Probiotics

As the H1N1 war rages on, more cases are being confirmed amidst the drama of possible vaccine shortages. When words like epidemic and pandemic are being tossed around, it's hard to separate actuality from speculation. One thing is certain; blowing in with the winter months is the elevated risk that the deadly virus may accelerate. As we wait for the vaccine we're repeatedly told to fight the virus with aggressive personal hygiene. While personal hygiene goes a long way in avoidance, we have another weapon to accompany it. Oddly enough, the strength to ward off H1N1 and other conditions comes from the digestive system. Research shows that, a whopping 80% of our immune defense lies within the gut.

The digestive system uses enzymes to break down foods, absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. Specific foods activate the enzymes to release acid in the system. That acid then attacks disease-causing bacteria to keep us healthy. What remains is the good bacteria known as probiotics. For optimal health the digestive system must have a balance between the good and bad bacteria.

When the digestive system suffers, so does the rest of the body. The number of people afflicted with digestive issues is on the rise. This is due in part to our tendency to eat processed foods. Processed foods break down the good, bacteria and in doing so upset the balance between disease-causing bacteria and good probiotic bacteria. Without probiotics the digestive system suffers elimination problems. Toxins are released in the system by poor elimination and digestion. Those toxins play a role in infecting the body with acute illnesses and chronic diseases.

Probiotics also are fundamental in nutrition. It's probiotics in the digestive system that work with enzymes to help the body absorb the vitamins and nutrients necessary to ward off outside invaders. Because of this, our body places greater importance on a healthy digestive system than it does on the body's overall health. Lacking what it needs, the digestive system will actually take enzymes from the immune system. That, of course, weakens the immune system and opens the door for viruses such as H1N1 and seasonal flu.

For optimal health and disease resistance we must keep our digestive system in good running order. We can do that with probiotics. Thankfully, it's an easy fix. As awareness about the power of probiotics increases, the consumer market is flooded with products infused with probiotics. There are products that contain probiotics, as well as those created strictly to pack a probiotic punch, such as Activia yogurt.

You can give your immune system a little jolt and reduce the risk of becoming ill by taking probiotic supplements. A single capsule taken once a day can send as many as 100 billion probiotics straight to the front lines of the H1N1 battle. There are many brands available at drugstores, including those geared for small children.

Probiotics can be used as needed instead of on a continual cycle. However, once you start the therapy, make certain to take a daily dose for thirty days. The chemical make-up varies between individuals. Your probiotic plan should be tailored to your specific needs.
Probiotics are considered safe but you should always check with your doctor before beginning any healthcare regimen. As the looming threat of disease becomes more sophisticated, the boost of probiotics may mean the difference between health and illness.

Dr. Richard Beliveau, Probiotics, the Friendly Bacteria http://www.edmontonsun.com/life/healthandfitness/2009/11/02/11600726-sun.html Edmonton Sun

Gerald W. Tannock Probiotics and Prebiotics: Where Are We Going?http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol9no5/03-0134.htm Center for Disease Control

National Institutes of Health Introduction to Probiotics http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine