Probiotics

Probiotics.....for someone like myself who has been constipated since I was little they are vital, they help keep things moving if ya know what I mean ; ) That's not all they do though....


Best and easiest definition/description of probiotics I found on the internet:


In lay terms, probiotics are the healthy bacteria that inhabit your intestines and, many believe, form the basis of general health and wellness including digestion and immune function. These "friendly bacteria" go by such names as acidophilus and L. reuteri. Supplementing with them helps balance the overall ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria. Supplementing with probiotics is particularly beneficial during and after the use of antibiotic drugs because the antibiotics kill off all bacteria in your gut and so it helps to repopulate yourself with good bacteria. 


How probiotics work

It may seem strange to think of the digestive tract as an external organ, but that’s precisely what it is. And unlike the skin, which is relatively impenetrable, the digestive tract is easily permeable, because nutrients must be absorbed through the small intestine into the body.

Seventy percent of our immune system function takes place in the gut, and one of the ways that probiotics work is through promotion of the integrity of the mucosal barrier, which is a direct physical barrier to pathogenic organisms.

In addition, by establishing colonies of good organisms in the gut—which plays host to hundreds of millions of organisms—probiotics help discourage less friendly organisms. They inhibit the growth of bacteria that otherwise the immune system would have to deal with. 

They out-populate the bad bacteria, steal their food and also make molecules that are absorbed by the body and that help strengthen the immune system.

They play a more vital role for certain populations, including the elderly, infants and those with autoimmune conditions, as well as those who have recently taken antibiotics. Infants and small children benefit from probiotics in ways that can affect them in the long term.

Even better

Probiotics are bacterial microorganisms that are well-known for their ability to alleviate certain internal issues, such as diarrhea, IBS and lactose intolerance. However, dermatologists and other skin experts have found that their benefits go beyond digestive health.

Since acne is partially caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, ingested probiotics help to treat blemish-prone skin by rebalancing bacteria in the stomach to create an overload of good bacteria. Topically, they provide protection against harmful bacteria, restore skin's balance, and build up skin's protective barrier and normal bacterial floral to help eliminate breakouts.

Eczema is believed to be caused by a skin imbalance that causes skin barrier dysfunction. Some dermatologists have found that probiotics improve eczema by aiding good bacteria and allowing them to continue releasing oxygen so skin breathes better, blood flows, and skin's balance is restored.


Probiotics may even help fight the external aggressors that speed up aging. Destruction of skin's barrier due to factors like the sun, smoke and pollution leads to greater dispersion of harmful bacteria, which can cause inflammation, loss of elasticity, and ultimately, wrinkles. But probiotics can help improve moisturization, stimulate cell functions, regenerate mature skin so it becomes softer and smoother.

If you include probiotics in your beauty routine, you'll find that topical skincare products start producing results anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Daily internal supplements can take weeks or months for a noticeable difference.

But don't be surprised if you feel better while you wait to see changes in your skin.


Since there isn't too many choices when it comes to foods with probiotics I take probiotic supplements. Yogurt is one of the most common foods that has probiotics and I'm not really a yogurt fan ; /


Probiotic supplements are to be kept in the refrigerator and taken on a full stomach, I take one in the morning  with breakfast and one at night with dinner. 
These are the 2 I like and take

http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/probiotics_en.htm

A friend of mine gave me this probiotic granola bar the other day to try and it's great! I bought a few the other day, this is them

www.popcultureprobiotics.com

Anyway here are some more beneficial effects of probiotics


1. Increased nutritional value (better digestibility, increased absorption of vitamins and minerals);
2. Promotion of intestinal lactose digestion;
3. Positive influence on intestinal and urogenital flora (antibiotics and radiation induced colitis, yeast infections and vaginitis in women);
4. Prevention and reduction of intestinal tract infections (bacteria or virus induced, Candida enteritis, Helicobacter Pylori);
5. Regulation of gut motility (constipation, irritable bowel syndrome);
6. Decreased incidence and duration of diarrhea (antibiotic associated, Clostridium difficile, travelers, and rotaviral);
7. Maintenance of mucosal integrity;
8. Improvement of immune system;
9. Prevention of colon cancer;
10. Reduction of catabolic products eliminated by kidney and liver;
11. Prevention of osteoporosis;
12. Better development (growth);
13. Anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-allergic activities;
14. Feeling of well-being;
15. Anti-Candida properties;
16. Hepatic encephalopathy;
17. Regulation of inflammatory conditions such as Inflamatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis);
18.Reductions and elimination of small bowel bacterial overgrowth;
19. Relieving urinary tract infections;
20. Positive influence on autistic children;
21. Provides antagonistic environment for pathogens;
22. Blocking adhesion sites from pathogens; and
23. Inactivating enterotoxins.