Basics of Probiotics

Intro to Probiotics

Helpful bacteria, called probiotics call our intestinal tract home. The reason they are called probiotic bacteria because the term "probiotic" means "for life," as opposed to the term "antibiotic" which means "against life." Our bodies are actually designed to have a harmonic relationship with these probiotic bacteria. They help us digest our food, kill harmful microorganisms and keep us functioning properly in a number of ways.

Because it is highly acidic, we find that there are only a few probiotic bacteria in the stomach. However, as we move down the intestinal tract, the number of these good bacteria increases dramatically. The largest numbers are found in the large intestine.
We need a large population of probiotic bacteria to aid with digestion and to keep harmful, disease-causing micro-organisms in check. Our bodies function poorly if the percentage of good bacteria compared to the bad bacteria is too low. Over time we are likely to have many health concerns.

The average adult intestinal tract will contain around 4 pounds of bacteria. Normally there should be a balance of about 85% probiotic bacteria and 15% harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, many people’s intestinal tract have the opposite percentages – 15% good to 85% bad.

Scientists are studying the benefits of taking probiotics and are finding it to be very beneficial.

Benefits of Probiotics

Here are some of the known benefits of probiotics:

Hydrocarbons are broken down by probiotic bacteria. Meaning the food is being split into its most basic elements. This allows almost total absorption by the digestive system. In this way probiotics dramatically increase overall nutrition and enhance rapid cellular growth and development.

The intestinal tract is cleaned by probiotics. They go attach themselves the intestinal wall forcing the accumulated sludge and decay to dislodge. This waste is then flushed out naturally.

Probiotics produce many important enzymes and increase the availability of vitamins and nutrients. This is especially true of Vitamin B, Vitamin K, lactase, fatty acids and calcium.

Probiotic bacteria strengthen the immune system. They have been beneficial in alleviating allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and systemic candida.

Bowel movements become normalized. Constipation and diarrhea are reduced.

These good bacteria produce specific proteins that act as antigens. These nonspecific antigens are then available for the immune system to use. This aids the body in battling all kinds of different disease conditions.

When probiotics attach themselves to the intestinal walls they produce a mildly acidic environment that slows the growth of disease-causing bacteria. This also helps the immune system because it relieves some of the work. The immune system can then carry on its work in the rest of the body.

Probiotic bacteria work in symbiosis with tissue and organ cells to metabolize proteins and help eliminate toxic wastes from the body.

They help to kill viruses and parasites.

People taking probiotics have experienced lowered cholesterol.

Allergies and skin problems are aided by taking probiotic bacteria.

Yeast and fungal infections are prevented, and sometimes eliminated with supplements of probiotics.

They also stimulate the body's own production of alpha-interferon, a key regulator of our immune response.

Bad breath and body odor are greatly reduced. Because the colon is clear and digestive system functioning properly, the lungs and skin are no longer utilized by the body to help eliminate toxins.