THE POWER OF PROBIOTICS
What can probiotics do for you?
Many things in life are about striking a balance and keeping them in harmony and this theory can definitely be applied to your gut health. The effect of toxins, a poor diet and stress on the digestive system is that it seriously imbalances its order and cause you issues and problems. Fortunately, however, probiotics are there to combat these malignant forces in the gut.
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These micro-organisms are terrific at keeping the peace in the gut; restoring balance to it by driving out harmful toxins and other organisms that are bad for us. A probiotic is either a type of living bacteria or yeast that healthy people carry around in great numbers within their bodies all the time. Neither harmful nor pathogenic, probiotics then enjoy symbiotic relationships with the human body (on the skin and in the mouth, nostrils and gut – the latter of which is home to more than 500 of them). And, in terms of the gut, they play an absolutely critical role in creating the all-important microbiome there, featuring varied microbiota (or microflora), helping to ensure natural digestion, reliable immunity and good mental clarity.
Probiotic Benefits
Going into more detail on just exactly why probiotics are so critical to the body then – and why they contribute so much to keeping it in balance and maintaining your good health – the following are all benefits delivered by probiotics when consumed either via foods rich in them or supplementary products:
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Improve response from the immune system
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Reduce negative effects of taking antibiotics, such as diarrhoea
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Reduce irritation experienced in the gut after surgery
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Contribute to better-looking complexion and skin
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Encourage easier food and drink digestion
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Positively contribute to upper respiratory health
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Ease symptoms of lactose intolerance
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Aid better yeast balance in the gut and elsewhere in the body
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Promote good vaginal health
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Enable improved absorption of nutrients from consumed food and drink
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Support natural, normal bowel movements
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May improve oral health and help reduce halitosis (bad breath)
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Aid the body in synthesising B vitamins (separating them from food and using them), absorbing calcium and producing Vitamin K.
Probiotic foods
So, armed with the knowledge of all the good consuming probiotics can do for you, as you now are, you’ll be wondering what the best sources for them actually are. Well, you’d be highly advised to try and work into your diet the following as often as possible:
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Yoghurt – famed the world over as being a food that tends to be rich in probiotics (so long as it’s the right kind of yoghurt, of course), a healthy yoghurt takes some beating here; but, as nudged at, be careful, as too many yoghurts are sugar-rich so, instead, you ought to be aiming for those that contain almond, cashew, coconut or hemp ingredients.
Kefir – like yoghurt, this is a cultured dairy drink (if you didn’t already know); in addition to being packed with probiotics, kefir also features Vitamins B12 and K, calcium, folate, magnesium, phosphorous and thiamine.
Kimchi – the great thing is that kimchi, being a traditional Korean side dish comprising fermented vegetables, features a fantastic combo of cabbage, garlic, ginger, onion, radish and red pepper, thus making it a genuine superfood; this means that it’s not just bursting with probiotics and antioxidants, but also Vitamin C, the B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, dietary fibre, iron and potassium.
Special offer probiotics
s mentioned above, it’s possible to boost your probiotic intake through naturally-derived, organic supplements as well, so should you find it difficult to work the likes of the above probiotic-rich foods into your diet, this may well be an appealing route to go. The following are some examples of the supplements we can provide:
Optibac Probiotics for Everyday EXTRA Strength
Optibac Probiotics for Every Day EXTRA Strength (90 capsules) – contains 20 billion live micro-organisms in each daily dose, including five probiotic strains, ensuring it supports overall digestive health, immunity and energy.
Optibac Probiotics for Women
Optibac Probiotics for Women (90 capsules) – clinically trialled by over 2,500 women, this version of Optibac Probiotics contains the micro-organisms L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, which may help treat thrush, cystitis, and bacterial vaginosis; safe and appropriate for women experiencing menopause, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children
Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children (90 sachets) – ideal for children and infants (specifically for their digestion and natural defences), as well as women during pregnancy; contains three probiotics that highly important for young children’s health: acidophilus, B. infantis and bifidum.