Protiotics 101!!

Probiotics is good bacteria” that can boost your immune system, improve your digestion and much more. Probiotics are important for basic human nutrition. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the human gut. These "good bacteria" are used to prevent and alleviate many different conditions, but particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics can provide multiple benefts for your immune system. When probiotics are abundant in your body, it's harder for bacteria that cause illness to get a foothold. The following are some common natural bacteria found in your gut.

• Lactobacillus bulgaricus can be found in many yogurts and soft cheeses. It was discovered by the Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov, hence the name bulgaricus. It helps to convert lactose and other sugars into lactic acid, which may be particularly helpful for those who are lactose intolerant.
• Streptococcus thermophilus has nothing to do with strep throat, which is caused by a completely different bug. These friendly bacteria are also used to make yogurts and cheeses, and they even assist Lactobacillus bulgaricus by making nutrients that assist with growth.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei both convert lactose into lactic acid – also helping the lactose intolerant. Research has indicated that L. Acidophilus may also be helpful at reducing cholesterol levels.
• Bifidobacteria is a family of bacteria that has been studied for its ability to prevent and treat various gastrointestinal disorders, including infections, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. In addition to making lactic acid, it also makes some important short-chain fatty acids that are then absorbed and metabolized by the body. There is also some experimental evidence that certain bifidobacteria may actually protect the host from carcinogenic activity of other intestinal flora.

If you want to make sure you are probiotics are working at the highest level, you can feed them with prebiotics. Prebiotics nourish the good bacteria in your gut in order to keep them healthy against bad bacteria. They should go hand-in-hand with probiotics. Prebiotics are found in many foods, including bananas, whole grains, honey, garlic and onions. You can try two to four servings of these prebiotic rich foods a day.