#2 Probiotic Supplement

yogurtCertain lifestyle behaviors, bacteria, fungi, diseases, prescription medications and other foreign substances absorbed by the body can reduce the number of “friendly” probiotic organisms or overwhelm them with higher numbers of “unfriendly” organisms. When this happens, it can slow down your system (constipation) or send food racing through partially digested (diarrhea).

So a second valuable step you can take to improve your digestive health is to add probiotic foods and/or a probiotic dietary supplement to your daily diet. By providing your body with a refreshed source of digestive system friendly bacteria, you can help offset lifestyle behaviors and other influences that disrupt how your body absorbs, processes and clears food.

Good probiotic food sources include:

  • Yogurt (with live or active bacteria cultures)
  • Sauerkraut
  • Miso soup
  • Gouda cheese
  • Buttermilk

In addition to their digestion-aiding properties, probiotic dietary supplements have also been studied for their antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.

For those interested in trying a probiotic dietary supplement, look for products that contain live cultures of the three most common strains of gut-friendly bacteria: lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium longum and bifidobacterium bifidum. The supplement facts box on the bottle should identify the bacteria strains in any reputable probiotic product.

We tend to prefer probiotics in “pearl” form because they are smaller and easier to swallow than coarse capsules. In addition, the protective pearl coating helps it to pass through the stomach and into the intestines before fully opening, which allows most of the live bacteria to be deposited into the intestines where they do their work (as compared to capsules or tablets, which are partially digested in the stomach). That said, some, but not all, of the capsule/tablet forms of probiotics incorporate coatings that allow more of the probiotics bacteria to be released in the intestines for those who prefer them to pearls. In addition, some greens/fiber dietary supplements also contain probiotic cultures in powder form.

Combined with a greens/fiber dietary supplement, a probiotic can make a big difference in your digestive system performance and in how you feel and live each day. A healthy digestive system that has balanced bacteria levels, and absorbs, processes and clears food quickly, can provide you with greater energy, help you sleep better, and improve your disposition — mentally, emotionally and physically!

These first two important steps also help set the stage for better nutrient absorption for key vitamins and minerals our bodies need to support and regulate a host of functions. The next step in our recommendation is to add a high-potency multi-nutrient to your daily routine.

Next: Top Supplement #3 – Don’t Take the Government’s Word on This One

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