(A Little More About … ) Good Bacteria & Probiotics

 

Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria that live in our intestines.  


Most people have about five pounds of it in their intestinal tract.  


We call them good because they serve a worthy purpose and result in giving us a greater level of health. 


Good bacteria are also known as probiotics.  Probiotics have several functions that make us healthier.


They synthesize vitamins B complex and vitamin K.   


They enhance immune function. 


They assist our bodies in fighting yeast, fungus & parasites. 


They produce enzymes enabling better digestion.   


And lastly, they help regulate blood cholesterol and improve colon function.

You may begin to experience poor digestion if your intestinal tract has become compromised.  

 

 

Good functioning of your intestinal tract is a delicate balance and this balance can be upset easily by many things.    

 

 

For example, using antibiotics, receiving radiation, drinking chlorinated water, eating refined sugars and experiencing high levels of stress can all upset the balance within your intestines.  

 

 

When an intestinal imbalance happens, your body becomes overloaded with toxins. 

 

 

Your body is no longer able to fully digest proteins so they enter the bloodstream.   

 

 

This contributes to poor health manifesting in disorders & illnesses such as allergies, nervous disorders, arthritis, asthma, hormone imbalances, joint pain, migraines and a number of other immune disorders. 

 

 

When this imbalance continues for many months & years, your GI tract may experience severe illnesses or disease such as leaky bowel syndrome, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.  

 

 

An overgrowth of detrimental bacteria, yeast, fungus or parasites has occurred. 

Over 60 percent of your immune system is in your intestinal tract.   

 

 

When your intestinal tract is balanced with the right kind of bacteria, you naturally feel better, digest your food better and are more resistant to colds, flu, bacteria, fungus and parasites. 

 

 

A good probiotic can be taken as a supplement or in foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut or buttermilk.  

 

 

I’ve written extensively about eating well and incorporating ‘smoothies’ into your diet.   

 

 

One of the key ingredients I use as a base in every smoothie is yogurt. 

 

This way I ensure that if the rest of my diet that day does not have probiotics, I know I have included some good bacteria toward my better health.