Probiotics and you...

It's the season for sinus infections and allergies and one recommendation that I give to my patients is to take more probiotics than they usually do. This is to help keep the body balanced and the immune system strong. My patients report significant relief from sinus pain and headaches and overall energy levels when taking a probiotic supplement daily. So, I decided to post on this topic to help you understand probiotics better.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are the natural cultures or flora necessary to keep the digestive tract and immune system functioning properly. Since a healthy digestive tract contains hundreds of different cultures, multi-strain probiotic supplements more closely match the natural ecology of the digestive system than probiotics with only one strain.

Every day, the good, natural flora in the body is killed off by stress, poor diet, caffeine, alcohol, antibiotics, antacids, over-the-counter and prescription medications, chlorinated water, and a toxic environment. Taking a multi-strain probiotic daily supports a healthy digestive tract and immune system by supporting the natural flora that is often destroyed by daily living.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

• Support normal digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Support healthy immune function
• May help relieve occasional diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating
• Maintain a normal level of yeast/candida
• Help maintain a healthy intestinal lining
• Promote regularity of bowel function
• Support healthy urinary tract function, especially in women
• Maintain strong mucosal immune barrier
• Support healthy, clear skin

Common Questions about Probiotics

What are probiotics? 
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria or natural cultures found in the digestive tract that promote balance, health and proper functioning of the digestive system.

Why take probiotic supplements? 
Stress, poor diet, medication, and chlorinated water, are all factors in daily life that disturb the balance of the digestive tract. Probiotic supplements repopulate the digestive tract with the healthy cultures needed to maintain proper digestive and immune health.

What are the benefits of taking a multi-strain probiotic? 
A healthy digestive tract contains many strains of probiotic cultures. That’s why it’s beneficial to take a multi-strain probiotic supplement instead of a probiotic supplement with just one strain. 

Are probiotic supplements safe for infants and children? Yes. Probiotics are naturally found in the human body and are safe and effective for even the youngest children.

Be Well,

Dr. M