Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics are still in debate among the medical and scientific community and even still among those in the holistic health profession. At least there are some commonalities that we can use in our daily quest for health.

Probiotics are defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as “live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host," in other words, a supplement of good bacteria.

All of us have bacteria in our digestive tracts. It lines the small intestine and the colon, an area sometimes referred to as “the gut.” These bacteria help digest food, keep your immune system strong and even fight harmful microbes. It is important to have these bacteria in abundance and in balance.

Here is where the debate lies – can we eat the right way for this balance or do we supplement? That depends upon your diet and lifestyle. We can explore both.

Since this website is based on colon and body cleansing, good bacteria and probiotics are an important consideration – so we’ll look at this first. Many people think you can’t have a colonic without finishing with a “flush” of good bacteria into the colon. This simply isn’t true. The body can and will replenish any bacteria washed away within 24 hours. The only time this won’t happen is if the person is very depleted – if this is the case, you probably aren’t ready for a colonic.

So do we take supplements during our cleanse or not? What if we’re not cleansing – do we need probiotic supplements in our daily lives?

We always need good, healthy flora in our digestive tract. This is also known as good bacteria. We can get these from healthy foods such as organic yogurt. But there are also the fermented foods such as kefir, saurkraut and miso. A check into your local health food refrigerated section will show you the fermented foods that help maintain a healthy intestinal tract.

If you feel you don’t eat enough of these, try a probiotic supplement. One of the debates is that these won’t survive the digestive process and will be destroyed before reaching the intestinal area. However, studies have shown that those taking the supplement form receive benefits. In addition, many people taking them have found them to be useful.

As for my personal experience - I have had many clients get relief from bloating and gas problems within a few days of starting a probiotic regimen. The trick is to take the supplements and eat a healthy diet.

If you don’t take the supplements, be sure to eat plenty of healthy, raw foods. Try some of the fermented foods or yogurts to ensure you’re getting what you need.

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