We all know what antibiotic are. They're pharmaceutical that literally mean against life. Anti means against, biotic means life. They target and kill specific pathogenic microbes. Things like viruses and bacteria. Of course, they also cause some "collateral damage."
Probiotics are the opposite of antibiotics. Instead of killing the bad in our bodies, they promote the good flora and bacteria that help our immune system protect us.
Did you know that there are over 500 types of life-forms (like bacteria and yeast) in your intestines that support your digestive and immune systems? Its true. In fact, without these bacteria and yeast and other types of flora, we wouldnt be able to survive.
Our natural immune system just isn't strong enough to fight off the constant attacks of bacteria and intruders on its own. Our bodies function in harmony with these flora and good bacteria to break down and defeat the bad bacteria.
It's an unending war.
When you take a good probiotic, you dramatically boost your bodies immune system which some studies suggest dramatically increases your bodies ability to fight off seasonal illness.
Good probiotics also do other things for your health.
Studies also suggest that good probiotics can help promote mineral absorption, support your metabolism, help remove toxins, produce lactic acid and even promote good oral health.
When choosing a good probiotic, you want to avoid one that can't survive much stress. For example, if the probiotic needs to be refrigerated, that's one indication that it's a weak strain that won't do much for your immune system.
In my own experience, most probiotic supplements are killed by alcohol. Even if you're not a drinker, this is cause for concern about the strength of the supplement.
As a Certified clinical nutritionist, I always recommend a good probiotic (that isn't easily destroyed) as a foundational nutritional supplement.
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