WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Do you see the word probiotic on foods or supplements and wonder what exactly that is?  The answer is simple.  Probiotics are natural, healthy bacteria that help produce strong levels of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal system.  You may not realize that we all have both good and bad bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract and a probiotic is an edible product that contains the 'friendly' bacteria.  Probiotics help to complete the digestive process and can assist in the production of vitamins.  Probiotics discourage the growth of disease-causing bacteria, therefore providing a boost to the immune system.  Probiotics can be purchased as supplements but they are also found in foods.  In most cases, by eating foods like yogurt with live cultures, sour cream, buttermilk, sauerkraut and other fermented foods on a routine basis, you will not need supplements. 

Has your health practitioner ever told you to eat some yogurt when you are taking antibiotics?  If so, that is the reason why.  While the antibiotics kill the bad bacteria, they often kill the good bacteria, too.  If taking your meds causes you to suffer with diarrhea, you need some probiotics.  Grab some cartons of yogurt when you purchase your antibiotics.