Probiotics

Did you know bacteria actually help to strengthen your immune system?  Beneficial bacteria known as probiotics reside in your gut where they keep the number of potentially harmful bacteria in check. It is estimated that the sheer number of probiotics in your gut is greater than the number of cells in your body or stars in the sky! Research has shown that these friendly flora enhance immune function by defending you against toxins, bacteria and allergens.
We are now in the grip of what is dubbed the "cold and flu season." As sinus and respiratory tract infections are passed from person to person, antibiotics are frequently prescribed. These medications can be very effective in destroying detrimental germs but unfortunately cannot distinguish between helpful and harmful bacteria. As a result, the good bacteria are killed off as well. After using antibiotics, it can take your body weeks or months to rebuild its natural stock of normal, healthy bacteria. Even if you don't personally take antibiotics, you are unfortunately exposed to them in food and water. Traces of many pharmaceutical drugs, including antibiotics, have been detected in nearly every major municipal water supply in the U.S. In addition, enormous quantities of these drugs are fed to commercially raised poultry, hogs and cattle. Although you can trust that any meat, fish or poultry purchased at Freshlife is guaranteed antibiotic-free, such is not the case with restaurant and grocery store purchases. Antibiotics are also used on fruit trees and other plants as well as in fish hatcheries. Whenever and however you ingest antibiotics, they have an impact on your body's bacterial balance. 

To keep your colonies of beneficial bacteria flourishing, it is important to take a probiotic supplement on a daily basis. In 1994, the World Health Organization deemed probiotics to be second most important component of our immune defense system.

 In addition to normal precautions such as washing your hands frequently, getting enough rest, taking your vitamins and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables -adding probiotics to your daily diet or dietary supplement regimen will give your body an immune boost.

When choosing a good probiotic, look for one that contains several strains of flora. The two major classifications, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, work synergistically by establishing colonies in both the small and large intestine.  Freshlife offers many excellent choices including special formulas for women, seniors and children. Probiotics are also available for maintenance and critical care. Talk to our Wellness Coaches and choose the bacterial good guys that are just right for you!