
75 Billion CFU
I have been taking Probiotics for several years and I discussed why a while back when I wrote “5 reasons why I take probiotics”. I thought I would revisit this important nutrient that everyone needs now that it is time for school to start back.
Probiotics are beneficial, friendly bacteria that reside in our intestinal tract. There are approximately 500 different strains of these bacteria. In fact, there are several times more bacteria in our intestinal tract than there are cells in our entire body. In all, there are three to four pounds of bacteria growing in our intestinal tract daily. Probiotic bacteria, the “for life bacteria”, are essential for healthy living and are the core of our total wellness.
Lactobacillus bacteria are the primary bacterial strain living in our small intestine, while the Bifidobacterium are the main bacteria in residence in our large intestine. Whatever the appropriate strain, gut bacteria and probiotics perform many important functions inside our bodies besides digestive health. Probiotics and bacteria are an essential part of our immune system and work to increase the production of immune cells in the intestinal tract. It has been stated that 70% of our immune system and immune function lies within the gut. The gut flora also serves another function by helping to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Probiotics have been shown to assist in helping to lower cholesterol. We would expect that the major role of gut flora would be to assist in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients such as calcium and other minerals. But researchers are also finding a role for bacterial flora in depression, autism, certain cognitive diseases, and even weight loss.
A healthy bacterial flora is essential for good health. However, there are several ways that the population of these friendly, essential bacteria can be diminished. Taking an antibiotic will eliminate good, friendly bacteria as well as bacteria causing an infection. Episodes of diarrhea, extended periods of stress, and drinking chlorinated water will also have an adverse effect on intestinal flora.
Probiotics have been shown to be helpful for a wide range of health issues including:
Using probiotics while on antibiotics to reduce diarrhea and prevent yeast infections
Relieving diarrhea with probiotics by re-establishing normal gut flora
Using probiotics to improve digestion and minimize acid reflux
Using probiotics to manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Enhancing recovery of compromised immune systems with probiotics
With all of the many probiotic formulas, how does one choose? We normally look at the strength of the probiotic, listed as Colony Forming Units (CFUs) and the number of bacterial species used in the product. Probiotic-5 with 10 billion CFUs is a good daily supplement for anyone with an existing healthy gut flora or for children. Individuals with a compromised gut flora, or who are having issues that might be benefited by re-establishing gut flora should consider ProBio Gold with 20 billion CFUs, or Super Pro Bio with 75 billion CFUs per capsule. And keep in mind that Fructooligosaccharide Powder or FOS Powder when given with any probiotic will significantly enhance the growth and proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria.
If you don’t already take a probiotic give me a call to find out if that probiotic is right for you. What probiotic do you take? What results have you seen with probiotics?
Comments