Probiotics, what do you know?

Does your belly ever feel like this?

Probiotics have become mainstream with companies putting them in everything, it seems. The question is how much do you need and is it really beneficial?  The media world is a tricky one to navigate.  One brand of yogurt, for example, promotes improved digestive health and even features a well-known actress as its spokesperson.  When you watch this commercial, if you notice at the bottom of the screen, you will find a disclaimer indicating that you need to consume three servings a day for two weeks.  The truth is that many yogurt’s contain live and active cultures, so what makes this one any different?   What do you do when you have a milk allergy?  Let’s get down to some facts. Do you know the difference between prebiotics and digestive enzymes?

Prebiotics – These soluble fibers ferment in the digestive tract and create the ideal environment for the probiotics to grow.  Consider them probiotic food.

It’s much better when it feels like THIS!

Probiotics – Helpful bacteria (microflora) found in the GI system of humans that help to keep the “bad” bacteria in check.   Diet, environmental pollution, medications and more can have an impact on the number of probiotics found in each person’s body.  The problem with many probiotics is that they do not survive the stomach to make it into the actual GI tract, where they are needed.

Digestive Enzymes – Enzymes are made of proteins, and they help the body break down nutrients like protein, sugars, carbohydrates and starches, lactose and other nutrients so they can be utilized by the body property.

The supplement I take contains the probiotic bacillus coagulans, in addition to prebiotics and digestive enzymes.  When asked about this strain of probiotic, Dr. Peter Matravers, PharmD answered “…bacillus coagulans (patented as BC-30) which is clinically proven through human trials to support digestive health and to survive the trip down to the intestine which can easily kill less robust strains of probiotic. It is for this reason some brands have to add such a high level of probiotic; additionally most probiotics on the market today are not supported by clinical trials as ours is, making it quite unique. Digestion Plus currently contains 74 million CFU per serving.”

After starting a regular routine of prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes I have a much more comfortable gut.  I don’t know about you, but for me this is a big deal.  I used to be on medication for GERD.  After changing to a more alkaline diet, and adding digestive supplements, I am now happy to say I am off of the meds, and feel so much better.  Now I have no bloating, no pain, more “regularity” and the added benefit of my skin looking better (yep, when you straighten up your gut, even your skin responds).  This interesting article helps explain some of the importance of maintaining good GI health.

Have you ever heard of prebiotics?  Now that you know the difference between prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes, you can protect your gut, and your immune system.  For information on what I use, contact me or visit my website.