Probiotics--Do these really work,

[Artegal 1]

Yeah the Doctor recommended taking Probiotics for like a month or two in order to strengthen our immune systems. What do you think? Is it hype, placebo, or does it really work?

[JanaknJanet 0]

Thought this might help enlighten you a bit..

http://www.probiohealth.com/ph-faq.html

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a class of beneficial bacteria that promote health, balance and efficient functioning of the digestive system. These friendly bacteria are normal inhabitants of the intestines and help to digest foods by breaking them down into their individual component parts, such as fats, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for absorption into the body. Another function of these normal bacteria is to prevent or limit the growth of unwanted bacterial pathogens including salmonella, clostridia and E-coli that can prevent proper nutrient absorption, create intestinal disturbances and eventually cause more serious illness. Prevention of illness by a well maintained microflora balance is accomplished by a method referred to as "competitive exclusion". That is, the good bacteria take up positions known as enteric sites therefore preventing the pathogenic bacteria from establishing itself and proliferating to become a predominant bacteria.

2. Why take probiotics?

Bacterial infections, stress, traveling, antibiotic treatment, poor diet and a number of other factors can and do disturb the balance in our intestinal tract, decreasing the number of beneficial bacteria while allowing an increase in pathogenic bacteria. This increase in pathogenic bacteria can result in gas, diarrhea, constipation, and other intestinal symptoms. A viable probiotic supplement acts to maintain and replenish the balance of microflora in the intestinal tract. A regular maintenance dose acts as a preventive against intestinal diseases, and in the case of KE-99 LACTO™, also eliminates noxious compounds such as ammonia and sodium/hydrogen sulfides which interfere with absorption of nutrients. A healthy intestinal tract with a balanced microflora can boost the immune system, keep pathogenic diseases of the intestinal tract in check, maintain normal bowel movements, prevent indigestion and bloating. Away from home, probiotic supplements act as a barrier to the strains of unwanted bacteria encountered and prevent the intestinal disruptions often associated with traveling.

3. Are we born with good bacteria?

At birth, babies have a very weak immune system. That system needs to be developed for survival of the infant. Fortunately, nature has provided a very effective means to strengthen the immune system - breast milk, which contains nearly all the constituents necessary to for growth and enhancement of the immune system. Breast milk contains beneficial bacteria which attach to the baby's intestinal wall and enable digestion. As the child grows, additional microflora is ingested from other food sources. By the age of 2 or 3 most children have developed some degree of intestinal balance and a fairly effective immune system. As we age, environmental and nutritional factors very often disturb this balance and create the need for probiotic supplementation

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Probiotics are an easy, safe and effective way to help restore the natural bacteria in your digestive tract. Stress, illness, antibiotic use and a variety of chronic conditions can upset this balance. Give it a try, it won't hurt and may very well help:-).

[KaiserD 12]

Sounds good - just don't take those stupid yogurt drinks they advertise on tv because they're just full of sugar!!