1. The Bacteria That's Good For You
While bacteria are famous for making us sick, there are some particular strains of bacteria, known as probiotics, that offer a number of heath benefits. The most common bacterial strains include L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. gasseri, B. longum, B. lactis, Saccharomyces boulardii, Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium bifidum. While some natural probiotics are found in yogurt and other fermented foods, they are also available in supplement form.
2. Probiotics and Antibiotics
Many health-care professionals recommend taking probiotics with antibiotics. Antibiotics are meant to kill off harmful bacteria which make us sick; however, they do not weed out the beneficial bacteria. Supplementing antibiotic therapy with probiotics can help to restore the bodies natural bacteria, decreasing diarrhea, stomach upset and other common side effects of antibiotics.
3. Soothing Digestive Disorders
Probiotic therapy is a promising treatment for those with digestive disorders, as these healthy bacteria found naturally in the digestive system help to breakdown food, reducing strain on the intestinal tract. Studies have shown that probiotics help to maintain the remission and relapse of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and to limit bouts of irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Treat and Prevent Yeast Infections
Probiotic-rich yogurt has been used for centuries as a folk remedy to treat vaginal yeast infections. When the natural bacteria levels of the body become low, excess yeast grows. Additionally, the presence of Lactobacilli strains balance the acid levels of the body, preventing microorganisms from surviving. The natural balance of Lactobacilli can be easily thrown off with the use of spermacides, birth control pills and antibiotics. Lack of this important probiotic can cause increased risk of urinary tract infection and yeast infection; however, regular supplementation of probiotics can help to maintain the balance.
5. A Common Cure for Candidiasis
When an excess of yeast begins to grow in the body, it can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, digestive problems, thrush, skin infections or vaginal yeast infections. Because healthy bacteria help to keep yeast under control, the use of antibiotics, illness and other factors that decrease the level of good bacteria in the body lead to system-wide yeast growth, known as candidiasis. Probiotics can help to restore good bacteria and fight the overgrowth of yeast, making it an effective treatment for all forms of candidiasis.
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