Have you heard the term probiotics before? It's astounding how many health benefits these little guys offer us.
You may not realize this, but probiotics, also known as "beneficial gut bacteria," have been shown to:
• Improve and aid in digestion • Calm irritable bowel syndrome • Help heal a leaky gut (intestinal permeability) • Support the immune system • Improve brain function • Counteract inflammation and control the growth of disease-causing bacteria • Produce vitamins, absorb minerals, and eliminate toxins • Control asthma and reduce risk of allergies • Benefit your mood and mental health • Normalize your weight • Plus, a whole lot more!
Probiotics are obviously good for us. But what exactly are they? What are the different types of probiotics and what functions do they perform in our bodies?
Science is actually just now starting to catch up with the massive importance that probiotics have in determining our health, weight, moods, and just about every bodily function we can think of!
Microorganisms living within our bodies may be either:
- Probiotic - Pathobiotic - Eubiotic
Probiotics are microorganisms that have a positive effect on the body, particularly the digestive system.
Pathobiotics are microorganisms that harm the body in one way or another.
Eubiotics can be either harmful or helpful to the body, depending on the size and location of the colony.
One of the most important ways that beneficial microflora promote health is by simply existing in large numbers.
Like characters in a Wild West movie, it’s as if the good bacteria say, "there’s not enough room in this town for the both of us."
Research studies indicate that normal, healthy colonies of lactobacilli and bifido bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance between beneficial and undesirable bacteria.
Fermented foods have been one of the main ways people have been getting enough healthy bacteria for thousands of years.
Traditional probiotic foods include:
Sauerkraut
Pickles
Kefir, miso, tempeh
Yogurt
Kimchi
Cheese
Kombucha tea
Unfortunately, most diets don't include enough fermented foods. That's why it's recommended to take a probiotic supplement.
Here are 5 compelling reasons to take a probiotic supplement:
1. Antibiotic Use The most common cause of imbalance in normal microflora populations is the use of antibiotics. Because antibiotics aren't specific in what bacteria they kill, they wipe out both harmful and helpful bacteria throughout our system, leaving these territories more vulnerable to organisms resistant to antibiotics.
2. Age The populations of beneficial microflora steadily decline with increasing age in both men and women. In addition, research has shown an increase in undesirable microorganisms in post-menopausal women.
3. Diet The typical “Western” diet—high in meat, high in total fat, and high in animal fat and protein—is associated with reduced populations of beneficial microflora.
4. Not enough fiber intake Beneficial microflora “feed” on the otherwise undigested dietary fiber that is found in the colon. Diets low in dietary fiber are associated with lower populations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Transitional Microflora Populations The balance of intestinal microflora is constantly ebbing and flowing. Research has shown that regular dietary intake of beneficial microflora must be maintained to maintain their higher levels.
Here's what to look for in a good probiotic supplement: - Good protection from stomach acid - Guaranteed to be live when you take the product - Well-known, trusted brand with history of using gold standard research - Delivers 2 strands of bacteria - Offers a prebiotic that provides the nutrients for the probiotic to thrive
Having the right balance of good bacteria in your body helps with things like: good digestion, memory, immunity, and a list of other incredibly important health benefits.
This is why we recommend the probiotic supplement system called Optiflora.
Shaklee Optiflora Prebiotic and
Pearl Probiotic
This unique, two-product system provides dietary support for normal, healthy
intestinal microflora.
Once the probiotics are delivered to the digestive system, prebiotics can deliver important nutrients that healthy intestinal bacteria need to grow and thrive.
Here are Optiflora's 2 stages:
1. PRE biotics Prebiotics are nutrients that selectively feed friendly bacteria. Research has shown that supplementing with prebiotics can significantly increase populations of beneficial microflora.
2. PRO biotics Probiotics are supplemental populations of the “friendly bacteria” residing in the colon, which help to maintain a healthy intestinal microbial balance.
The term probiotics was first used to refer to live microorganisms in supplement form that were fed to farm animals to stimulate growth and to improve resistance to stress.
The term literally means “healthful for life,” and today, probiotics has a broader definition: a live microbial supplement that beneficially affects the host by improving its microbial balance.
One of the things that makes Optiflora so special is their exclusive technology for guaranteed delivery.
Their state-of-the-art, patented triple encapsulation uses only natural ingredients to protect microflora until they are released in the intestine.
The unique combination of ingredients in Optiflora provide gentle, natural, dietary support for the body’s natural ability to maintain a normal, healthy balance of intestinal microorganisms.
Optiflora promotes colon health by supporting the growth of healthy microflora naturally found in the colon.
It delivers guaranteed active probiotics Bifidobacteriumlongum and Lactobacillus acidophilus along with the prebiotics FOS and inulin.
Optiflora also has gamma-tocopherol, a nutrient associated with colon health.
The best part is knowing that it's Shaklee—never any additives, preservatives, or fake colors. Just the pure wholesome goodness that your body needs to thrive.
Thanks for reading! Many Blessings and make it a great day!
Renee VanHeel
Call or text: 858-472-7295 Book a 15 minute free health consultation with me https://calendly.com/reneevanheel/gcehealth
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