Why Do We Need Friendly Bacteria?

"Friendly" bacteria live in all our guts and the amount varies from person to person. They help keep bad bacteria, such as e.coli, salmonella and yeast from growing in our intestines. Our western lifestyle of diets high in sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and refined grain actually promote lowered levels of this bacteria. Add to this stress and antibiotics, which actually kill the good bacteria along with the bad and there this all can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeast.

Lack of friendly bacteria leads to stomach upsets, poor digestion, allergies, and illness, which are all symptoms of a compromised immune system. Without a storage of these western immune systems are left defenseless against an onslaught of ailments from bad bacteria and viruses.

Common symptoms reflecting an imbalance of bad bacteria are:

Recurrent vaginitisRecurrent viral and bacterial infectionsSore throat, itchiness in nose and/or earsFatigue and a sense of being "ill" or "drained"Digestive problems (such as bloating, gas, belching, diarrhea)

Probiotic complexes with Acidophilus supplements work to renew, maintain the storage of friendly bacteria, prevent yeast overgrowth, support and promote a healthy immune system. They also help the digestive system absorb nutrients and deliver them throughout the body, which provides needed energy and good health.

They work by depositing friendly bacteria directly into the lower intestines, which unite with whatever healthy bacteria, which are already there. Once this is replenished, the probiotic supplements with Acidophilus help maintain the friendly bacteria levels for overall health.

Many researchers also believe that probiotics may build up the immune system by triggering the production and activity of immune cells located in the tissues that line the intestinal and urinary tracts, the mouth and respiratory system. These are called "mucosal tissues", and are considered to be the body's first line of defense.

Here are four types of friendly bacteria that need to be in a good probiotic supplement

Lactobacillus bulgaricus helps the body break down certain enzymes such as lactose; this can aid the digestive process, particularly for people who are lactose intolerant. It has antibiotic properties, which can help prevent infections and prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms in the gut.

Lactobacillus acidopholus, or acido, is a strain of bacteria that creates large amounts of lactic acid from carbohydrates that aid in digestion.

Bifidobacterium Bifidum is a natural part of the human body, found mostly in the gastrointestinal tract, but it has also been found in the mouth, the vagina and in breast milk. It assists in building up the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, decreasing the chance of allergies, aiding in digestion and helping to prevent the effects of tumors in colon cancer.

It has also been very effective as a remedy for vaginitis, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections and more.

Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria fights lactic acid bacteria that get in the way of proper digestion and cause stomach upsets. Streptococcus thermophilus has a soothing effect on symptoms of lactose intolerance by eliminating "bad" bacteria.

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