You hear a lot about probiotics these days. With so many people experiencing gastrointestinal issues, probiotics in their many forms have become a trendy yet effective phenomenon. These microorganisms are a naturally occurring presence in the human gut. Referred to as the “good bacteria” probiotics are known to prevent many unhealthy conditions, especially those which affect the digestive tract.
Probiotics can also provide multiple benefits for your immune system. They make it harder for bad bacteria to get a foothold and cause illness. Some probiotics even suppress the growth of harmful bacteria altogether.
Our digestive tract is home to over 500 bacterial species, and up to 10% of an individual’s daily energy needs can be derived from the byproducts of good bacteria – meaning the more healthy bacteria you have, the more energy you will have! It seems that everyone wants more energy as naturally as possible. This can be accomplished by eating foods which include probiotics or by taking supplements.
Yogurt is a great source of the aforementioned good bacteria. Unfortunately yogurt can be sensitive to light or changes in temperature which can easily kill the beneficial microbes. To avoid this problem, you’ll want to look for products with live or active cultures.
For non-dairy options you can find yogurts made from rice, soy and coconut milk. These can also contain added probiotics.
To promote the presence of good bacteria, I often recommend that you feed them with PREbiotics. No, this isn’t a typo – Prebiotics nourish and strengthen the good bacteria and enable them to fight off the bad. Prebiotics are found in foods such as bananas, whole grains, honey, garlic and onions. Try to get two to four servings of these prebiotic-rich foods a day.
If you’ve been experiencing poor digestive health, consider healthy food solutions, or try one of the many supplements from Natures Sunshine that are available. After a few weeks, you will probably notice a difference in both your digestive health and energy levels.
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One response to “Should I use Probiotics?”
I have been wondering whether or not to use probiotics, this blog helped me to decide to do it. Thank you!