What are probiotics?
Our intestinal tracts are home to more than 400 species of bacteria; many of them are friendly bacteria, necessary for a number of functions. Probiotics is a collective name for all the beneficial species. You may be familiar with some of the actual species names like L. Acidophilus, B.Bifidobacterium/Bifidus or L.Bulgaricus. We also refer to probiotics as gut flora, or by the name given by the manufacturer that I recommend, which is HMF.

Who should take probiotics?
Probiotics, in the form of HMF products, are the most commonly prescribed supplements in my practice. Most people have some degree of imbalance, what we refer to as dysbiosis, in the gastrointestinal flora. Especially because of the widespread use of antibiotics, which kill the beneficial bacteria along with the bad bacteria, probiotics are more necessary than ever. Research has shown that people who have had multiple rounds of antibiotics are prone to allowing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other imbalances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Research has been done with allergies, eczema and colon health suggesting that probiotic supplementation is beneficial. Individuals who have trouble digesting milk and other dairy products have also been benefited by use of probiotic supplementation.

Why are they so important for my health?
When a person's gastrointestinal tract is lacking in beneficial bacteria the intestines have difficulty digesting and absorbing essential nutrients. In addition, it puts more stress on the liver, gallbladder and other organs in doing their jobs.
Probiotics act as a first line of defense in protecting the body from pathogens that enter through the intestinal tract. There has been evidence that certain species, such as Bifidobacteria actually help stimulate the immune system when detecting these pathogens. Animal studies have indicated that probiotics may also help reduce or prevent cancer by degrading cancer-causing chemicals. There is also research that evaluates the effect of proper gut flora on hormonal imbalance.
Clearly, the health of the gastrointestinal tract has important effects on overall health. It is imperative that we maintain a proper balance of bacteria.

The impact of diet on gut health:
Diet has a major influence on the body's population of gut bacteria. A high-sugar, low-fiber diet helps bad bacteria grow, while a high-fiber diet rich in whole foods helps good bacteria grow.

Where do I find them?
Friendly bacteria can be found in certain cultured and fermented foods like yogurt or cultured vegetables. The labels on these foods, found primarily in health food stores, will specify that they contain the cultures. Regular, non-organic yogurt does NOT contain friendly bacteria.
Additionally, probiotics can be purchased and supplemented in the diet. I frequently recommend them to my patients. Although, there are only one or two brands that actually contain the live bacteria they report on the label. Please discuss this with me if you are interested in finding out more.

How long will I have to take them?
Studies have shown that it takes approximately 18 months of supplementation with a high quality probiotic to replenish the flora after one 7-day course of antibiotics. Depending on the degree of dysbiosis that you may have, the length of supplementation will be determined.
>FURTHER INFORMATION:
Probiotics; Nature's Internal Healers by Natasha Trenev