We have all seen the adverts about taking healthy bacteria, but I think a lot of people have been put off by it. Taking bacteria? Are we not meant to avoid bacteria so we can be healthier? Not probiotics – they are healthy bacteria that is similar to that found naturally in the human stomach.
I never really liked those fermented yoghurts that are marketed as containing probiotics, as they taste kind of chalky in my opinion, so taking a supplement would suit me better. However, Greek yoghurt is full of probiotics and that is always a good source, but I have got a lot of messages from people saying that they don’t like the texture of Greek yoghurt – so this would be a good alternative for you.
The healthy bacteria in your stomach protects your body from harmful bacteria, helps maintain your immunity (as a large portion of the immune system is located along the stomach wall) and helps with the digestion of food. Now, your body already has this healthy bacteria, so it should be able to do all those things without you having to take a probiotic supplement or eating the yoghurts. Well, the balance of healthy bacteria is easily disrupted with a change in diet or stress which can kill the good bacteria in your stomach. Disrupting this balance can lead to problems such as inflammation and diarrhoea. By taking probiotics, they can restore the balance of healthy bacteria and help stop these problems from occurring. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, research has shown that taking probiotics can help with this and can reduce gas, constipation and bloating
The reason I have started taking probiotics is because I am going abroad in a few weeks, and this always gives me stomach problems. The stress of travelling (I am a very nervous flyer) and the change in my diet can cause a lot of stomach upset, so I am going to be taking a course of these probiotics to see if it does make a difference. I shall be doing another post when I get back to report if I noticed a difference. I also notice that in my every day life I suffer from stomach problems if I am particularly stressed – so it will be interesting to see if there is a difference there too.
You should of course always consult your doctor because taking any new supplements to make sure that they are suitable for yourself.
Guest Post: Healthspan
Photo Source: www.probiotics.org
Stress ALWAYS gives me stomach ache and the squits (TMI? lol). Maybe I should try probiotics?
I drink the yoghurt in the morning and I don’t feel so bloated any more.
I think those yogurts taste like chalk too haha. Going on vacation always gives me a bad stomach, so I will have to look into these. Thanks!
I take a probiotic supplement and it has really helped me with my IBS. I used to get terrible stomach cramps and now they are much better. I also have to watch what I eat, so that has helped too.