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Probiotic Pills and Foods,
Your Healthy Gut Prescription
Probiotic pills and supplements provide the friendly bacteria that live in and on our bodies. Steven Horne, an expert in natural health, developed a
Questionnaire on when to take probiotics.
He also gave a very interesting talk on probiotic pills and supplements recently. He said that we actually have 400-500 strains of bacteria and fungus in our bodies.
Friendly bacteria is actually good for us. In fact by definition, the word "Pro" means "For" and "Biotic" means "Life" so the actual definition of probiotic means "for life". In contrast, the definition of "anti" means "against". So the word "antibiotic" means "against life".
Not all bacteria is bad. In the soil, bacteria breaks down minerals making them available for the plants to absorb. That's one of the reasons
organic produce
has more nutritional value. Chemicals used in modern agriculture farming these days renders the soil sterile which results in a less nutrient dense plant.
Friendly Flora Enemies
Friendly bacteria in our intestinal tract can be damaged by the following: Antibiotics, especially broad spectrum antibioticsPrescription corticosteroids (like Prednisone)Prescription hormones, like birth control pillsNSAIDS like ASA, Ibuprophen, prolonged aspirin useChlorinated tap water and flouride
If you consume any of the above you'll want to repopulate your intestinal tract with things like yoghurt, kefir, cultured foods or probiotic pills and supplements.
Benefits of Taking Probiotics
They directly stimulate our immune system so it works better.They help to control the growth of candida which can be harmful if it becomes dominantReduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohn's colitis, IBS)Helps the body to digest fats and proteinsHelps to synthesize certain vitamins the body needsHelps to detox the digestive tractHelps prevent constipationFeeds the intestinal lining keeping it healthy
When To Take Probiotics
They should always be taken after taking antibiotics for at least 30 daysBest taken on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before meals Can be used in enemas or douches for yeast infections.If you are on birth control pills
Feeding the Enemy
Sugars and starches tend to feed the yeast and give it an advantage for overgrowth in your intestinal tract. Try to avoid the following:
Refined SugarRefined grainsHeavily cooked meat
Who Needs Probiotic Pills & Supplements
Anyone who suffers from yeast infections of any kind, including athlete's foot, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and nail fungusPeople with weak immune systems, frequent respiratory infections and congestionAnyone that has food or respiratory allergiesPeople suffering from inflammatory bowel disorders, constipation or intestinal infectionsPeople with skin problemsPeople who travel and are prone to infections from foreign food and waterprobiotics for infants and children to reduce the risk of infections
Probiotic Supplements
If you don't eat cultured dairy foods like yogurt or kefir, you'll want to take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics have no side effects or warnings. They are a mildly sweet taste and they are safe for infants and children.
Good choices of probiotic supplements are:
Acidophilus helps to regulate the intestinal tract.Bifidophilus Flora Force, improves immune function and supports respiratory, urinary and intestinal health.Probiotic Eleven supports digestion, aids in eliminating toxins, improves immune system function, regulates intestinal functions, helps relieve gastrointestinal complaints like diarrhea. Sunshine Heroes Probiotic Power is a good chewable source for kids. It contains 11 probiotic species. It can be mixed in in juice or milk.
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