When most of us think of bacteria, we think of it as negative. But our digestive systems actually need bacteria to keep pathogens in check, help digestion and absorption of nutrients, and keep our immune system running at peak performance. Nearly 100 trillion microorganisms live in a normal bowel. A poor diet can have a negative effect on the balance of good and bad bacteria, as can antibiotic use. Most of us don’t give a lot of thought to our gastrointestinal health until we get sick. But there are steps you can take to keep your gut flora in balance and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that promote a healthy immune system by helping to control the critical balance in the human digestive system, preventing the growth of undesirable bacteria and pathogens. This balance is essential to maintain a healthy intestine, protecting against disease, improving digestion and overall health, and even helping to keep a desirable weight.

We all know that antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria in our gut. What we don’t consider is that we consume antibiotics daily, without a doctor’s prescription, in the foods we eat and drink. Antibiotics are routinely used as supplements in animal feed or in the treatment of sick livestock. Consequently, humans who eat these types of animal products (think milk & eggs!) may be destroying their beneficial bacteria and increasing yeast growth without their knowledge. This directly correlates to poor intestinal flora, a greater risk of getting sick, and even possible unwanted weight gain.

Probiotic supplements promote a healthy digestive system and overall gastrointestinal health, which helps protect your body in many ways, including inhibiting food pathogens, fighting fungal and yeast infections, producing antibiotic-like agents, assisting in digestion and nutrient absorption, aiding in liver function, and helping produce B vitamins and folic acid. Probiotics can also help prevent and control diarrhea, improve intolerance to lactose, and even ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These functions contribute to a feeling of increased energy and overall wellness.

The NutraSense Company carries 3 varieties of Dr. Shahani’s brand of Probiotics manufactured in the U.S. by Nebraska Cultures – one of the pioneers in the Probiotic field and widely trusted for purity and efficacy.