Best Probiotic Supplements for Health

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are tiny microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. Our bodies are filled with these tiny organisms which are beneficial for health and proper functioning of the various systems. For example the digestive system has more than 500 of these bacterial organisms which help break down food and keep the intestinal lining healthy. There are also beneficial organisms which help to regulate the immune system and keep it healthy.

When we think of antibiotics, we automatically think that we are trying to destroy these bacterial organisms, which of course is true, in one sense. The body is host to numerous beneficial bacteria, but we can also pick up harmful bacteria which are what make us sick. When we take antibiotics, the goal is to kill the harmful bacteria, but unfortunately, antibiotics do not discriminate – they will fight any bacteria present, including the helpful and healthy bacteria that are needed to keep the body functioning properly.

Probiotic Supplements

Research shows that digestive problems can occur when the presence of friendly bacteria found in the intestines is disrupted. This imbalance can happen because of an infection or from using antibiotics. Taking probiotics can help bring this balance back and improve some health conditions.

Priobiotics for the Immune System

Dr. Guandalini says that in those societies which have very good hygiene, allergic and autoimmune diseases have increased dramatically. The reason for this increase may be because our immune systems are no longer being challenged by needing to face and fight off pathogenic organisms. We often use antibacterial soaps, we live in much cleaner and more sanitary environments and our systems no longer have the ability to fight off these organisms. Probiotics is a friendly form of bacteria which may help our immune systems stay strong by giving it something to challenge it and keeps it fighting.

Probiotics for Health

Researches have shown that the use of probiotics can be extremely effective for a number of illnesses. In fact, a panel of experts conducting research at Yale University found probiotics effective for various illnesses including diarrhea, regulating the immune response, as well as treating and preventing eczema.

A separate study that was published in 2010 has shown that probiotics can decrease many common childhood illnesses such as strep throat, colds, diarrhea, and ear infections. The study took 638 children ranging in age from three to six years all in a school or day care setting. The children who were given a probiotic yogurt drink came down with common infections 19% less than the group who didn’t drink the probiotic yogurt.

Probiotic Supplements vs. Probiotic Foods

Probiotics are available in many different forms, including capsules, tablets and powders as well as in foods such as probiotic yogurt and some dairy drinks. It doesn’t matter which form you use as long as there are enough live organisms in the probiotic supplement to allow them to start growing in the intestines.

Choosing Probiotic Supplements

It is important to understand that probiotics, like other supplements and foods, are not regulated by the FDA like prescription medications. However, with the growing evidence of their effectiveness, the FDA is now reviewing their position on this and may begin regulating the use of probiotics in the future.

Choose probiotic supplements from well-known companies. Reliable products will indicate the exact probiotic organisms they contain, including the amount present in each dose.

Probiotics and Weight Loss

Research conducted at both the Stanford Hospital and Clinics as well as Stanford University School of Medicine suggests that probiotics can help enhance a weight loss program. Stanford researches noticed the effects of probiotics for weight loss when they were working with patients who had undergone gastric-bypass surgery. But studies show that the benefits of using probiotics are not limited only to hose who have had this surgery.

It is possible that an imbalance in intestinal bacteria or an excess of bad bacteria are the culprits behind some causes of weight gain. A dose of good, weight-friendly, bacteria might be the best way to lose belly fat!