A healthy and maintained population of friendly intestinal flora is one of the fundamental pillars of health and wellness. Because there are many factors which challenge this balance, it is important to be proactive and aware of the options. Probiotics are inexpensive, readily found and are regulated as a dietary supplement without the need for a prescription. According to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “probiotics when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”.

The best reasons to take probiotics are:
1. Probiotics are Healthy and Safe for Adults and Children
Probiotic supplements have been carefully researched and have been found to have no known side effects. Although they may not be safe for those with terminal diseases or compromised immune systems, healthy adults and children can benefit greatly from these supplements.

2. Probiotics Counter the Bad Effect of Antibiotics
While antibiotics are very effective at killing off infectious microorganisms, they are also very effective at killing off the friendly bacteria essential for healthy function. Not only have antibiotics been used increasingly to fight infections, they have also been added into the human food chain via animal feed, therefore causing an increased risk of bacterial imbalances among humans, and an increase in associated symptoms.

3. Probiotics Boost the Intake of Vitamins and Minerals
Friendly bacteria also function within the digestive system by aiding in the breakdown and absorption of food and nutrients such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc to name only a few. This basically means probiotics supplements can heighten the levels of these vitamins and minerals in your body.

4. Probiotics Give the Immune System a Boost
Probiotics have been shown to regulate lymphocytes and antibodies in the body, which boost your immune system. This means you will get sick less often and when you do get sick, say with a cold or the flu, you will recover faster and your symptoms will be less severe. A heightened immune system will also help your body fight infection more efficiently.

5. Probiotics Help the Intestines and Colon
If you have problems with constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and intestinal tract infections, lactose intolerance or other illnesses related to intestinal function, probiotics are a must-have for your diet. Ingesting probiotic supplements or food enriched with probiotics helps to balance the good and bad bacteria in your intestines and improves how your intestines function. Because an imbalance in the bacteria in the intestines is one of the factors that may cause colon cancer, probiotics can in fact help prevent colon cancer. Probiotics also work to reduce microflora which is believed to contribute to colon and colorectal cancer.

Healthy intestinal flora is assaulted by our environment every day. Even if antibiotics are avoided, and organic foods are chosen, there is still a strong likelihood that imbalances will occur. Such things as stress, poor diet, chlorinated water and pollution are all factors as well.

Choosing to take probiotics can profoundly improve health on many fronts including alleviation of allergies, cholesterol reduction, gastro-intestinal health, cancer prevention, lower blood pressure, and the prevention of many types of disease and illness.

Have you taken your probiotics today?

By Dr. Aneesh Lakhani
Pharmacist /Owner of Garden Drug in Oakland Park
Dr Aneesh Lakhani earned his doctorate in Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University In Fort Lauderdale Fl. Dr Lakhani is the executive director of the Broward County Pharmacy Association and has certifications in Bio-identical hormone replacement, diabetes management, and immunizations among other certifications.