PROBIOTICS – GOOD FOR YOUR GUT

You may be familiar with the term Probiotic. They are basically live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, and most especially beneficial to your digestive system. Probiotics, such as those found in supplements and some foods like yogurt, are referred to as ‘good’ or ‘helpful’ bacteria because they keep your gut healthy. Yogurt helps with digestive problems and therefore is often recommended by doctors to relieve acidity and assist the digestive process.

There are many types of bacteria that may be classified as Probiotics. They have varying benefits but basically fall into two categories – Lactobacillus (found in yogurt and fermented foods), which helps with diarrhea, and Bifidobacterium (found in some dairy products), which helps ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome and some other conditions.

Here’s how Probiotics work. When you lose ‘good’ bacteria, especially after an illness when you take antibiotics, Probiotics can help replace them; balancing your ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria to keep your body working as it should.

Probiotics also play a key role in helping to send food through the gut, by affecting the nerves that control gut movement. Researchers are still trying to figure out which Probiotics are best for certain health problems.

Some common conditions they treat are:

•             Irritable Bowel Syndrome

•             Inflammatory Bowel Disease

•             Infectious Diarrhoea (caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites)

•             Diarrhea caused by antibiotics

Some research also shows that they are useful for problems in other parts of the body, like eczema, urinary tract problems, allergies, colds, and oral health.

It’s important to consult your doctor before taking Probiotics. They are generally safe for most people, though those with immune system problems or other serious health conditions shouldn’t take them.