Do you listen to your gut?
You have a lot of good and bad bacteria in your body. Are the bad ones bothering you?
The inside scoop
It's like an action movie: the epic battle between good and evil rages in your body every day. In your mouth, gut, urinary tract, and, for women, the vagina, 100 trillion bugs fight for space. Collectively, scientists refer to this throng of microbes as your microbiome.
Who won? Generally, we know based on how well we feel. According to an article from the University of Chicago, the gut microbiome has been defined by researchers as a distinct organ due to its strong influence on our overall health.
When the delicate balance of bacteria is disrupted (a condition known as dysbiosis), it can have ripple effects on various aspects of health. Research has explored potential links between gut microbiome imbalances and conditions such as digestive issues, skin problems, immune function, and even mood regulation.
Our gut microbes can seriously affect our overall health. Grab some popcorn and keep reading to find out how to defeat the bad guys and get your health back!
Ridding your body of bad bacteria
Your body is like a galaxy, a vast space where microbes compete for territory. The bad guys in this battle are harmful microbes, such as E. coli or Salmonella. They release harmful substances and disrupt the body. The heroes are probiotics, specifically those from the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria families.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, probiotics can help prevent bacterial infections throughout the body by boosting our beneficial bacteria. These beneficial bacteria assist with digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system modulation.
The power of probiotics!
For probiotics to act as superheroes in your microbiome, a variety of species are needed. For example, Bifidobacteria prefers to travel in the small intestine, while Lactobacilli are found in large numbers in healthy vaginal tracts.
Health First ProBio Supreme contains 14 species of probiotics, including the well-researched Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium longum. These strains exist naturally in our microbiome and provide protection throughout the intestinal tract, thanks to a delayed-release capsule! Taking one delayed-release veggie capsule daily helps ensure these probiotics make it past the stomach and into the intestines for maximum effect.
What are Colony Forming Units (CFUs)?
As in all epic battles, numbers can be helpful! Measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), probiotics deliver health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. Many supplements contain at least 10 billion CFUs or more per dose.
The higher the CFU count in a probiotic supplement, the more bacteria are delivered per capsule. However, a high CFU count does not necessarily mean more health benefits. Different conditions and situations require different amounts. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the right dose for you.
Health First ProBio Supreme is an excellent source of probiotics with 55 billion CFUs per delayed-release capsule. It's a superhero-level dose of beneficial bacteria making its way to your gut!
Choosing a probiotic:
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Find the right match
If you're looking for a specific health benefit (e.g., antibiotic-associated diarrhea relief), choose a probiotic species that matches your needs. -
Choose diversity
For good general health, consider a probiotic with multiple species. A multi-species probiotic supplement promotes a favorable gut flora. -
Ensure adequate dosage
To be effective, probiotics must be taken in adequate amounts. Health Canada recommends a minimum dose of 10 billion CFUs. -
Prioritize quality
Choose a supplement with probiotic species backed by science and known for high standards of purity and potency. -
Seek expert advice
Quality natural health product retailers have staff in-store to help you choose a probiotic supplement. Visit your local Health First member store for assistance.
May the good microbes be with you!