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.

HONEY FOR YOUR BELLY

If you have problems with your digestive system you might want to try honey for relief. Most people know yogurt has probiotic properties but many don't like yogurt or have an allergy to dairy products. Honey basically provides the same benefits as does yogurt. Scientists have discovered honey contains 181 beneficial compounds and many of those act like probiotics. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria found in yogurt that helps ensure proper digestion. Honey can help keep healthy bacteria in the colon and intestines in balance and reduce the number of gas-inducing toxins. The dose? 1 tablespoon of honey a day. 

NOTE: If you are trying to reduce FODMAPs in your diet, honey is considered low FODMAP, if using 1 teaspoon at a time. Btw, 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon so you might want to spread out your honey intake.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH YOGURT

Studies have shown that persons who regularly eat or supplement with probiotics (the good bacteria found in yogurt) take only half as many sick days due to colds and viruses as their co-workers who do not!  I think that makes a good case for eating a carton of yogurt a day.  But be sure the carton has the words, contains live, active cultures on it. Carb Masters and Greek Yogurt have less sugar than regular yogurt.