The importance of probiotics has been blogged about many times, but more and more research is showing that these good bacteria may have a hand in preventing and controlling a surprising number of conditions in people of all ages.
Your digestive tract is filled with hundreds of bacteria – some good and some bad. In a normal digestive system, the good and bad bacteria strike a careful balance to keep you healthy. However, a healthy balance can easily become unbalanced with poor food choices, antibiotic use and illness.
Probiotics have shown to be effective in many areas of health, including prevention of diarrhea caused by radiation treatment, and controlling diarrhea associated with liver cirrhosis and the toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium difficile, often a side effect of antibiotic therapy. The symptoms of intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome can also be reduced by probiotics. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may be able to boost their babies’ gut immunity by taking probiotics.
Recent research suggests probiotics may also improve the respiratory health of people with cystic fibrosis and of children with allergies and infections. Certain probiotic strains relieve vaginal and urinary tract infections, and some seem to reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer. Pregnant women taking probiotics may also prevent their children from developing eczema. Continue reading “Why You Should Take Probiotics”
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