Probiotic Power

Probiotics Cover No one wants an upset tummy over the Christmas period. Discovering the Power Probiotics could be your game changer this festive season. Taking care of the bacteria inside your digestive system could be all it takes for you to not have a bad stomach interrupt your holiday celebrations.  

The bacteria in your body outnumber your body’s cells 10 to 1. Most of these reside in your gut. The majority of the bacteria in your gut are harmless, if anything having the right gut bacteria can have a number of health benefits like:  

  • Weight loss 
  • Improved digestion  
  • Enhanced immune function  
  • Healthier skin  

Probiotics contain the friendly type of bacteria that can provide health benefits when taken. Probiotics are also present in foods that are prepared by bacterial fermentation. These foods include:  

  • Yoghurt 
  • Kefir 
  • Sauerkraut  
  • Tempeh 
  • Kimchi  

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Probiotics can be confused with prebiotics. Prebiotics are dietary fibres that help feed the friendly bacteria already in your gut. The most common groups of probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Each group comprises of different species and each species has many strains.  

The community of microorganisms in your gut is called the gut flora or microbiota. The activities of the gut flora resemble those of an organ. They perform many functions that are important to your health like manufacturing vitamins, including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins. They also turn fibres into short-chain fats which feed your gut wall and perform many metabolic functions. Your gut flora is very sensitive to your diet and studies have shown that an unbalanced gut flora is linked to numerous diseases like:  

  • Obesity  
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Metabolic syndrome 
  • Heart disease  
  • Colorectal cancer 
  • Alzheimer’s  
  • Depression  

The gut flora sometimes referred to as the ‘forgotten organ’ when in correct balance stimulates your immune system and strengthens your gut wall. This helps prevent unwanted substances from entering your body and provoking an immune response. Keep that gut flora happy this festive season. It’s working hard to keep your body going strong! 

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