It’s hard to believe, but 1 in 5 of us live with digestive problems
every single day. And if you’re like most people, you probably treat
yourself with antacids or even stronger “purple pills” which
neutralize stomach acid. But often these treatments cause stomach to
produce even more acid, making your condition worse. Or, you may rely
on laxatives to relieve constipation – which leads to diarrhea. But
digestive problems can quickly evolve beyond just gas and bloating.
Your energy levels become radically reduced, and your immune system
becomes compromised. You may even fall victim to such chronic health
problems as migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel
syndrome, even high cholesterol.
Little wonder why many researchers now say that a disrupted ecology
of the gastro-intestinal tract may cause up to 90% of illness and
disease. So keeping your digestive system strong is one of the best
things you can do for your overall health.
The Balance of Good vs. Evil
Did you know that both "friendly" and "unfriendly" micro-organisms
inhabit the human intestinal tract simultaneously? In many cases, each
contributes to the overall function and health of the intestinal
tract, while keeping each other in "check”. Intestinal function runs
at peak levels when the balance of "friendly" and "unfriendly"
micro-organisms is stable.
Science tells us that healthy colon should contain at least
85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria. That's the "good bacteria."
But due to the conditions we have to endure living in a modern
society where our natural good health is stripped-down by
environmental toxins like pesticides, cigarette smoke, vehicle
emissions, artificial ingredients and preservatives in our foods and
so on – our "modern" colon is not a healthy one. Alarmingly, its
bacterial balance is often opposite of what it should be! This
unbalance brings the gas and bloating associated with indigestion,
constipation, pathogenic organisms – as well as the malabsorption of
essential nutrients our body needs to thrive.
One of the simplest, best ways to replenish your body’s supply of
“friendly” intestinal flora is with a probiotic supplement. Probiotics
help rebalance intestinal microflora, detoxify and cleanse your body,
and actually reverse the imbalances that contribute to a barrage of
health- and energy-robbing illnesses. They also have natural
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
When you start feeding your body these health-promoting bacteria,
the difference can be remarkable. Most people feel results rather
quickly.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Probiotics contain “live” microorganisms, which means they’re
particularly sensitive to light, temperature, and air. Most quality
probiotic supplements require refrigeration and special handling --
but even then, you can’t be sure of their potency.
The probiotic you choose should contain close to 15 live strains of
friendly flora – and deliver them at high enough levels to make a real
difference in your health.
Unfortunately, most probiotics on the market today contain only
2-1/2 billion viable cells per capsule and only two or three different
cultures. This is not nearly enough to provide you with the health
protection you need.
The best quality probiotic supplements contain 22 billion viable
cells per capsule and 49 billion viable cells per gram. They should
also include a broad spectrum of at least 12 to 15 live cultures for
total effectiveness. So be sure to check the label before you buy!
More and more doctors recommend probiotics as a safe, natural
solution for their patients’ digestive problems. In fact, many agree
that a high-quality friendly flora product is the most powerful weapon
in their healing arsenal – and one of your most important as well.
In study after study, probiotics completely and efficiently cleanse
from the inside out by replacing bad bacteria with important good
bacteria – and to effectively power-pack your immune system so you can
look and feel your absolute best.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Faith Hunt is a nutritional researcher and President of Golden
Health Products located in Quincy, IL. An expert on probiotics and
digestive health, her company’s products have helped thousands of men,
women, children and even their pets live happier, healthier, more
active lives for over 12 years. For more information, visit
http://www.goldenhealthproducts.com. You can subscribe to her new
pet health ezine at
http://www.goldenhealthpets.com. Contact Mary Faith directly at
berries@adams.net.
READ MORE ABOUT PROBIOTICS
»
Dr.
Greene discusses probiotics for excema
»
About Acidophilus from Dr. Sears
»
Preventing The Side Effects of Antibiotics
»
Q&A @ KellyMom on Probiotics |
