Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that aid the body in digesting food and protect the body from bad bacteria.  Probiotics keep the bad bacteria from overloading your digestive system and causing the system to function poorly and thus losing necessary nutrients.

Probiotics have been found to kill microbes that cause diseases and lowers the pH level in your colon.  They produce vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin K which protect the body from illness.  They make lactase which aids in the digestion of dairy products.  Probiotics ferment the dietary fiber that is eaten and produce short-chained fatty acids.

Low levels of probiotics can lead to ulcerative colitis, bowel diseases and colon cancer.

Reduced levels of probiotics can lead to an immune system that is compromised and increases the risk of infection.

Processed or pasteurized foods have little or no probiotics.  Naturally fermented foods that are uncooked are a good source of probiotics.  Yogurt, sauerkraut, natto (fermented soy), kvass (fermented beverage made from stale dark, sourdough rye bread), and kefir (fermented milk) are all excellent sources of probiotics.

Antibiotics kill all bacteria in your system.  A probiotic supplement is necessary if you have just finished a round of antibiotics.  But, many believe taking a probiotic supplement each day  can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of illness altogether.  Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most commonly used probiotic bacteria in dietary supplements.

Once your digestive system is healthy with a balanced amount of good and bad bacteria, your immune system and overall health will be at its peak level.