Did you know that there is a direct relationship between your present state of health and the billions of beneficial microorganisms that live in your intestinal tract? Did you know that these microorganisms keep your intestines clean by feeding on putrefied waste, fungi, harmful bacteria, yeast, poisons and other nasty substances? Did you know that these microorganisms aid your body in producing essential elements such as hormones, vitamins and proteins needed for proper growth, immune function and healing?

If you are not fully aware of the beneficial effects of such commonly known intestinal microorganisms as L. Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria (also called bifidus), we feel it’s important to give you a brief “primer” on the necessity, function and benefits to your body of these vital microscopic critters, as well as revealing important information on some of the devastating ill-health effects that can occur whenever your body’s “intestinal flora” is compromised for any reason.

Many types of bacteria (known as strains) live in the digestive tract. Usually they move in and establish colonies in the area of your intestine where the acidity and other conditions are suitable for their own specific needs. Some of these bacteria can cause disease (pathogenic), others produce specific benefits (probiotic), while most show neither beneficial nor harmful effects. Often the first bacteria to become established in an infant’s digestive tract is bifidus bacteria. As the digestive tract matures, this type of bacteria will be found in the large intestine. As a greater variety of foods are eaten, acidophilus (acid loving) bacteria will become established and occupy the small intestine.

Studies have shown that friendly bacteria provide many health benefits: they produce B vitamins, help-digest food, produce lactase enzymes (which digest the milk sugar lactose, helping many people who have an intolerance to milk), prevent substances such as free radicals, pathogens, and undigested fats and proteins from penetrating the intestinal wall and entering the bloodstream, can help inhibit gas and bloating, and provide crucial support for overall digestive system health (Barilla, p. 55).

It’s interesting that in our preoccupation with cleanliness, and disease control, we often destroy these friendly assistants as we strive to stay healthy. Many factors influence the health of these organisms, and indirectly, our own health. For example, in many areas the water supply is chlorinated to kill disease-causing bacteria. Yet chlorine in our drinking water may kill most of the friendly bacteria as well. Other common factors include the use of certain antibiotics or birth control pills. We need to be especially careful of foods which may contain antibiotic residues (most supermarket chicken for example), herbicide or pesticide residues, and many food preservatives.

Acidophilus, bifidus and other strains of bacteria are so beneficial to us, it is only logical that we would want to keep a healthy population active in our gut. With daily exposure to so many harmful substances, we need to look for ways to make our digestive tract a less hostile environment.

First, we can reduce our intake of those substances which kill friendly bacteria. As much as we try to avoid using antibiotics, eating food with toxic residues or drinking water without chlorine, we are seldom able to do so completely.

Second, we can eat fermented foods containing friendly bacteria. Foods such as yogurt, keifer, and sauerkraut all contain bacteria as they are produced, but seldom contain any live culture if they have been bought at the market. The life span of these bacteria is measured in hours or days. Even if we make our own foods, eating them while the bacteria count is high, the culture used may not have the powerful benefits of the probiotics available in quality supplements.

Third, we can get the best results by adding probiotic supplements to our diet. We offer you one of the most unique probiotic formulas ever introduced in the market. Through the efforts of respected nutritional scientist Dr. Khem Shahani and enzyme specialist Viktoras Kulvinskas, a very effective probiotic product was developed. This product, called Spectrabiotic, combines eight key “good bacteria” that are microblended with wild crafted blue green algae, Jerusalem Artichoke and a blend of Acerola and Rose Hips to further promote the growth of these friendly bacteria.

To sum up, a good health plan should include knowledge and use of the beneficial bacteria that can be commonly found in and on the raw unprocessed foods in farmer’s markets, or from your own garden. As much as is possible, avoid the harmful factors that disrupt or destroy the beneficial intestinal ecosystem. Eat properly, drink pure water, and avoid frequent use of antacids and antibiotics. Eat foods that are fermented and contain live cultures. Try our top-of-the-line quality probiotic supplements

Is it necessary to take probiotic supplements? Absolutely-even as much as you need food, because without both, the digestive system doesn’t run at peak efficiency. With probiotic supplementation, you are assuring the strength of your immune system through a healthy digestive system.

References:
Barilla, Jean. (October, 1999). The Balance of the Bugs. Better Nutrition, pp, 54-58

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