When it comes to the health of your family, there are no shortcuts. Probiotics are one foundational supplement that we believe sets the stage for wellness. After discussing What Strips Good Bacteria From Your Gut in a previous blog, you know how easy it is to lose good flora. Understanding what the flora does in your gut and the rest of the body is what we will cover in this blog.
5 Ways Probiotics Support Health
1. Weight Management
Medical studies demonstrate probiotics decreases fat storage, lower fat absorption and reduce appetite. Weight gain in children and adults can lead to type II diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Fatty liver, breathing problems, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, emotional well being issues and abnormal cell growth are also complications involved with weight gain.
2. Brain Health
It is estimated that 90 percent of the body's serotonin originates in the digestive tract. Altered levels of serotonin in this location of the body have been linked to diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. New research at Caltech, published in the April 9, 2015 issue of the journalCell, proves that certain bacteria in the gut assist in the production of peripheral (not found in the brain) serotonin. Serotonin plays a very important role in our bodies. It impacts brain cells related to mood, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, some aspects of social behavior and sexual function.
3. Immune Function
In medical studies probiotics have been shown to provide therapeutic potential for combating diseases. Immune response-related diseases specifically benefitting from probiotic use include allergy, eczema, viral infection, and potentiating vaccination responses. Probiotics are known to boost immune function when individuals are exposed to communicable diseases in places like daycares, schools and work environments. One study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed a decrease in absences for children and adults taking probiotics with acute respiratory infections.
4. Aids In Digestion
Probiotics in the gut help ferment indigestible carbohydrates. Bifidobacterium, a lactic acid producing bacteria, is most densely populated in the large intestine. It plays an important role in digestion. Levels of bifidobacterium decrease with age. After the age of 60 it is important to include bifidobacterium in your probiotics spectrum. A common source of food sensitivities are the sugars in dairy products, which are broken down by the good bacteria in the gut. Lactobacillus bacteria produce lactic acid as a byproduct of the fermentation process. The release of digestive juices and enzymes from the stomach, the pancreas, and the gallbladder is improved with lactic acid. In addition, it helps the absorption of minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, and iron.
5. Produce Vitamins
Your gut bacteria produces vitamin B12, butyrate and vitamin K2. Vitamin B12 gives you energy, helps produce red blood cells, healthy nerve cells, DNA and RNA. Butyrate is anti-inflammatory and K2 regulates where calcium ends up in the body.
Our Top Three Selling Probiotics
Ther-Biotic infant formula is based on the scientific literature documenting its safety and crucial importance to the normal development of an infant’s gastrointestinal and immune systems.
This chewable children's probiotic formula delivers potent amounts of 4 Lactobacillus and 4 Bifidobacterium species that benefit gastrointestinal, immune, and oral health.
Ortho Biotic is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut microflora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Included in this formula is Saccharomyces boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown to help restore microflora balance by enhancing commensal organism function. Seven proven probiotic strains have been chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment and adhere to the intestinal tract to deliver superior results. We also carry this in powder form.
Additional probiotic options can be found here. If you are on a short or long-term course of antibiotics, probiotic supplementation is suggested to offset the flora imbalance created by antibiotic use. Take them at least two hours after you take your antibiotic for best results.