Probiotics

"[A] growing body of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live bacteria."

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms, frequently referred to as "microbes" and considered good bacteria, found in various cultured or fermented foods that provided multiple health benefits. Two common strains of probiotic bacteria are called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Source: probiotics.org

Probiotics vs. Antibiotics

Antibiotics may serve a purpose in certain circumstances of emergency, but because antibiotics kill any and all microbes, including the beneficial ones along with the potentially harmful ones, they are therefore to be used only with extreme caution. It has been estimated that your body may be upwards of 90% microbes! That is a lot of symbiotic relationships happening between you and the innumerable microbes you host! Incredible! Because all these beneficial microbes serve such an important role in your healthy existence it is wise not to kill them all off; which is where probiotics come into play.

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that do not harm the countless other microbe populations that live all over and in your body. Most people are familiar with yogurt as a source of probiotics, but there are many other and delicious ways to incorporate more probiotics in your diet to boost your immune system, to defeat harmful microbes naturally without the use of antibiotics.

Health Benefits

• Replenishing gut flora improving gastro-intestinal function for various gut related issues like Crohn's disease, IBS, etc; and can help reduce or eliminate diarrhea.

• Improved brain function. A recent study published in the science journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed probiotic bacteria may have the potential to change brain neurochemistry and treat anxiety and depression-related disorders. The impact of your microflora on your brain function has again been confirmed by UCLA researchers who, in a proof-of-concept study, found that probiotics (beneficial bacteria) indeed altered the brain function in the participants.

• Lower bad cholesterol

• Strengthened immune system

• Protection against infection

Natural Sources of Probiotics

• Yogurt
• Lacto-fermented Sodas and drinks like: Kefir, Ginger ale
• Kombucha
• Lacto-fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and other veggies. Note: Lacto-fermentation is different than pickling!
• Miso, Tempeh and other fermented soy products