What Does A Probiotic Do?
Ah-choo! Have your family and coworkers been hit by the flu virus, colds, persistent cough, strep throat or any of the other bugs going around? It's been a tough season, and we are not done yet. Even if you are staying healthy, bifidobacteria can benefit you in so many other ways.
It often surprises people to learn that our intestinal tracts play a major role in lives. One of its most important jobs is keeping our immune system functioning. Believe it or not, 80% of our immune system lives in our guts, so if it's out of whack you can bet our health is too. In order for both our immune system and intestinal tract to work right, we need lots of good bacteria to protect us, and about 70% of that bacteria should (ideally!) be bifidobacteria. Knowing that, we stock the probiotic Bifido Balance, two small capsules containing a whopping six billion bifidobacteria (or 1/4 tsp of powder).
Studies show, when we have lots of these beneficial bacteria inside our digestive tract, we are less likely to catch a cold or the flu. On top of that, probiotics do so much more. They help prevent constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. If any of those symptoms sound familiar or you're trying to ward off illness, Bifido Balance might be the perfect fit.
Deficient in Good Bacteria?
People can become deficient in good bacteria from taking antibiotics and steroid medications, drinking chlorinated water or eating fruits and vegetables with pesticides and herbicides on them, or meat and dairy products from animals given antibiotics and growth hormones. On top of all that, many of us start out deficient in good bacteria if we were born by a C-section and/or formula fed.
Benefits of Bifidobacteria
To name just a few advantages, once your intestinal tract is balanced you may feel the following improve:
- Weight loss, we've discussed this on past podcasts, but gut health is often the hidden factor in weight loss.
- Improved mood and anxiety levels. There is a powerful connection between your mood and your gut since almost 95% of serotonin, the chemical responsible for even moods, is made in your gut!
- Overall wellness. Say goodbye to constantly getting sick! We just want to state this again, 80% of your immune system lives in your gut as well.
At Nutritional Weight & Wellness, our first recommendation for a balanced gut is always to eliminate processed foods by eating the Weight & Wellness Way. We recommend a variety of animal protein, carbohydrates in the form of green leafy vegetables and fruit, along with good healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, olives or nuts to repopulate diverse bacteria. On top of that balanced diet, consider adding foods that naturally contain good bacteria, such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi and miso.
However if you (like most Americans) don't incorporate these items regularly or want to supplement your efforts, our nutritionists recommend Bifido Balance.
Bifido Balance Dosage Recommendations
Our nutritionists advise clients to take one to two capsules (or a 1/4 tsp if using the powder variety) ten to fifteen minutes before each meal. It's important to take Bifido Balance on an empty stomach so that digestion of your food doesn't interfere. Bifidobacteria helps crowd out other bad bacteria. Some people notice a difference within just a few days of starting it, while others notice they feel better within a few weeks.
So whether you're looking to reduce constipation, gas, bloating or sugar cravings, or boost your immune system, Bifido Balance is for you.
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