Also known as ‘beneficial bacteria’, probiotics are bacteria that support the health of the body, rather than causing disease (bacteria that causes illness in the body are known as ‘pathogenic’ or ‘bad’ bacteria).

The role of probiotics in gut health

The way probiotics work in your gut, is to provide an environment that is conducive to the absorption of food (by maintaining a healthy pH), preventing the growth and development of bad bacteria in your gut (by crowding out damaging bacteria), and by working with your body to help in either the production or absorption of a number of vitamins (including Vitamin B12 and Folate). It stands to reason then, that without adequate probiotic bacteria in your gut, side effects include the breakdown of elimination processes (usually leading to either constipation or diarrhoea), some vitamin deficiencies, and the ongoing effects of either of these conditions (some of which affect other areas of your body). Without appropriate probiotic strains in your gut, for example, Vitamin B12, Folate, and Iron cannot be absorbed by your body. This may mean, in some instances, that your nervous system is not able to perform at its peak (in fact, B12 deficiencies can often lead to poor memory, loss of cognitive functioning and poor nerve function).

The role of probiotics immune health

When you think of the immune system, you think of the effect a cold or flu has on your body, such as a snuffly nose, sore throat and swollen glands. But did you know, that a large proportion of the immune cells in your body are actually found in your digestive tract? And that the health of your digestive tract, including the balance of bacteria in your gut, can actually affect your immunity.

Billions of bacteria

The strength of a probiotic supplement is defined by two clear factors; 1. What is the total billions count (i.e. is there a total of 10 billion, 25 billion or 50 billion colony forming units in the product) and 2. How many differing strains are present in the product (as the more diverse the strains found in the product are, the more benefits experienced). So to support the health of your total digestive and immune system, choose a product with multiple strains of bacteria, and a strong colony forming unit count. You may benefit from taking a multi-strain probiotic.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Nutra-Life ProBiotic 50B With the benefit of 50 billion good bacteria units per capsule, this shelf stable, therapeutic strength probiotic combines 11 strains of scientifically researched bacteria, in a dairy free, vegan and vegetarian friendly, capsule. Being shelf stable, this product does not need to be refrigerated to assure its potency. Learn more about Nutra-Life Probiotic 50 Billion here