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Everidis Health Sciences
Probiotics are known as friendly or good
bacteria. Definitions of the term probiotic have evolved over the years to
today's consensus, developed by the World Health Organization and the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Probiotics are live
bacteria which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health
benefit on the host.
While the general belief is that the only good bacteria are dead bacteria,
that's not true. It's a common misconception that all bacteria are the enemy
and should be eliminated. While there are plenty of bad bacteria, the
majority of bacteria are critical to our survival.
The body contains huge numbers of bacteria naturally. In fact, the number of
bacteria in the gut is ten times the total number of cells in the entire
human body. While that sounds scary, it’s really not. These bacteria are
part of a complex ecosystem in the gut called intestinal flora or gut flora.
The gut flora performs a number of useful functions in the body and is
important for good health.
The gut flora performs a number of useful functions in the body:
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Influence the development and function of the gut
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Assist
in digestion and absorption of nutrients
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Synthesize vitamins
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Assist
in the absorption of minerals
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Break
down dietary carcinogens
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Influence the development and function of the immune system
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Form a
natural defense barrier against bacteria, toxins and antigens
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Protect the body against infection
Probiotics are supplements just like vitamins and minerals that contribute
to a balanced gut flora to enhance your health and well-being.
The dietary use of probiotics to support gut health and health in general is
becoming wellestablished. Probiotics are found in infant formula,
supplements and as components of food and beverages.
Studies confirm that regular consumption of probiotics in adequate amounts
may provide overall health benefits for people of all ages.
Daily consumption of probiotics may be beneficial in one of several ways.
Some probiotics positively change the gut flora to correct an imbalance in
the ratio of good to bad bacteria. Some promote good digestion and help with
common digestive upsets, while others stimulate the local immune function.
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