What are Probiotics

Probiotics: Friendly Microorganisms

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine.

The Many Benefits

"Evidence for probiotics, “friendly” microorganisms like L. acidophilus, is impressive" according to Dan Lukaczer, N.D., writing in the Sept. 2001, Vol.6, No, 9 edition of the Nutritional Science News. Inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infections, diarrhea and even heart disease and colon cancer risk are favorably affected by these symbiotic bacteria we host in our alimentary tract. No wonder we call them “friendly”!

Probiotics are so effective in inhibiting virally induced gastrointestinal infections in children that hospitals, infamous as vectors for drug resistant pathogens, are studying their prophylactic use when admitting children.

Getting Enough In Our Diet

One of the ways we get “inoculated” with probiotics is through soil organisms on plants. Sadly, our highly washed or even irradiated vegetables may not contain near as many as we might get “eating from the garden”. Our frequent ingestion of chlorinated water, antibiotics, and other medications, along with low fiber, high
sugar diets do not favor the growth of symbiotic microorganisms in our intestines. Fermented plant foods like sauerkraut or tempeh, natto, and yogurt are important probiotic sources as well as drinks like kefir and kombucha.

Dietary sensitivity is common in those with chronic bowel problems, so when supplementing probiotics, dairy-free sources are generally preferred. “Friendly bacteria can… prevent cancerous tumors, inactivate viruses, produce natural antibodies and vitamins, reduce cholesterol… and even more wonders.” – Dr David Williams, editor of Alternatives For The Health Conscious Individual.

Enjoy optimal health,

Fit 4 Maui