Mark McClure DDS
Digestive health is one of the most critical pieces to obtaining and maintaining good overall health. The health of any person is directly related to the health of the bowel, as about 70% of our immunity resides in the “gut”. Therefore, it is important to eat foods that promote a "healthy gut" and supplement with concentrated foods and sometimes herbs that clean and maintain the digestive tract and bowel.
Probiotics, Bugs with Benefits
Probiotics are products containing living beneficial bacteria, i.e. "good bugs", which ‘colonize’ the entire lining of our intestine. The potential benefits that the bacteria living in our intestine have on our well being are only just beginning to be understood by scientists and includes the following:
- They enable the entire digestion and absorption functions of the intestine to operate efficiently
- They protect us from challenge and infections by potential pathogens
- They continuously prime and condition our immune system to function properly, from the day we are born throughout our entire life.
- They can help protect us from allergy and intolerance and can reduce the symptoms in existing sufferers.
Probiotics are found in yogurt, kefirs, fermented foods and in supplements. Probiotics can be added to your diet and most people will benefit from probiotic supplements.