Introduction To Probiotics
Our
intestinal tract is filled with an enormous number of helpful bacteria
called probiotic bacteria. They are called probiotic bacteria because
the term "probiotic" means "for life," as opposed
to the term "antibiotic" which means "against life."
Our bodies are actually designed to have a symbiotic relationships
with these probiotic bacteria. They help us digest our food, kill
harmful microorganisms and keep us functioning properly in a number
of ways.
As we
look into the intestinal tract we find that there are only a few probiotic
bacteria in the stomach because it is highly acidic. However, the
further down the intestinal tract we move, the number of these good
bacteria increases dramatically with the biggest numbers being found
in the large intestine.
We need
to have a large population of probiotic bacteria to aid with digestion
and to keep the harmful, disease-causing microorganisms in check.
If the percentage of good bacteria is too low, compared to the bad
bacteria, our bodies function poorly. Over time we are likely to have
many health problems.
For the
average adult, the intestinal tract will contain about 4 pounds of
bacteria. Normally there should be a balance of about 85% probiotic
bacteria and 15% harmful bacteria, but many people are so far off
that their intestinal tract contains only 15% probiotic bacteria and
85% harmful bacteria.
Scientists
are studying the benefits of taking probiotics and are finding it
to be very beneficial.
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