The average human body has about 10 trillion cells and has 10X that amount of microorganisms in the intestinal tract. The activity of these bacteria is equal to that of an organ, making gut bacteria the "forgotton organ".

New Headlines on Probiotics

Friendly bacteria protect against Type 1 Diabetes, Source; science daily

Probiotics may reduce eczema in young children, Source; journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunolgy, 2008

Probiotics may improve alcoholics` liver health, a pilot study from Russia and the US indicates.

Cultured Foods

For thousands of years cultured foods have been around. Lacto-fermented foods contain enzymes that help digest food and eliminate waste. This includes foods like fermented sauerkraut,pickles,beets and miso.

Among the hundreds of types or strains of bacteria found in the body, many strains have specific sights that they inhabit. The mouth for example contains several BILLION and more than 300 different microflora, the small intestines increase in concentration by 100 times and the large intestines or colon has tens of trillions and over 500 types.

The purpose of those little guys?

Probiotics are very busy. Beneficial bacteria support immunity, maintain the intestinal barrier,enhance detoxification,support nutrient digestion and enhances absorption, manufactures vitamins such as B-12 and protects against pathogens.

How do I know if I have enough?

Excess gas and bloating and abdominal pain,poor elimination and digestion are often the more obvious symptoms. Some of  the more subtle symptoms are food sensitivity,constipation or diarrhea and inflammation. Feel you have a low immune system and you fall prey to any bug or virus that's doing the rounds? Then you need more good bugs! Even persistent weight gain can be a sign of a gut-flora imbalance.

What To Do?

You guessed correctly! A high potency Probiotic Supplement is in order. Look for a quality brand with 12 to 50 billion cultures per capsule for maintenance. A therapeutic dose would be 200 billion culures with a variety of strains. Ask for an enteric coated delivery system to ensure proper absorbtion.

Incorporate lots of healthy culured foods and drinks in your daily diet. It's amazing how a daily dose of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics can enhance optimal health, immunity and excellant digestion.