Probiotics For Digestive Health

Is your digestive system not feeling quite right?

Do you only pay attention to your digestive system when there is a problem? Maybe after you have eaten a large meal and feel bloated? Or perhaps you pay attention to your digestive system only when you have had a change in bowl motions like constipation or diarrhoea?

Did you know?

Did you know you have over 400 species of good bacteria inside you digestive system and they can weigh up to 3kg? In fact, you have more bacteria living inside you then you have cells in your entire body! There are approximately 100 trillion bacteria in your digestive system, the vast majority of which live in your bowel. The balance of these bacteria is essential for your health and wellbeing.

Good bacteria can protect you!

Your digestive system is in constant contact with the outside environment through the food that you eat. In your life time, you will eat approximately 22 tonnes of food.  This food and the fluids you consume could be carrying potential pathogens that could make you sick. Good bacteria can protect you from getting sick from these potential pathogens.

Balance is essential for health

It is essential for health and wellbeing that the bacteria, or flora, in your digestive system is kept in a healthy balance. An imbalance of flora within the digestive system can lead to many common symptoms including:

·         Poor digestive function

·         Diarrhoea

·         Constipation

·         Irritable bowel syndrome

·         Bloating

·         And increase in allergies and eczema

·         Chronic disease

How do good bacteria keep you healthy?

Good bacteria aid in:

·         Breaking down food and producing nutrients

·         Absorption of nutrients

·         Maintaining the motility of the digestive tract, ensuring good bowel motions

·         Inhibits the growth of bad bacteria

·         Maintaining a healthy immune system

Not all probiotics are created equal…..

As you can see, maintaining good bowel flora is an important key in health and wellbeing. Good bowel flora can be achieved by taking probiotics. However, not all probiotics are the same and it is important to use the right probiotic for you, for example the strains L. plantarum 299v is specific for irritable bowel syndrome whereas L. rhamnosus GG is used after and during antibiotic use. Our Naturopath/Nutritionist Courtney will be able to prescribe the right probiotic for your health needs.