We’d like to share some information on the beautiful VAST world of PROBIOTICS! If you have any sort of digestive discomfort– probiotics can be a game changer!

What are they?

Probiotics: denoting a substance that stimulates the growth of microorganisms, especially those with beneficial properties (such as those of the intestinal flora).

What do they do?

Just like in the real world—there are good guys and bad guys that live and function in our gut system. Our good guys are the PRO-biotics (micro-organisms).  Simply put—they help in the production of B vitamins and they help with maximizing nutrient absorption.  They can be looked at as the construction workers in our guts—helping construct pathways so everything can move smoothly through and get to where they need to go.

Benefits of Probiotics:

• Strengthens immune response (lessons the chance of nasty colds or bacterial infections)
• Improves digestive system (nice easy bowel movements and more!)
• Helps prevent or improve urinary tract conditions
• Helps improve skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rashes, etc. (many skin conditions are linked to the health of our gut!)
• Helps fight/prevent food-borne illnesses
• Supports brain/cognitive function (the health of your brain begins in your gut)
• Helps support a healthy nervous system
• Can help with pain management over time

There are many different strains and potencies of probiotics available—enough to make anyone confused!  That being said—two strains that have been found to be EXTRA beneficial for helping absorb the most nutrients from our food are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Also, it is worthy to consider what it is that your body is needing from probiotics—if you are facing severe digestive discomfort or immune imbalances than go for a 50 billion and above probiotic.  A smaller potency such as 12 billion is great for maintenance.

Not all probiotics are the same

If you have tried one before and you did not see any benefits from them, like the old saying goes—try, try, try again!  Maybe you need a higher potency—if you tried a 12 billion strain, try a 30 billion strain.  Also, it is possible that your body needs a specific strain of a probiotic, so pay close attention to which strains you have tried before and which ones you felt worked for you.

In summary, there are a multitude of probiotics available on the market—the best way to figure out what works best for you is to first figure out what it is that you are needing to achieve —maintenance or repair (regarding potency)?  The second question to consider is non-dairy or dairy based probiotics (what do you prefer or what is best for your body)? The last question to consider is refrigerated or non-refrigerated (what is most convenient)?

The topic of Probiotics can be lengthy subject– because they are responsible for many functions in the body.  If you want more info or have a specific question regarding digestion or probiotics just come in and see us or email us!  We will help identify what probiotic will best fit your needs!

Remember, health begins in your gut!

As always, do what you feel is best for YOUR body– if you aren’t sure, ask your doctor.  We are health ENTHUSIASTS not licensed practitioners.