Probiotics

What are they?

Why should I take them?

Probiotics is the name given to supplements containing “body friendly” bacteria. We have a many different kinds of bacteria in our bodies thathelp us stay healthy, we refer to those bacteria as “body friendly”.

The most common strains of bacteria found in probiotics are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Lactobacilli live in our small intestines and bifidobacteria live in our large intestine.

These bacteria help our immune system and our detoxification processes, as well as, reduce inflammation, treat and prevent yeast infections, improve digestion, reduce gas and bloating, prevent diarrhea and constipation, and improve skin quality.

Taking things like antibiotics, antacids, steroids and birth control pills kill the “body friendly” bacteria. Stress and diets high in sugars can decrease the population of “body friendly” bacteria, too.

Edited and revised by Sherry VanGoethem, Dr. christine Brass-Jones OB/GYN, and Dr. Denise Quance Grobe ND.