Probiotics
Bacteria are everywhere- in your food, on your skin, and in your digestive system. Probiotics are a special group of live bacteria. Don’t let that scare you though – Probiotics are the good types of bacteria. I am sure you have seen the commercials for the “healthy bowel yogurts” well those yogurts have probiotics in them. The two bacteria found most often in probiotic products are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus. Probiotics can help with boosting the immune system; and with managing the symptoms of IBS, chronic stomach infections, and diarrhea to name a few conditions. There is a never ending battle going on in your digestive system that you probably never knew about – the good bacteria vs. the bad bacteria. Sometimes the good bacteria need a little help in winning the battle. For instance did you know that many of the antibiotics taken to help fight off infections also kill off the good bacteria in your digestive system? Supplementation is how you can help to tip the scales back in favor of the good bacteria. There are many ways to supplement with probiotics. Probiotics are available in pill and powder forms and in some foods such as yogurt and probiotic drinks.
[Naya McLeod is a RIVALUS Nutritionist and is part of the RIVALUS Clinical Research Team.]
