Why are Probiotics Important?

by Glen Depke

For those that are not aware I want to share that when I refer to probiotics, I am talking about beneficial bacteria. For a healthy person, this beneficial bacteria comprises approximately 90% of your digestive tract and honestly, there is more bacteria in your gut than there are cells in your entire body. To me, that is an amazing stat in itself. 

So what are the biological functions of these beneficial bacteria? 

·         Beneficial bacteria in the colon convert cholesterol to coprostanol for excretion, thereby lowering total serum cholesterol levels

·         Beneficial bacteria enhance the health of the digestive system

·         Beneficial bacteria strengthen the immune system functions of the intestines

·         Beneficial bacteria help to reverse intestinal permeability

·         Beneficial bacteria alleviate some of the symptoms of IBS (especially intestinal cramps and flatulence

·         Beneficial bacteria may assist with urinary tract infections

·         Beneficial bacteria enhance the function of the immune system function by producing substances that help counteract antigens such as detrimental bacteria and viruses 

Beneficial bacteria enhances the function/production of these substances. 

·         Beneficial bacteria in the large intestines cause the fermentation of your nutritional carbohydrates

·         Due to this fermentation, your body will benefit from the result of helpful volatile fatty acids

·         Beneficial bacteria produces hydrogen peroxide which is utilized by the body to “extinguish” neutralized antigen/antibodies

·         Beneficial bacteria reside in the body’s intestines and can manufacture many vitamins including those listed here; biotin, choline, folic acid, inositiol, PABA, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and vitamin K 

These substances enhance the function of beneficial bacteria. 

·         Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide nourishment to most types of beneficial bacteria. Note: because beneficial bacteria are living organisms they require nutrition as any other living organism. Another note: FOS is not a source of nourishment for toxic bacteria

·         Butyric acid fees the beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract 

As you can see, probiotics play a significant role in your overall health and wellness. Due to the fact that we typically do not eat raw naturally fermented foods, this places a significant need to take probiotic supplements. I use probiotics myself daily and this is a regular recommendation for my clients also. 

Follow this link to learn more about the probiotic offered at the Depke Wellness Store. 

If you have any comments or questions about this article, please leave your post below for me to answer personally.