PROBIOTICS….PROTECT FROM THE INSIDE
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are friendly beneficial bacteria that live in our small and large intestines. They are crucial to our survival and share a symbiotic relationship with us. There are roughly 100 TRILLION bacteria living in our gut. Keeping a healthy balance of bacteria is fundamental to our health because 80% of our IMMUNE SYSTEM is located in or around the digestive tract. People refer to gut bacteria as ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’, but actually they all perform a function in one way or another. They are responsible and intrinsically linked to our hormones, chemical messages to our brain and so many other key functions, we need to make sure we are looking after our ‘SYMBIOTIC’ partners in life.
Disruptions to Bacterial Balance
- Medications i.e Antibiotics, contraceptive pill
- Stress, Illness
- Travelling abroad
- Chlorinated water
- Poor diet, lifestyle
- Antacids, acid blockers
- Pollution or chemical toxins
- Aging
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Constipation or Diarrhoea
- I.B.S
- Gas or Bloating
- Indigestion
- Candida Overgrowth
- Thrush or Cystitis
- Parasites
- Food Intolerances
- Acne or eczema
- Coughs and Colds
- Low Immunity
- Bad Breath
- Weight Issues
Targeted Support
With over 500 species of bacteria in the digestive system, 2 that dominate are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in crucial areas like the gut and vagina and bladder. Critical areas for immune defence.
Looking at what disrupts the balance of bacteria, most people with have experienced some or all of these, you need HIGH dose support for both small intestine and large intestine.
LACTOBACILLI
Supports small intestine, vigina, bladder health
BIFIDOBACTERIA
Supports large intestine health
Not all Probiotics are made equal!
Most brands of probiotics are tested at a pH level of pH3 or pH4. The problem is Healthy stomach acid operates at a pH of ph1 or pH2. Therefore you may be buying inefficient probiotics and not getting the desired result. You need probiotics that have a delivery system which protects the bacteria as it passes through the stomach. A brand that I trust and have had good results with personally and with patients is ‘RenewLife Ultimate Flora’. They provide very high strength options for ‘critical care’ and ‘Womens Formula’.
Here is a link to RenewLife
Author: Lloyd Tilney
The Aark Clinic Osteopath