Do you suffer from a weakened immune system? Rheumatoid arthritis? GI issues, or Skin conditions?
What are probiotics, and how are they helpful? Also referred to as “good bacteria,” probiotics are live microorganisms that exist naturally in the gut. Probiotics alter the permeability of the intestinal wall, and help to keep pro-inflammatory compounds from entering the bloodstream. As a result, they help prevent a wide range of chronic conditions, and have been shown to help improve:
1.) Weight loss/weight control: Probiotics can improve blood sugar control, affect leptin sensitivity (a hormone that helps regulate appetite). Women seem particularly sensitive to the effects of probiotics.
2.) Boost mood, fight depression: Taking probiotics is linked with lower levels of anxiety & depression, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
3.) Rheumatoid arthritis: Probiotics appear to help reduce several markers of inflammation in the body.
4.)Boost immune system: Studies have shown that taking a probiotic may result in fewer (about 40% fewer) colds.
5.) Gastrointestinal & digestive health: Probiotics help with digestive issues including bloating, gas, and diarrhea, as well as chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics may also help maintain remission/prevent relapse of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
6.) Urinary tract infections & yeast infections:Probiotic treatment can restore the balance of microflora that may be altered by a variety of factors, including birth control pills and antibiotics.
7.) Skin conditions: Probiotics help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.
When choosing a Probiotic supplement you want to make sure it contains enough CFU’s or colony forming units. Products with 25 – 35 billion CFU’s are most affective at treating the chronic conditions listed about.