Small Steps, Sensible Choices, Superior Health.

Probiotic Pills, A 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.

Probiotics are finally getting the recognition they deserve.   You even see them advertised on television!

Friendly Flora Enemies

Friendly bacteria in our intestinal tract can be damaged by the following:

• Antibiotics, especially broad spectrum antibiotics
• Prescription corticosteroids (like Prednisone)
• Prescription hormones, like birth control pills
• NSAIDS like ASA, Ibuprophen,
  
• prolonged aspirin use
• Chlorinated tap water and flouride
  

 If you consume any of the above you'll want to repopulate your intestinal tract with foods that contain probiotics like yogurt, 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 dominant
• Reduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohn's colitis, IBS)
• Helps the body to digest fats and proteinsHelps to synthesize certain vitamins the body needs
• Helps to detox the digestive tract
• Helps prevent constipation
• Feeds the intestinal lining keeping it healthy

When To Take Probiotics

• They should always be taken after taking antibiotics for at least 30 days
• Best 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
  

 For more specific information on how to take probiotics, click here.

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 Sugar
• Refined grains
• Heavily 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 fungus
• People with weak immune systems, frequent respiratory infections and congestion
• Anyone that has food or respiratory allergies
• People suffering from inflammatory bowel disorders, constipation or intestinal infections
• People with skin problems
• People who travel and are prone to infections from foreign food and water
• Probiotics are good for infants and children to reduce the risk of infections

Probiotic Supplements

If you don't eat foods that contain probiotics, like cultured dairy foods such as yogurt or kefir, or fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut (made with live cultures) you'll want to take a probiotic supplement.

Probiotics have no side effects or dangerous warnings. They are a mildly sweet taste and they are safe for infants and children.

If you are prone to catching everything that comes around, try taking a good probiotic supplement and see how much stronger your immunity will become.. 

There are many brands on the market.  I would suggest going to a health food store and ask for a recommendation.  I think you can find the brand Culturelle at most larger supermarkets. 

I used to take probiotics daily until I learned how to make milk kefir, fermented vegetables and kombucha.  Now I have a glass of milk kefir for breakfast, a glass of kombucha with lunch and a few tablespoons of fermented vegetables or sauerkraut with dinner

Additional Resources

Return to Supplements

Take Probiotic Questionnaire

Probiotics For Health

Foods That Contain Probiotics

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