Can you have too much of a good thing?
When it comes to probiotics, can you get too much of a good thing? Inside each of us is about 100 trillion bacteria, most of which reside in the gut. This is 10 TIMES the number of cells in our body! Research shows that friendly bacteria play a key role in the digestive system by improving gastrointestinal functions, enhancing immunity, helping to regulate hormone balance, protecting us from food-borne illnesses such as food poisoning, controlling overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungus, protecting us from developing allergies, assisting in vitamin production & nutrient absorption. Probiotics are like an army in your gut that works hard to protect your health.
We all naturally have a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in our gut. Generally, the beneficial bacteria far outweigh the bacteria that can cause issues. There are many different health and lifestyle factors that can create a state of imbalance called dysbiosis.
- Overuse of broad spectrum antibiotics
- Use of steroid drugs, anti-inflammatories, antacids, and birth control pills
- A diet high in refined sugar and carbohydrates
- Aging
- Stress
The good news is that taking a high potency probiotic daily can ensure your gut stays balanced and that your health stays on track. All probiotics are not the same. Recent research has revealed that different strains of bacteria are unique in their effects on the body and where they work in the digestive tract. Some provide a natural defense against pathogens, while others can help reduce inflammation. There are two main strains of bacteria that we are familiar with, Lactobacillus for the small intestine and Bifidobacterium for the colon. A good rule of thumb is to look for a multiple strain probiotic with lots of L’s for the “little” intestine and B’s for the “big” intestine.
Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® Ultra Potent probiotic delivers 100 billion beneficial bacteria to the gut. It contains 10 strains with a potency of 50 billion Lactobacillus and 50 billion Bifidobacterium (an amount rarely found in higher potency formulas due to cost). While 100 billion bacteria per capsule may seem like a lot, remember that there are 100 TRILLION bacteria in the body. Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® Ultra Potent is ideal for people with chronic digestive issues, a tendency to get sick, or those who are using or have used an antibiotic to help replenish the gut with good bacteria. The capsules are enteric coated to ensure safe delivery past the harsh environment of the stomach. For this reason, you can take them anytime and they will get where they need to go.
When it comes to probiotics, potency is only one piece of the equation. You wouldn’t necessarily get the same results by taking two 50 billion probiotic capsules unless the formula was identical. Everybody has a different microbial make-up in their gut. That is why one probiotic might work really well for you and not as well for your friend. This is why it is so important to take a product with multiple strains. Renew Life® Ultimate Flora® Ultra Potent delivers the highest potency allowed in Canada in a protected capsule and award-winning formula. It is the obvious choice for anyone looking for the ULTIMATE in probiotic power.