Why You Should Take Probiotics For Indigestion

Most people are familiar with antibiotics, which physicians prescribe to combat strains of bacteria which cause disease. In contrast, other strains of bacteria PROMOTE health and are called probiotics, from the Greek meaning "for life." Probiotics are live microbial supplements which beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal balance. Although anecdotal health claims for the regular consumption of cultured dairy products have circulated for centuries, only in this century have scientists begun to understand how these foods support health.

In 1908, Nobel Prizewinning scientist, Elie Metchnikoff, of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, provided the first evidence that microorganisms may be responsible for the health-promoting effects of fermented milks. After observing that Bulgarian peasants lived to ripe, old ages, Metchnikoff became convinced that their health and longevity were linked to microbes in the soured milk they copiously drank. In his book, "The Prolongation of Life", he suggested that disease-causing ("bad") bacteria could be eliminated by ingesting large amounts of Bulgarian sour milk, which contained a beneficial ("good") bacteria later identified as Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These organisms were part of a group called Lactobacilli, or bacteria that produce lactic acid as an end product of milk fermentation.

LACTIC ACID-PRODUCING BENEFICIAL BACTERIA TIP THE SCALES TOWARDS HEALTH

The human gastrointestinal tract is a diverse and complex ecosystem harboring more than 400 species of bacteria. Their importance is demonstrated by their impressive presence: The large intestine alone contains about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) of bacteria! This quantity of bacteria is not surprising given the tremendous effect of bacterial growth and metabolism on human health. Not all bacteria are created equal or act equally, however. Some benefit the body and are required for optimal health, whereas others harm the body by producing toxins and even carcinogens. Those producing lactic acid promote health. By turning lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, they lower the pH of the colon and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria -- this is good news for those who believe they suffer from lactose intolerance!. When lactic acid-producing bacteria are in short supply, undesirable bacteria can increase in number increasing one's intolerance to dairy products.. The results can range from simple digestive discomfort to more serious gastrointestinal disease. Imbalance -- a scarcity of "good" bacteria or a surplus of "bad" bacteria -- can set the stage for a cascade of events that may ultimately trigger disease.

EXAMPLES OF LACTIC-ACID PRODUCING ("GOOD") BACTERIA

Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Streptococcus thermophilus

Did you know.....some good bacteria have names that sound like bad bacteria? Streptococcus, for instance, can be a beneficial bacterium, although most people think of strep throat when they hear the word. Streptococcus refers only to the shape of the bacterium, and has nothing to do with its ability to promote health or cause disease. (Strept means 'twisted' and coccus means 'round'.) Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus cremoris, and Streptococcus faecium have been safely used for centuries to produce cultured dairy products.

EXAMPLES OF POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC ("BAD") BACTERIA

Clostridium botulinum
Escherichia coli
Salmonella typhimurium
Shigella dysenteriae

So if you are hooked on antacids like Tums and such other over the counter (OTC) products to overcome diarrhea, gas and bloating, you will not fully heal yourself until you get your stomach and intestinal bacteria back in balance. Those antacid drugs "neutralize" all your bacteria, good AND bad which, in reality, increases your problem and in the long-term, encourages disease. They give temporary releif for the day, but the next time you eat, the discomfort is even worse. What you need is a high-quality supplement to take before meals to get you back into balance and back into being fully healed. After a few weeks you will find you will no longer need those Tums and you will be able to always enjoy the foods you love to eat!


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Kerry Coates runs the popular website GNLD NeoLife's Amazing-Health-Products.com which covers a multitude of health issues. The recommendation from her website is GNLD Digestive Enzymes for people who are tired of relying on antacids. Don't just cover the symptoms -- heal yourself completely & naturally!