The importance of probiotics?
The importance of probiotics can not be understated. Probiotics help balance out the micro biome of the gut that is so important for good health. Our bodies contain trillions of microorganisms that can both help and hurt the body. Having a healthy balance between the good and bad microbes is essential for a healthy body. Here is why you should make them a part of your healthy lifestyle.
What are probiotics:
In their article Probiotics, The Cleveland Clinic describe “probiotics as live bacteria and yeasts that have beneficial effects on your body. These species already live in your body, along with many others. Probiotic supplements add to your existing supply of friendly microbes. They help fight off the less friendly types and boost your immunity against infections.”
Why would you need probiotics?
Probiotics are necessary when your immune system is fighting disease, healing from illness, or right after a course of antibiotics. When you seem to be catching every cold and flu going around, you probably need probiotics. Your immune system develops out of the health of your gut. If you have more bad bacteria then you do healthy bacteria, you will have low energy and be more susceptible to disease. Probiotics introduce high levels of good bacteria that will balance out the flora of your gut so your immune system can function optimally.
What is the importance of probiotics after taking antibiotics?
Antibiotics are the go to solution for most doctors when their patients are showing signs of infection. The problem with this approach, is that they have become the first line of response instead of the last. This has resulted in them being over prescribed. More than that, antibiotics don’t just kill the infectious germs, they kill the good bacteria too. They are like a nuclear bomb going off in your body, destroying everything in site. The gut flora will come back over time, but during that time it leaves your body ripe for further germs and virus’ to take hold.
Even more concerning is the rate at which the good and bad bacteria grow. If the good bacteria doesn’t grow at a faster rate, the bad bacteria could replicate at a phenomenal rate making your recovery even harder. By introducing probiotics as soon as you finish your run of antibiotics, you can ensure the good bacteria has a head start. This promotes faster healing, and lowers your incidence of picking up other illnesses.
Where can you get probiotics?
Probiotics are actually in many foods:
- Apples
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Asparagas
- Bananas
- Buttermilk
- Chicory Root
- Cottage Cheese
- Garlic
- Green peas
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Leeks
- Oats
- Olives
- Raw milk
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
For a more extensive list, check out this excellent article by Emily Becker and Kaylah Blanton 30 Foods High In Probiotics To Eat For Better Gut Health, According To Dietitians
You can also get probiotics in the form of daily supplements. It’s important to make sure you get a variety of live strains in your probiotics and in as high a concentration as possible. Bio K+ is one that we have used with great success. They offer it in dairy and non-dairy bases which is really important if you are lactose intolerant as we are. There are also many over the counter varieties, so check with your health provider or naturopathic doctor to see what they recommend. Probiotics will not harm your gut, but you may need to cut back on your dosage if you experience diarrhoea.
How long should you take probiotics?
The length of time you take probiotics will depend on the brand you choose. Follow the direction on the package, or seek the advice of your health provider. Usually 6 weeks is more than enough for over the counter supplements.
In conclusion:
Probiotics are necessary to keep our gut flora in balance for optimal health. You can increase your intake of foods that contain probiotics, or get supplements over the shelf. Make sure you take them right after you complete a round of antibiotics, to get your immune system back on track as quickly as possible. Probiotics are an easy way to keep your body healthy so you can enjoy your life to the fullest!
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