"Friendly Bacteria" - Learn the Role it Plays in Your Gut Health

The Importance of Friendly Bacteria

Bacteria are everywhere, and that's a good thing.

One of the most important steps that you can take to improve your health, is to make sure that your intestines have plenty of good bacteria. There are approximately 100 trillion bacteria and microorganisms living in your digestive tract. All together they weigh between three and five pounds in the average adult. Most of us didn't know that bit of information.

The two most common groups of important bacteria are Lactobacilli, which are found in the small intestine, and Bifidobacterium, which are found in the large intestine. These aid in completing the digestive process and assist in the production of vitamins.

Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K and lactase.

Bifidobacteria are probiotics that gather in the human GI tract and vagina. Bifidobacterium longum is very important to the human body. This bacterium is very helpful because it maintains a normal digestive tract, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, and also boosts the immune system.

Without the naturally occurring helpful bacteria in our guts, the immune system does not work properly. This can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight off infection. In fact, many experts believe that a strong immune system starts with a healthy gut.

What are the benefits of all of these bacteria and microorganisms?

• Improve digestion and normalize bowel movements
• Reduce and eliminate skin conditions like: acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Provide protection against asthma
• Improve your immune system
• Protect against food allergies
• Reduce or possible eliminate seasonal allergies

Do you know what can destroy friendly intestinal bacteria?

• Use of antibiotics (including antibiotics found in dairy and meat products)
• Not managing tension and stress
• Eating foods and beverages that have sugar or other concentrated sweeteners
• Use of antacids or laxatives
• Use of some prescription drugs (including birth control pills and steroids like prednisone)
• Ingestion of chlorine

Many experts believe that consuming healthy bacteria, called probiotics, boosts the body's overall general health.

What foods contain Probiotics?

• Acidophilus milk or cultured milk
• Yogurt listed with "live active culture"
• Fermented food such as pickles, kimchi and sauerkraut

Probiotics are available in supplement form and are extremely effective when your gut is under assault from antibiotics, though they can also be helpful when taken daily. They should also be taken with food. Research has also shown that probiotics also can improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating and gas.

Today, the balance between "good bacteria" and "bad bacteria" that live in your intestines is the result of the choices you make in what you eat and your lifestyle. The healthier your choices, the more friendly bacteria you have living inside of you. Taking probiotics can bring the gut back into balance.

Are you suffering from any of these problems?

Diarrhea Due to Antibiotic Use or from Traveling, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation, Vaginal Yeast Infections, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Lactose Intolerance, Colds, Allergies or Hayfever, Colon Cancer Prevention, Pouchitis or Canker Sores. Go visit my website to learn more about the Probiotic Supplement that I suggest you begin taking on a daily basis.

It is important to find the right supplement for you. Please contact Katrina for more information on finding what is right for you. Feel free to send your questions or comments to katrina@katrinarooker.com

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