PROBIOTICS

Probiotics: Good Guys in a Bacteria World

BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RDN

WHEN WE HEAR THE TERM BACTERIA, we often think of the negative—illness and infection that can occur from pathogenic bacteria. But some bacteria are actually good. Beneficial, or “friendly,” bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus help keep the body healthy and can actually fight those bad bacteria. There are more than 400 species of bacteria that live in the average human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and these beneficial probiotic organisms are essential for promoting both digestive and immune health, among other benefits.

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

Probiotics help the body in numerous ways, including: n Digestion. Probiotics aid digestion of complex carbohydrates, milk lactose, and proteins n Nutrient Availability. Probiotics enhance absorption of certain nutrients, including B vitamins. n Yeast Control. Probiotics help suppress overgrowth of yeast, such as candida, in the GI tract.

n Promote Immunity. Probiotics encourage an acidic intestinal environment that strongly inhibits undesirable or harmful bacteria and yeasts that can contribute to illness and infection.

n Overall GI Health. Probiotics protect and promote the overall health of the GI tract. They encourage balance in the intestinal tract, which supports overall regularity. This action can also help reduce the negative intestinal effects of antibiotics. Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast probiotic, has been found to be specifically beneficial for protecting the lining of the GI tract and preventing diarrhea caused by travel or antibiotics. n Mood Health & Brain Function. Neurons in the GI tract (called the second brain) communicate like neurons in the brain, resulting in a gut-brain connection. Controlling inflammation in the GI tract and supplementing with probiotics may result in more GI balance and improvement in brain function and symptoms of mild depression.

L. acidophilus, which resides in the small intestine, is probably the most well-known of the commercially available probiotic strains, but there are many more types of beneficial bacteria, including B. bifidus, L. kefir, L. bulgaricus, and Lc. Lactic. Yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and other cultured and fermented foods are good sources of beneficial probiotic organisms. Supplements containing concentrated amounts of beneficial probiotic organisms are also available, with targeted formulas from infants to seniors and everyone in-between.

Solaray Super Multidophilus 24

Powerful probiotic formula for digestive & immune support.* Twenty-four strain formula, with 30 billion CFU. Plus prebiotic inulin. Dairy-free.

Bio-Kult S. Boulardii

Advanced multi-action probiotic formula. Supports immune system & digestive system.* With live probiotic yeast, vitamin D 3 & prebiotic. No refrigeration required.