Probiotics

What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract. Literally translated, the word probiotic means “FOR LIFE”. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (that’s you). Maintaining a healthy balance of probiotics is critical to your good health, and not only your digestive health. The two most prevalent probiotics are Lactobacillus, which make up the majority of the probiotics living in your small intestine, and Bifidobacteria, the most prevalent probiotic living in your large intestine.

Probiotics Help You To:

  • Maintain healthy colon cells
  • Promote healthy immunity
  • Promote regularity
  • Promote detoxification of intestinal toxins
  • Manufacture digestive enzymes which help you digest food
  • Make use of nutrients, such as fiber, that would otherwise pass through the body undigested*Create an unfriendly environment for potentially harmful bacteria and yeast

Your Bacterial Balance Is the Key to Your Good Health
You have both good and bad bacteria in your digestive system. A healthy bacterial balance is 80% good to 20% bad bacteria. If bad bacteria increase past 20%, your health can suffer.

Consequences of Probiotic Imbalance
The consequences of too little probiotics can include diarrhea, constipation, excessive gas, yeast overgrowth, vaginal yeast infections, weakened immune system, lactose intolerance, poor digestion, complex carbohydrate intolerance and even skin disruptions. Because 70% of our immune system lies in the digestive tract, the lack of adequate amounts of probiotics can result in many problems related to low immunity.

How Many Probiotics Should You Take Daily?
There is no exact science to answer this question, but generally, the more good bacteria you have, the better able you are to fight bad bacteria in the gut. The H.O.P.E. Formula recommends between 6 and 50 billion live cells per day, which corresponds with one’s age. As we age, our good bacteria decline. Researchers are currently studying the relationship between the decline in good bacteria and the aging process. While Vitamin C is measured in milligrams or grams, probiotics are measured in units called “live cultures” or “live cells”. Adults should take 6-15 billion live cultures per day, and those over 50 should take 30-50 billion live cultures per day. For critical needs, 50 billion or more is recommended.

How Do You Maintain The Right Probiotic Balance?
Eat foods rich in probiotics and high in fiber, and take a daily probiotic supplement. A diet rich in fermented dairy and vegetable foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, will provide good bacteria. Also, eating foods high in fiber is beneficial because good bacteria love to “eat” soluble fiber which causes them to multiply. Lastly, take a BALANCED probiotic supplement. The right balance is a probiotic supplement high in both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

 

 

3 Considerations for Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement.

 

 

  1. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus Balance
    The two most prevalent probiotics in your digestive system are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Bifidobacterium is the most prevalent probiotic in you large intestine, and Lactobacillus are the most prevalent in the small intestine. Unfortunately, most probiotic supplements are high in Lactobacilli and low in Bifidobacteria. Make sure you choose a probiotic supplement that is high in both. This insures that the probiotic needs of the large and small intestine are both supported.
     
  2. Age Specific
    Research has proven that as we age, the probiotic population in our intestines decreases. Therefore, it is important to increase our probiotic intake by choosing an age specific supplement.
     
  3. Proper Delivery Mechanism
    Make sure that the probiotic you choose is either enteric coated or delivered through Bio-TractTM tableting. Both of these methods insure that the probiotics have the extra assistance needed to pass through the stomach enabling them to reach the small and large intestine where they are best utilized. Be sure to watch Brenda Watson's H.O.P.E. Formula for Optimum Digestive Care on PBS! Call 1-866-450-8111 for your local showtime!