Good health begins in the gut
NOT all bacteria are bad – most are good and needed to maintain good health. Thus, it is important to keep a correct balance between the good and bad bacteria with a ratio of 85% good bacteria to 15% bad bacteria.
Stress, poor diet, use of antibiotics, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption impact the balance of probiotics in your gut.
Signs of an unhealthy gut
An imbalance of your gut flora can lead to an unhealthy gut. Here are some signs to look out for:
> Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea or bloating
> Fatigue or sluggishness
> Mood swings
> Skin problems like eczema > Unexplained weight changes
Gut health is important
Specific strains of bacteria benefit certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacilli strains reside in the small intestines and aid in digestion and enhance immunity, while Bifidobacteria settle in the colon and help improve colon health.
Digestive health
Probiotics have been shown to promote digestion and optimise nutirent absorption. They stimulate enzymatic activities, which break down food.
Immune defence
Housing 80% of your body’s immune cells, your gut is the first line of defence against infections. Probiotics block the bad bacteria by competing for nutrients and adhesion sites on the intestinal epithelial surfaces. By establishing colonies of good bacteria in the gut, probiotics help discourage the less friendly bugs.
What makes a good probiotic formula?
To ensure quality and efficacy, look for a probiotic formula that is fortified with prebiotics. Inulin is one of the best-known examples of prebiotics, which help stimulate the growth and activity of probiotics in the gut. Also look out for a probiotic formula that is:
> High strength.
> Consists of multiple strains.
> Resistant to stomach acid, bile and antibiotics to survive stomach and intestinal transit.
> Stable at room temperature during storage throughout shelf life.
> In the form of capsules so bacteria are protected from air, moisture and contaminants.
> Added with prebiotic to stimulate activity of beneficial bacteria
This article is brought to you by Vitahealth.