By Marcie Goodman


A probiotic is a supplement containing live bacteria which is ingested to restore beneficial bacteria to the gut. The effectiveness of a probiotic in restoring balance varies according the various factors like dosage, strain and species. Some of these supplements contain sugar, preservatives or fillers and that is why organic probiotics are favored by health practitioners.

One tends to think that all bacteria are bad but this is far from true. The human gut is home to millions of bacteria that are vital to health. There are many factors like diet, aging, medication and illness that can destroy the balance. This can cause all sorts of health problems for the individual.

The theory is that when good bacteria are abundant in the body, it is much harder for bacteria that cause illness to get a foothold. This is because the sites lining the gastrointestinal tract are already populated by the healthy bacteria. They form a protective barrier against the bad bacteria.

A probiotic comes in many forms such as tablets, powders, capsules and even in foods like yoghurt. Whatever the form, the importance is that it contains enough organisms to survive and grow in the intestines. The amount of live cells per dose varies considerably and this can also determine effectiveness.

A general purpose probiotic is best for those who simply want to stay healthy and strengthen their immune systems. Other products are designed for specific purposes, such as helping with diarrhea or constipation. A choice has to be based on the purpose for which it is required.

Research has shown that when taking antibiotics, both good and bad bacteria are destroyed. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused and many people suffer from health problems as a result. Many people are aware that they should take a probiotic after taking an antibiotic to healthy gut flora but studies are beginning to show that their value goes far beyond simply improving intestinal functions. There is also evidence that they help maintain a strong immune system.

Researchers are exploring whether the disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites that upset the balance in the gut could actually be halted by taking these supplements. If they were already there, taking them would help to suppress their growth. This would help with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, vaginal infections and many others.

As there are an abundance of suppliers of these products, it can be difficult to choose the right product. Reputable online suppliers often give information about the research done in developing the product and what it contains. The dosage, strain and species are all important factors to consider.

Taking organic probiotics is a safe, natural way to improve the balance in the gut. They are not some miracle overnight cure-all but when taken for a period of time, they have great health benefits. They not only benefit the digestive system but boost the immune system too. Research is beginning to show that there could in fact be many other health benefits to taking them too.




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