Friday, April 17, 2009

What’s a Probiotic?

You’ve heard of antibiotics--prescriptions that are taken to kill certain germs and bacteria. But what you might not realize is that they kill friendly bacteria as well. That sets up an imbalance in your digestive system, and since this is where all the energy for your body systems are processed, it then can cause a host of other problems throughout your body. Probiotics help restore the friendly bacteria and regain the balance of your body’s ecosystem.

What are the effects of killing off friendly bacteria? A yeast infection is the most common side effect, and it can occur anywhere in the body. Women are familiar with the discomfort that comes when it’s vaginal, but yeast, more formally known as Candida, can show up in the mouth as thrush, or in any moist places on the body. Then depending on the severity of the imbalance, it may lead to digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, constipation, or loose stools; and it has also been linked to skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, dandruff; depression and mood swings; high cholesterol, asthma, allergies, arthritis; even Crohn’s disease and Fibromyalgia.

But taking probiotics can restore health and immunity, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, enhance the overall function of your digestive tract, and improve immune system function. Try them and see if you haven’t found the relief you’ve been hoping for!