What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (like bacteria and yeast) that live
in our intestines and help keep us healthy.
You can boost the amount of probiotics in your gut by ingesting them
through outside sources such as dairy products like yogurt and dietary
supplements. When most people hear “bacteria”
they think of germs or bad organisms, but believe it or not, your intestinal
tract contains good bacteria or “flora” that help to aid with proper
digestion. When those flora are
destroyed, by disease, poor diet or other things, your intestines have a hard time
doing their job and health issues occur.
Keeping a healthy gut is very important to your overall health.
What are the benefits of taking probiotics?
- Boost immune system
- Helps with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and colitis
- Helps with diarrhea and constipation
- Helps with digestion
- Eases stomachaches
- Improves overall gut health after taking antibiotics
- Prevents and can even treat UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Can help to prevent and manage eczema in children
- Can help to improve acne
- Fights anxiety and depression
- Can reduce cold and flu symptoms
What can reduce or kill probiotics in your gut?
- Prescription antibiotics
- GMO (genetically modified organism) foods
- Sugar
- Grains
- Emotional stress
Taking probiotics following a round of prescription
antibiotics can help improve digestion and regularity by rebuilding the natural
flora that were killed off by the antibiotics.
Consider the consequences before taking antibiotics…many physicians will
prescribe them unnecessarily. For
example, if you take your child to the medical doctor for an ear infection and
they offer up antibiotics, don’t take them!
Studies show that antibiotics have no effect on ear infections. Also, if you are diagnosed with a viral bug
like the flu, antibiotics will not help!
You know what will help…seeing your chiropractor! While chiropractic does not cure any
diseases, it will boost your immune system so your body can heal itself! How cool is that?!?!?
If you or someone you know in the Gallatin Valley area is
looking for a chiropractor, please call Dr. Shea Stark with Pro Chiropractic at
406-219-2462 to schedule an
appointment in our Belgrade, Manhattan, or Bozeman office. Dr. Stark is a
board certified chiropractor and the author of this blog post. To learn
more about Dr. Stark and the many benefits of chiropractic care, please visit
our website: www.prochiromt.com.
