What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are species of health-promoting bacteria that we require for proper digestion of food and immune defense against illness promoting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The term "probiotic" derives from Latin and Greek, meaning "for life". The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined probiotics as "live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".1 To put this simply, probiotics, which are also known as "intestinal microflora", are "good bacteria" that live in our gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and aid in promoting optimal health and preventing illness. Although these bacteria live throughout our intestinal tract, they are found in the highest concentrations at the far end of the small intestine and in the large intestine.

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Research has demonstrated that the total number of bacteria living in a healthy adult amounts to ten times more bacteria than the total number of cells in the human body!3 In fact a healthy intestinal tract should contain up to 1 kg (over two pounds) of bacteria.4 Most of these organisms are either neutral or health promoting but some have the potential to cause illness (e.g. Salmonella or E. Coli). In order to be healthy and to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria, our GI tracts must contain sufficient numbers of the health promoting beneficial bacteria.

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How do Probiotics work to provide greater health?

The primary way probiotics provide greater health is by maintaining a healthy environment within our gastrointestinal tract. Under normal conditions this balanced intestinal ecosystem prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. When this delicate balance is disturbed the body can be predisposed toward infectious, allergic (e.g. eczema, rhinitis and asthma) and immuno-inflammatory (e.g. Chrohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and arthritis) illnesses.1 The incidence of these illnesses is increasing at an alarming rate in North America and other Industrial societies.1 One of the most common ways in which the microflora balance is disturbed is by improper diet; one that is high in sugars, grains, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and preservatives and low in fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber. Other factors causing imbalance are stress, illness, toxins, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and alcohol.

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How do we know if we need to supplement with Probiotic Sufficiency™?

Unless you were born by a normal vaginal birth, were breastfed for 18-24 months, have never taken an antibiotic or ingested alcohol, consume large amounts of raw fruits and vegetables and virtually no grains or sugars and have a source of probiotics in your diet it is virtually a certainty that you are deficient in probiotics. Common signs of deficiency include gas, bloating and indigestion, bad breath and body odour and impaired immunity indicated by frequent or prolonged cases of colds and flus. Fungal or yeast overgrowths such as Candida, vaginal yeast infections and Athlete’s foot are also signs of a deficiency in your "good bacteria". Acne, eczema, dandruff, and overall ill-health are also associated with probiotic deficiency.

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Do children need Probiotic Sufficiency™?

Yes! Before birth a baby’s gut is sterile and the immune system immature. The gut microflora of a baby begins to develop at birth and breast-feeding continues this development. If formula is being used (please take the time to investigate organic high-quality formula that does not contain unhealthy ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup) Probiotic Sufficiency™ can be added to the formula. When solid foods are introduced you can begin to include probiotic supplementation after the meal. By the age of two or three most children have a fairly stable intestinal balance. As is the case for adults, any stressor such as antibiotics or illness can seriously alter this balance.

Children should consume ½ capsule per 40 lbs of body weight. Capsules can be taken as is or broken, emptied into a drink and then consumed at the end of a meal. Once the capsule is broken open consume the probiotic immediately.

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