Getting Familiar with Probiotics

Mentioning the term ‘antibiotics’ can easily bring to mind medicines that help us become well when we get sick. True enough, an antibiotic is an agent that destroys disease-causing bacteria. Although the prefix ‘anti’ means against, antibiotics serve a good purpose in our body.

Probiotics

But what about ‘probiotics’? Well, not many people are familiar with the term. Probiotics are organisms and are actually bacteria themselves that are widely believed to improve health. They can be available in the foods we eat as well as in supplements. Can you imagine yourself taking live bacteria? The thought of it may seem strange to some, but our bodies actually abound with all sorts of them. Our digestive system alone is home to over 500 different types of bacteria. But they help keep our intestines healthy and even assist in digesting the food we eat.

How Do They Work?

For any system to work well, there has to be balance in it. It is believed that disorders in the digestive system take place when the balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines is disrupted. Believe it or not, this can actually be a result of taking antibiotics. This is where probiotics come in. They improve intestinal function and even in maintaining the integrity of the lining of the intestines.

Improving the Immune System

The benefits we can get from probiotics don’t stop simply in the digestive system. There’s actually evidence that they can also help in maintaining a strong immune system. Experts say that by introducing friendly bacteria in the form of these probiotics, they help challenge the immune system in healthy ways.

Treating Ailments

Although not absolutely conclusive, there are studies that have shown that probiotics may help in certain illnesses. There are experts who have actually concluded that probiotics can be most effective for treating diarrhea in kids, ulcerative colitis, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease (a form of inflammatory bowel disease), among many others. They can also help in preventing eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy, pouchitis (inflammation of the intestines), and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Choosing a Probiotic Supplement

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration or FDA does not regulate probiotics in the same manner it regulates prescription drugs. If you want to stay on the safe side, choose those that are made by well-known companies. Their labels should contain essential information like the scientific studies they use for their recommendations. Furthermore, you can talk to your doctor to help you choose which probiotics supplements are ideal for you (you can get supplements like Oxyelite Pro in Nutrition Warehouse).