@Bobbinyc
Hi and thanks for the support and caring. About probiotics: I understand that we need both types of probiotics: the lactobacillis and bifidobacterium. Bad bacteria feed on sugar but good bacteria feed on water soluble vegetable fiber. Another good reason to avoid sugar and refined carbs. Also good bacteria makes Vit K2 which helps in bone density process. Beware of Magnesium sterate or Titanium Dioxide being added to the probiotic as it forms a film in the intestines and make absorption of nutrients more difficult. The manufacturers add that just to make the probiotics slide into the capsules, I learned. So we want a potency of 25-30 billion per capsule I believe.
Online there are rating cos. but beware of the reviews as some are getting free supplies to post good reviews!!! Amazon sells a few as does Costco and health food stores. If you have a pharmacist that you trust you might inquire as to which brand he/she reccommends. It certainly can be confusing with soooo many choices.
Here is a quote from Joel Fuhrman, MD:
Research supports the role of our intestinal microflora in disease protection and prevention.2 Probiotics affect intestinal bacteria by increasing the numbers of beneficial bacteria and decreasing potentially harmful microorganisms. They help to restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the intestinal tract.3In general, the strongest evidence for probiotics is related to their use in improving gut health and stimulating immune function.4
Picturing the human body as a host for bacteria and other microorganisms is helpful in understanding probiotics. Most probiotics are bacteria similar to the beneficial bacteria found naturally in the human gut.5 The body, especially the lower gastrointestinal tract, contains a diverse and dynamic community of microflora."
He goes on to say that if we haven't had our good bacteria wipe out by antibiotics or other meds, then a diet of veggies, fruit and beans should feed the bacteria that we need well.
In your case, I would get a good probiotic with some prebiotics in there, keep it in the frig, to help restore what was lost to antibiotics, etc.. I take them on a daily basis just because the good bacteria are vital for our immune system.
Kim chi, sauerkraut, and other fermented veggies are a natural source of them. Beware most yogurt as often it is full of sugar or corn syrup.
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Dr. Fuhrman also states, "Prebiotics differ from probiotics. They are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.18 They are found naturally in a variety of plant-based foods, including onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, artichokes, oats, and bananas.19 They provide food for the good bacteria. Prebiotics are beneficial, perhaps even necessary, to promote the growth and survival of probiotics in the GI tract. Probiotic supplements frequently contain prebiotics in the form of fructo-oligosaccarides (FOS), inulin and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).20
The use of probiotics shows promise for a number of health concerns, primarily those relating to the gastrointestinal tract. They have an excellent safety record and represent an option for prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and relief of symptoms due to irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotics may also be helpful for those with allergies and autoimmune diseases. Much research is currently underway in this area and progress will be continue to be made in identifying the specific species and strains of probiotics that are the most effective in each situation"
Hope this is helpful.
Barbara G
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