What are Probiotics?

Excerpt from the World Gastroenterology Organization practice guidelines, May 2008. " Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the individual."

Probiotics, meaning " for life ", are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria and fungi that when ingested can confer a health benefit. They are not harmful bacteria but are rather beneficial. They’re found in certain foods or can be ingested in beverages or as supplements.

Our bodies have always had a population of probiotics since infancy. This population of beneficial bacteria can be affected by a variety of factors including infections with other bacteria, antibiotics that you take, and the foods you eat.

Probiotics aid digestion, help produce essential vitamins and hormones, and help strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Some strains of probiotics help to reduce inflammation and others improve the integrity of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics offer benefit in treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal conditions including: irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and various diarrheal illnesses including non-specific diarrhea, antibiotic associated diarrhea, and infectious diarrhea.

Probiotics aid symptoms of IBS by influencing and even reversing the hypersensitivity in the Gastrointestinal tract. They may also modify the abnormal motility (motor function) of the GI tract. This improvement in specific symptoms including pain, bloating, and diarrhea has been demonstrated in various studies.

Through the mechanism of reducing inflammation, probiotics may also be helpful in reducing symptoms of fatigue and even modifying symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat or cure any disease.