Not just decades, but for centuries, many cultures have recognised the benefits of Probiotics even if they were not aware of the term.

Many societies have included fermented and pickled foods in their diets to improve and maintain intestinal health. It is now, in modern times that we are in the greatest need of Probiotic supplements to the western diet to aid the intestinal flora that is being diminished by chemical residues in the foods we regularly consume and the drugs prescribed for illness and disease.



Most are aware that Anti-biotics, as the name suggests, kills bacteria. These drugs are not selective as they kill the good, health promoting bacteria in the gut as well as the bad. We may overlook the fact that we can inadvertently absorb antibiotics by eating the meat or drinking the milk from animals raised in farming practices that routinely use these drugs as growth promoters and disease preventers.



It is astounding to realise there is a greater number of bacteria in our bodies that cells. But these little critters are at risk and few know that bacteria need to be replaced regularly to avoid disease.



The immune system is compromised as up to 90% of our immune system is located in the gut wall. When we damage those good bacteria, we also damage our immune system and are vulnerable to disease. This can be the cause of 'leaky gut syndrome'



Other symptoms of the over use of antibiotics, steroid drugs or unbalanced intestinal flora, without the rebalancing by a Probiotic can include Candida, allergies, mood swings, chronic pain, athlete's foot, headaches, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and PMS.



Research done in the Ukraine has found that a supplement of Probiotics greatly benefit children suffering eczema and dermatitis. Other studies have found that children with ADHD or attention deficit disorders have responded favorably after a course of Probiotics.



Weight loss can be achieved when the Probiotic bacteria stimulates the body's metabolism and cleans out the bowel of excess fecal matter. When our digestion is efficient at absorbing the nutrition from the food we eat and eliminating the waste more effectively, we are rewarded with an increase in energy. This energy enables us to feel fitter and move more freely, compounding the positive effects of our healthier digestive and elimination processes.



We need friendly bacteria to assimilate the nutrition from our food and any supplements we choose as well as minimize the disease causing bacteria. It is all a matter of balance. Healthy gut flora actually creates vitamins K2 and B daily to maintain the correct levels of those nutrients.



The choice of a Probiotic needs to be considered carefully. Only fermented foods that have not been pasteurized will have sufficient numbers of colony-forming bacteria to be of benefit.



Bacteria can only increase in number when in colonies. If they have been shaken apart to be counted, they will be unable to increase in numbers to be effective.



Pasteurization heat kills the bacteria and makes commercial yoghurt of little value as a Probiotic. Capsules may be eliminated before they have a chance to be absorbed and tablets will undergo heats of more than 450C so they can be compressed into their forms.



The active bacteria also need a food source to survive before we ingest them. This is often called a PRE-biotic and is important to an active Probiotic. It may be only a matter of days before you will notice the benefits of Probiotic to your system. After regular use, your skin will become clearer and your energy levels increased. Continued use over the next several weeks into months could see excess weight begin to melt away. You can just imagine the spring in your step when you regain your health!