesize vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes; they also help protect the digestive tract. These good bacteria help remove harmful substances from our food and our bodies. And they don’t just live in the digestive tract! Microflora can be found in the skin, the respiratory tract, and the urinary tract, too.
What can influence microflora levels in the body?
- Digestive disorders
- Use of antibiotics
- Use of corticosteroids
- Eating meat
- Travel
This is where probiotics come in — if your body doesn’t have enough protective microflora, probiotics can help even the odds. Many people get the probiotics they need from yogurt or cheese. Two types of good bacteria are found in yogurt, cheese, and other fermented foods: lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The former is found mostly in the small intestines and the latter is found in the large intestines.
What are the benefits of probiotics?
- Improved digestion
- Reduced occurrences of constipation or diarrhea
- Better absorption of vitamins and minerals
- Protection against harmful bacteria
- Relief from gas and bloating
- Easing of side effects from antibiotic use (like antibiotic-associated diarrhea and abdominal cramps)
- Enhanced immune system function
- Relief from some symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
If you are lactose intolerant, you may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement. Among other tasks, microflora help the body process lactose!
Keep probiotics refrigerated after opening. Look for a supplement that contains a billion or more bacteria; the more per dose, the better. Remember, the bacteria have to survive life in the bottle and on the shelf, then the journey through your digestive system. Try to pick a supplement that also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid), whey protein, or cysteine — these can help the bacteria survive and multiply.