We often see products promoted to contain probiotics but not many people understand what they really are and what they do to the body. After reading below, you may realise you need to boost your daily consumption of probiotics. Or why not just add 2 teaspoons of Green Boost daily – with 8 plant based probiotics at 2 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per serve.
What are Probiotics
Probiotics are live yeasts and bacteria that promote digestive health. They are considered as good bacteria because they help keep the gut function properly. Sources of probiotics include:
- Yogurt (preferably naturally set without added sugar)
- Fermented dairy and no dairy drinks (also known as Kefir or Kombucha)
- Fermented vegetables including miso, sauerkraut and pickles
There are a number of probiotics that live in body systems. 2 of the common types of probiotics include:
Lactobacillus – This is the most common type of probiotic and you’ll normally find them in fermented foods and drinks. Lactobacilli are especially useful for people who can’t digest lactose or those who suffer from diarrhea.
Bifidobacterium – helps to ease irritable bowel syndrome and other related conditions.
The human skin as well as the digestive system hosts around 2,000 different types of bacteria and many of them are considered as probiotics. However, the body also loses these good bacteria for several reasons including:
- Excessive consumption of sugar
- Taking antibiotics and other medications
- Eating GMO foods
- Exposure to chemicals
- Undergoing emotional stress
Consuming foods that are a good source of probiotics helps replace the good bacteria in the body. If you are shopping for food, you can easily spot those with probiotics by reading the label.
The benefits of probiotics include:
- Create enzymes that will help destroy the bad bacteria
- Produce vitamin B12, K2 and butyrate which all promote optimum health
- Help avoid of treat irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and infectious diarrhea
- Promote stronger immune system
- Improve digestion
- Promote healthier skin
- Reduce your risk of cold and flu
- Help you lose weight
- Maintains urinary tract health in for women.
- Help prevent allergies
- Promote oral health
The balance of good and bad bacteria are in constant fluctuation. You don’t need to look far when you need confirmation on which one has the upper hand. Listen to your gut, it will tell you.