Listen to your gut. And make sure to protect it. A balanced gastrointestinal system plays a critical role in defending your body against illness. An imbalance in gastrointestinal (GI) flora can create health issues and is typically the result of poor diet, stress, use of antibiotics, illness and food allergies.
Balance your GI flora by taking a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are live, microbial food ingredients similar to the health-enhancing microorganisms found in the gut. Well-researched health benefits show taking a probiotic will help…
- Boost immunity by enhancing the production of antibodies
- Support the synthesis of vitamins and increase bioavailability of nutrients
- Protect the GI tract from disease-causing bacteria
- Alleviate symptoms of GI illness (diarrhea and constipation, IBS)
- Reduce seasonal and food allergies
Regarding dietary allergens and immunity, scientists believe probiotics achieve their health benefits by stimulating the immune response to increase the secretion of immunoglobulin-A (IgA), which boosts the body’s response to food allergens. Elevated IgA may also decrease pathogens in the gut, which improves the balance of GI flora. Probiotics elevate natural “killer cells” that gobble up disease-generating “invader cells” and may protect nutrients that would otherwise be destroyed by pathogens.
Probiotic supplements come in liquid, powder, chewable and capsule form, ranging from one million to several billion live organisms. Some are sold refrigerated and some have been put into a hybernated state to keep them alive and stable at room temperature, Dr. Myra carries the highest quality of both kinds. Keep probiotics properly stored and away from high heat, so as not to kill the live, healthy bacteria.
Even though probiotics have well documented health benefits, they are not a panacea. Probiotics are most effective when you are supporting your health with a balanced whole foods diet. Dr. Myra can determine the best probiotic strains and dosage for you as well as any other supplements suited for your specific health concerns.