probiotics

We've all heard about integrating probiotics into our diet especially after we've been prescribed antibiotics. 

Even if you have not been taking antibiotics, it is still wise to feed your body with beneficial bacteria as there are many ways to diminish their supply (such as sugar, tap water, grains, emotional stress, chemicals and medications).

Probiotics have been shown to help treat: 

digestive disorders
allergies (contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis)
tooth decay, periodontal disease
colic in infants
liver disease
common cold

Biotic Blend Pro
 
 

Probiotics are needed to help produce vitamin B12 and vitamin K2, they help produce enzymes to help destroy harmful bacteria, and it stimulates secreting of IgA and regulatory Tcells. 

B12 - key to normal brain and nervous system function, as well as red blood cell formation. It has a important role for cell metabolism, especially DNA synthesis, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Only bacteria provides the enzymes to start this synthesis. 

K2 - key for bone strength and arterial health, as it helps activate enzymes that will carry calcium from your arterial walls to your bone. (Statins deplete your vitamin K supplies)

IgA - plays a crucial role in the immune function of the mucus membranes. IgA is the most daily produced immunoglobulin in our body.

regulatory Tcells - will modulate the immune system, maintain tolerance to self-antigens, and prevent auto-immune diseases, as it suppresses the immune response of other cells (keeps excessive reactions in check).

culturekombuchaatrevolutionroasters
 
 

ginger, turmeric, black pepper Kombucha Culture Elixirs at Revolution Roasters

organically made in carlsbad ca

I like the idea of getting our nutrients from our food - i.e. eat yogurt or drink kombucha if you want to replenish your healthy gut bacteria. But some of us avoid dairy and cold raw foods. Having supplements on hand, for when your diet is a little lacking, is a good idea. 

Here are some helpful tips when you are choosing probiotics:

  • most common probiotics: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Both are commonly found in dairy products.

  • figure out which ones address a certain condition (IBS, travelers diarrhea, etc) vs generally maintaining healthy flora. This information should be found on the product container itself. I found this great reference list for which probitiocs are good for which disease right here

  • the CFU (colony forming units) should be anywhere between 2 - 50 billion CFU