The “good” kind, known as probiotics, have long been touted as good for your gut, but these tiny micro-organisms may also boost your immunity and reduce your levels of stress-induced hormones.

From the CNBC Video “How Probiotics Can Help You”

Probiotics are designed to supplement the healthy bacteria in the gut.

From PBS:

We’re just getting used to seeing them on a limited basis in some of our foods, mostly for digestive health, but as we begin to understand more about how our bodies interact (cooperate) with the resident, beneficial and healthy microflora, we should hope to see probiotics for a wider distribution of functions made more available to the consumer.

From Today Health:

Normally, trillions of bacteria, yeasts and other microbes are living in your intestinal tract. Many are key players in digestion and in supporting healthy immune function.

From Dr Phil’s Website

Probiotics have been around for awhile, and there’s been more recent research done on them in terms of weight loss. There are hundreds of trillions of bacteria in the gut ” good and bad. What a lot of studies have shown is there are effects that these bacteria have on not only the control of the good and bad bugs in the gut, but they help promote metabolism. Probiotics ” from Greek yogurt and kefir, and things like that ” help improve metabolism and the process of breaking down sugars and fats, and they have an effect on fullness and satiety. Those are the key things in terms of weight reduction and dieting.

From Fox News:

One of the fastest-growing dietary supplements, probiotics are now prominent on drug and big-box store shelves. They are live microorganisms—or “good” bacteria—that when consumed in capsules or yogurt are said to confer a health benefit.

Scientists have known for decades that probiotics can boost your health. That’s why yogurt’s “active cultures,” or good bugs, are touted so often. And now these bugs can be found in cereal, cheese, energy bars, soup, and a wealth of other products filling up grocery and pharmacy shelves. Their labels promise everything from fewer tummy aches to faster cold and flu recovery.

Many people suffer from an allergy or intolerance to a substance called gluten. No cure for gluten allergies exists, and celebrities and regular people have to deal with the problem with the universal solution of not eating gluten-based foods. Here are twenty famous individuals who must avoid gluten.

1. Drew Brees: Celiac Disease

Drew Brees is the star quarterback for the Saints who threw for over 5,000 yards in 2011. However, none of the energy for those yards came from gluten, because the quarterback has an intolerance to gluten in the form of Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition that affects the small intestine and can cause fatigue, bloating and diarrhea when gluten is consumed.

2. Justin Morneau: Gluten Allergy

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has suffered from injury concerns during his recent seasons, including two concussions. However, during visits to numerous doctors during the offseason to get himself healthy for 2012, Morneau learned that he is allergic to gluten in a unique way. Morneau’s injury woes may actually be related to his gluten allergy, as he learned that his body develops inflammation when he consumes gluten. As a reaction, his body fights gluten inflammation rather than fighting inflammation caused by injuries.

3. Chelsea Clinton: Gluten Allergy

Bill Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea Clinton has an allergy to gluten and decides to enjoy a vegetarian diet. The famous political daughter even had her New York wedding catered with vegetarian and gluten-free foods to allow her to deal with her allergy on her special day. In fact, even her wedding cake was made without wheat to make it gluten-free.

4. Zooey Deschanel: Celiac Disease

Zooey Deschanel, star of the show “New Girl,” promotes gluten-free diets due to her intolerance to the substance. She as appeared on cooking shows and revealed recipes that she uses in her daily life to help her enjoy her gluten-free diet.

5. Novak Djokovic: Gluten Intolerance

Novak Djokovic is a world renowned tennis player, but he must avoid fueling up on gluten-based foods. The star tennis player has even stated that going on a gluten-free diet has improved his game due to the elimination of allergy symptoms, and his improved game even led to him defeating another tennis star, Rafael Nadal, four times in 2011.

6. Victoria Beckham: Gluten Sensitivity

Victoria Beckham, wife of soccer star, David Beckham, insists that she stays fit and slim by following a gluten-free diet. The British fashion icon says that gluten causes her metabolism issues and problems maintaining her desired weight. Beckham’s body generally has problems breaking down gluten in foods, and as a result, she can gain weight from consuming the tiny protein.

7. Jessica Simpson: Wheat/Gluten Intolerance

Actress Jessica Simpson states that she cannot properly digest wheat products. The gluten found in most wheat causes severe inflammation in her stomach, and she has had ulcers develop in the past as a result. Her lack of consumption of high carbohydrate wheat products likely helps her maintain her slim shape as well.

8. Amy Yoder Begley: Gluten Intolerance

Olympic runner Amy Yoder Begeley must avoid eating gluten in her high energy diet. Unlike Michael Phelps, the runner cannot eat thousands of calories of grains and wheat before training and events. Begeley was diagnosed with the allergy in the year 2005, but she has not let the condition slow her Olympic training over the years.

9. Ryan Phillippe: Gluten Allergy

MacGruber star Ryan Phillippe has appeared on the cover of Men’s Health magazine because of his bulk muscles. However, the actor does not consume gluten in his muscle building diet, and he has had to change his diet dramatically to allow him to maintain his muscularity and impressive stature.

10. Susie Essman: Celiac Disease

Susie Essman is mostly known for her role on the show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The actress and comedian deals with Celiac disease, and she has to avoid gluten in her diet in order to avoid fatigue and digestive problems.

11. Rachel Weisz: Wheat Intolerance

Rachel Weisz, who has appeared in films such as “Constantine” and “The Mummy,” says that she has an intolerance to wheat. Wheat allergies are commonly attributed to gluten found in the food, and Weisz must avoid wheat products to prevent stomach inflammation and digestive issues.

12. Heidi Collins: Celiac Disease

Heidi Collins, a news anchor for CNN, was diagnosed with Celiac disease over six years ago. However, the news anchor says that she has had digestive issues for over twenty years, and she has even had to leave special events early because of illness in the past. Prior to her diagnosis, she was told that her symptoms were related to stress, but now the anchor enjoys a gluten-free diet and no longer deals with nausea and pain from Celiac disease.

13. Robin McGraw: Gluten Sensitivity

Dr. Phil’s wife, Robin McGraw, regularly avoids eating gluten-based foods due to the digestive troubles the substance causes her. Dr. Phil is constantly promoting healthy physical and mental living on his TV show, so his wife has promoted her special diet to demonstrate the importance of health awareness. In addition, Robin McGraw believes the diet helps create healthy well-being.

14. Keith Olbermann: Celiac Disease

Keith Olbermann, who has been a broadcaster for Fox and ESPN, deals with a case of Celiac disease. The broadcaster says that gluten is “like poison” for his body, and people with Celiac disease must always be aware of the dangers that surround consuming gluten because of the condition.

15. Cedric Benson: Celiac Disease

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson discovered he had Celiac disease soon before he became the main ball carrier for the team. The football player has learned to change his diet to gluten-free, and he says that his dietary changes have affected nearly every aspect of his life from his attitude to his physical performance on the field.

16. Josh Turner: Gluten Allergy

Josh Turner, famed country singer, leaves gluten out of his diet for allergy reasons. The singer has appeared on TV cooking macaroni and cheese with Martha Stewart, but Turner would not be able to eat the dish himself due to his allergy.

17. Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Celiac Disease

Elisabeth Hassebeck, member of “The View,” discusses her life with Celiac disease frequently. Hasselbeck often provides tips on how to live gluten-free, and she has even written a guide on how to enjoy a gluten-free diet. Hasselbeck occasionally references her condition during “The View,” but she strives to be an example of how living gluten-free is possible and easy.

18. Emmy Rossum: Wheat Allergy

Emily Rossum, known for her glamorous acting, has an celiac disease. The actress even once had to forfeit the cake portion of a birthday cupcake she received on MTV News because of her allergy. Rossum was still able to eat the icing of the cupcake, but she cannot enjoy the same wheat/gluten-based cakes that people without gluten allergies enjoy for their birthdays every year.

19. Dana Vollmer: Gluten Intolerance

U.S. swimmer Dana Vollmer no longer loads up on gluten-based carbs before big swimming events. The gold medalist of the 2011 World Swimming Championship stopped eating gluten after years of dealing with stomach pains and low energy. Since diagnosis, Vollmer has been able to achieve swimming titles at numerous U.S. and international swimming events.

20. James Starks: Gluten Allergy

Green Bay Packers running back James Starks has become re-energized since he started a gluten-free diet. The running back says he was able to build a stronger frame after giving up gluten, and he has been able to start a more rigorous training regimen. The running back’s renewed energy did not set the Packers up for a Super Bowl in 2012, but perhaps his new diet will render the team more successful in the playoffs next season.

In a recent interview, Gwyneth Paltrow was asked her diet secrets for maintaining a slender figure, and it was discovered that she too is a fan of the probiotic movement; by adding probiotic supplements to her daily breakfast, Paltrow is proof that probiotics are more than a trend, but a lifestyle.

Probiotic Kombucha – Loved By Celebs

Kombucha is a medicinal fermented drink that has been around for quite some time (250 BC or so, celebs are a bit late to the party) and likely originated in China.

By raving about all of the advantages of healthy, cleansing toxins, Celebrities have made probiotics a household name and have increased their popularity worldwide.

Anna Paquin

source: www.fitsugar.com

Demi Lovato

source: www.zimbio.com

Ashley Greene

source: www.justjaredjr.com

Halle Berry

source: thecelebritycondition.typepad.com

Lauren Conrad

source: celebrity-gossip.net

I went to high school with Lauren btw

Lindsay Lohan

source: www.dailymail.co.uk

Reese Witherspoon

And Many More Celebrities…

A number of other celebs have been seen using kombucha such as:

• Cher
• Kirsten Dunst
• Madonna
• Meg Ryan
• Alec Baldwin
• Barbara Streisand
• Susan Surrandon
• Katy Perry

Though we couldn’t find picture proof .

Jamie Lee Curtis Promotes “Health Product” Activia

Jamie Lee Curtis is the spokeswoman and most recognized figure to endorse Activia since 2007. While this marketed and packaged as a healthy product, some would beg to differ & we also think there are much better products available.

Vitazorb Markets Probiotics at Academy Awards

I cannot personally confirm or deny the efficacy of Vitazorb probiotic supplement – but they certainly do have an excellent promotion strategy.

The 83rd Academy Awards played host to not just the world’s most famous actors, but also to probiotics. The celebrity gift lounge at the Oscars was buzzing with some of the hottest names in Hollywoof popping in to receive their probiotic gift. Vidazorb, which produces chewable probiotics, was on hand to discuss and distribute their popular probiotic tablets to the biggest and brightest celebs.

A few faces that were found hanging out in the probiotic lounge included Phil Keoghan- host of Amazing Race, Jose Canseco, Henry Penzi from “The Fighter, ” Erik Estrada, Eddie Hassel from “The Kids Are Alright,” Rachel and Destin from “Millionaire Matchmaker,” and also the beautiful Vienna Giardi from “The Bachelor.” Celebrities were not just scooping up probiotics for themselves, but also for their children.

Vidazorb produces children-friendly products to help with healthy digestion and immune system stimulation.

Celebrities often appear on camera in stunning fashion with great skin and high energy. Despite their glowing appearances though, many of these celebrities deal with allergies, a problem that affects almost everyone to some degree.

Here are twenty famed individuals who suffer from various allergies on a regular basis.

1. Scarlett Johansson: Grass Pollen

Scarlett Johansson has appeared in numerous movie titles and is known for her beauty and immense acting skills. Oddly enough, the actress has problems with the great outdoors, mostly succumbing to problems with grass pollen. Johansson’s allergies primarily cause skin and eye irritation, as her skin becomes itchy from rashes, and her eyes swell and tear up when she comes in close contact with grass-like vegetation.

2. Serena Williams: Peanuts

Despite her need for energy before intense tennis matches, Serena Williams cannot fuel up on peanut products. The famous tennis star has a relatively sensitive allergy to the nuts, and she falls into an estimated 1 percent of people in the United States who have a peanut allergy. Her allergy clearly does not affect her performance on the court though, as she regularly places high in the top 100 best tennis players each season.

3. Drew Barrymore: Garlic

Drew Barrymore has become known for her light-hearted and emotional roles in films over the years. Barrymore is fairly allergic to garlic and deals with having to carefully circumspect labels of foods before consumption to avoid allergic reactions. The actress also says she is allergic to bee stings and perfume, but those allergies do not appear to concern her as much as her allergy to garlic.

4. Clay Aiken: Nuts

Former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken has a severe allergy to nuts. The singer’s allergy is bad enough that he once developed a welt on his hand after being touched by a flight attendant who had been passing out nuts on an airplane. The singer is allergic to other food items like coffee and mint as well, but his coffee and mint allergies likely do not give him rashes or swollen welts.

5. Britney Spears: Bee Stings

Britney Spears has a known allergy to bee stings. The pop singer can break out in hives when the small insects swarm and start stinging. Luckily, Spears holds most of her performances indoors, possibly to avoid the little buggers. NASCAR may want to think twice before inviting her to perform before a big race, though.

6. Billy Bob Thornton: Shellfish

Any oyster and clam shortages that exist in bays and oceans around the world certainly are not due to Billy Bob Thornton. Thornton reportedly has reactions to numerous types of shellfish, with his most common reaction to the sea creatures being hives.

7. Drew Brees: Gluten

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is known for having Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition that causes an extreme allergy/intolerance to gluten, an ingredient found in many foods. The condition causes symptoms such as extreme fatigue and diarrhea when gluten is consumed. Gluten intolerance can be difficult to live with due to its abundance in so many foods, but Brees clearly never lets his condition affect his performance on the field.

8. Lionel Ritchie: Dairy

Lionel Ritchie struggles with lactose intolerance, a condition that is not uncommon among the general population. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, a requirement for the breakdown of the sugar found in dairy products, lactose. Ritchie’s lactose intolerance causes bloating, fatigue and other digestive issues if he consumes dairy products.

9. Jackie MacMullan: Animals

Jackie MacMullan appears on ESPN as a sports writer and analyst. MacMullan has an allergy to animal hair, saying that she cannot even wear real animal fur. The TV personality’s allergy gives her a runny nose, watery eyes and frequent sneezing. Her allergy primarily acts up around cats and dogs, though other animals likely produce similar reactions.

10. Jon Bon Jovi: Hay Fever

Lead singer of the popular band Bon Jovi, Jon Bon Jovi suffers from hay fever. Despite the name of the condition, it does not cause a fever at all. Hay fever usually causes frequent sneezing, watery eyes and swelling of the sinuses. Hay fever usually strikes during the heavy pollen season of Spring, but the condition can also be caused by allergens such as dust and hair.

11. Kate Middleton: Horses

A unique allergy, horses apparently send Kate Middleton into a sneezing fit. Despite husband Prince William’s love for horses, Middleton must be cautious. The prince’s wife is gradually growing to be more comfortable with horses though, and she is learning to deal with her allergies. Middleton’s ignoring of her allergies allows her to spend quality time with her royal husband.

12. Eva Longoria: Perfume

Eva Longoria must be cautious about her celebrity scent due to her allergy to perfume. Longoria’s allergy causes her sneezing fits and sinus swelling when she is exposed to strong perfumes and colognes. Even though Longoria wears chemically altered perfume that does not cause nasal allergies, she likely still has to be wary when she is on the red carpet.

13. Cameron Diaz: Flowers

Cameron Diaz has likely received a plethora of flowers during her life. However, the famed actress is actually allergic to them, meaning she is one of the few girls who does not like being given flowers. Diaz has problems with watery eyes and sneezing from flowers, and her allergies are likely due to pollen and other particles given off by the decorative plants.

14. Ellen Pompeo: Dogs

Ellen Pompeo has a great love for dogs, but she has an allergy to the loyal creatures. Pompeo has owned as many as three dogs at a time during her life, but the animals can give her swollen sinuses and sneezing. However, Pompeo is willing to cope with her allergies in order to spend time with her dogs whenever possible.

15. Jessica Simpson: Wheat

Actress Jessica Simpson reportedly has problems digesting wheat. The food product can cause stomach problems, and the actress has actually had ulcers that were believed to have been caused by wheat consumption in the past. Despite her allergy, Simpson has appeared in a Pizza Hut allergy, not advertising the fact that she cannot eat the product she is promoting.

16. Vanessa Hudgens: Chlorine

Vanessa Hudgens is unable to swim in many public and private pools due to the presence of chlorine. Her chlorine water allergy can cause her skin to develop rashes and red patches depending on the length of her exposure. Chlorine water may sound like an odd allergy, but it is more common than most people think. Hudgens is able to avoid reactions to chlorine water by avoiding certain pools and using water purifiers.

17. Tiger Woods: Pollen

Tiger Woods enjoys the great outdoors during his golf tournaments frequently, but the star golfer has allergies to many types of pollen. The golfer does not like to take medications before or during golf games, but he does frequently use air purifiers in his home. Woods’ air purifiers prevent allergy attacks before he plays golf, and they seem to allow him to play golf without major allergy concerns.

18. Miley Cyrus: Cinnamon

Pop singer Miley Cyrus says that she loves cinnamon candles, but she has an allergy to cinnamon itself. Cinnamon causes allergic reactions in very few people, and it can create varying symptoms. Cyrus gets skin inflammation and irritation when she is exposed to cinnamon. However, the singer does not experience any harsh reactions through her enjoyment of cinnamon-scented candles.

19. Rashida Jones: Cats

Rashida Jones, who played character Jim’s girlfriend on early seasons of the show, The Office, has major allergies to cats. Her allergies are supposedly severe enough that she has had to request shoots be delayed due to allergy attacks from cats. The Office has featured cats in past episodes, such as Dwight’s dealing with Angela’s beloved cat in one episode, but luckily, they are usually absent from the show.

20. Jeremy Clarkson: Nickel

Jeremy Clarkson, writer/host of the TV show Top Gear, has an allergy to nickel. Nickel is commonly found in various types of jewelry such as earrings and necklaces. The metal can be found in other objects, too, and common symptoms include itching and swelling of areas of skin that make contact with the element. Luckily for Clarkson, cars, with the exception of their batteries, do not have significant quantities of nickel.

When we travel, however fun it is, our routine is dirupted. We tend to indulge in rich food, drink more alcohol, have fewer probiotics, and often have to endure a time change. We will be exposed to new pathogenic (and probiotic) microbes & may be eating food and drinking water of questionable cleanliness. There is also the chance of getting travelers diarrhea or just plan sickness – so you literally bought a $1,200 plane ticket and a $70/night hotel just so we can sit there sick.

To make sure my family’s multiple $1,200 plane tickets & $100+/night of hotel rooms don’t go to waste, I have a pre-vacation routine.

Four Weeks Before Traveling

Before traveling, the most important thing is to plan so you won’t lose sleep (except for excitement) or be stressed before departure. I also begin to supplement high doses of probiotics.

You need to plan the following:

• start supplementing probiotics heavily (for immunity & digestion)
• buy the probiotic supplements you need for the trip
• plan your trip to a level of detail you need
• plan 4 hours of rest/fun time two days before you leave
• purchase medications or special items
• purchase special equipment
• plan the first week after you return from vacation
• plan your estimated budget + 50% fudge/emergency factor
• prepare mentally for both fun & not fun surprises while traveling.

If you have planned and rested for your journey, then you will not have to worry about work or what will happen when you get back. It’s already been mapped out!

Food While Traveling

Now just make sure you’re eating proper food

When I am traveling, I continue to take probiotics like candy (though be careful of the side effects for large doses). Be sure to have a non-refrigerated type of probiotics & do your best to keep it cool/dry. I also am skeptical of raw food that I don’t see prepared. For example, if a guy makes mango juice right in front of me, it’s probably fine. But if it is salad in a salad bar that is just sitting there, I avoid it.

There are a number of anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial spices/foods you can consume to decrease the likelihood of you getting sick. Here is a short list:

• fresh lime/lemon juice
• wasabi
• fresh jalapenos/chili peppers
• garlic
• local cultured foods (yogurt, etc.)
• onions (a bit)
• many local spices (list here)

If you eat these WITH your food, then you will have a lower likelihood of illness from food/drink.

Local Water While Traveling

You will also need to make sure the local water is safe to drink. Have it boiled or drink bubbling water/bottled water.

If You Just Remembered One Thing

Supplement probiotics heavily before you go on your trip – they will help you with whatever you encounter.

Happy trails! Got any questions before your trip?!? Please ask below

The typically human brain weights about 3 pounds, and a healthy human body will have over 3.5 pounds of probiotic bacteria and organisms (according to Casey Adams Ph.D. The fact that our heart weights only 0.7 pounds, our liver weights about 4 pounds, makes our probiotic bacteria one of the largest organs in our body.

2) There Are 10 Times More Probiotics Than Cells In Our Body

In a healthy person, there are more than 100-300 Trillion probiotic bacteria and yeast, compared to only 10 trillion cells in our body. According to Mary Ellen Sanders, if the bacteria in our body were laid end to end, they would encircle the globe 2.5 times.

3) The Probiotics Market Is Huge

According to MARKETSandMARKETS, probiotics is a 16 billion dollar market. Moreover, as of 2008, there were more than 500 probiotic food and beverage products have been introduced in the last decade. And these numbers are only expected to grow as holistic health treatments become ever more pervasive.

4) Probiotics Live Throughout Our Entire Body (Not Just Our Stomach!)

The largest number of probiotics live in the colon, but billions also live in the mouth, oral cavity, nasal cavity, the esophagus, around the gums, in the pockets of our pleural cavity (surrounding our lungs). They dwell within our stomach, our intestines, within the vagina, around the rectum. within joints, under the armpits, under the toenails, between the toes, urinary tract, inside our urinary tract and many other places!

5) The Appendix Is Not Useless – It Incubates Probiotics

In the past, the appendix was largely thought to be useless. Appendicitis, a life-threatening condition, would call for removal of the appendix. In 2007, Randal et al. at Duke University conducted research into the vermiform appendix. The researchers observed that when the body was under attack by pathogens, the appendix would release probiotic bacteria that would perfectly counter the specific type of invaders. The appendix does this by releasing them into the cecum when the body is infected.

6) Probiotics Fight Cancer, Colds and Constipation

It may not surprise you to hear that probiotics can reduce constipation (Italy, Amenta et al. 2006). But what may surprise you, is that probiotics play a role in cancer. They have been shown stimulate production of anti-cancer chemicals (Hatakka et al. 2008). The probiotics, Lactobacillus casei, have also been shown in Tokyo to reduce the risk of bladder cancer, depending on frequency and dosage (Ohashi et al. 2002).

Numerous probiotics have been shown to fight viruses such as colds, the flu, rotavirus, herpes and ulcers. In New Delhi, 100 children ages 2-5 were given L. acidophilus for 6 months. These children have fewer incidences of colds, flu, diarrhea and fever than the placebo group (Saran et al. 2002).

7) There Are More Than 100 (known) Benefits To Taking Probiotics

According to the book, Probiotics by Casey Adam Ph.D., there are more than 100 benefits to supplementing with probiotics. Hundreds of studies have shown different species of probiotics confer different health benefits.

However, we must take these probiotics in their proper context. For example, almost every probiotic study requires the patient to take large, therapeutic doses, for at least two months. Often times, the studies conferred the benefits after an entire year of daily, large dose supplementation.

8) Probiotics Are Responsible For 70% Of Our Immune Response

According to Casey Adams Ph.D., probiotics play a role in 70-80% of our immune response. Probiotics stimulate everything from T-cells to macrophages. Probiotics also activate cytokines and phagocytic cells to coordinate the immune response.

9) Probiotics Produce Antibiotic Chemicals

In the book Probiotics, Protection Against Infection, Casey Adamas writes:

“To protect against pathogens, [probiotics] will produce a number of natural antibiotics designed to reduce the populations of [pathogenic bacteria]…”

Contrast this dynamic probiotic strategy to our static, oral antibiotics which must be phased out every few years (as pathogens evolve resistance). While we may be able to continue to discover new antibiotic substances, nature will always win in the long term. The bacteria will always evolve resistance. This is illustrated by the fact that bacteria can even survive in nuclear waste!

10) Antibiotics Nuke Our Body’s Immune System

It is well known that antibiotics kill bacteria and can make us better. But what isn’t well known, is that antibiotics also kill our good bacteria. Since probiotics comprise 70-80% of our immune response, antibiotics will kill our immunity.

The moment our probiotics are gone, opportunistic parasites, fungi and pathogenic bacteria rush in to fill the ecological void. Moreover, this use of antibiotics will create drug resistant bacteria that can’t be defeated by antibiotics.

11) Probiotics Easily Kill Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The use of antibiotics can create antibiotic resistant, super bugs. In fact, MRSA (multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is immune to many different antibiotics…and in some cases they are immune to all antibiotics known to man.

However, probiotics can defeat these super bugs with ease. Probiotic bacteria and pathogenic bacteria have been fighting for billions of years. And healthy humans have the perfect environment for probiotic bacteria to beat pathogenic bacteria. The fact that humans have been surviving before the invention of antibiotics is proof of how powerful probiotics are.

12) Probiotics Will Be The 21st Century’s Antibiotics

Valery V. Smirnov writes,

“… 21st century probiotics will successfully rival traditional drugs on the pharmaceutical market, especially those used for disease prevention purposes…”

13) 400 Strains Of Probiotics Live In Our Bodies

According to numerous research studies, there are well over 400 probiotic strains resident in our bodies. Some of these probiotics are permanent residents, and others are transient. Interestingly, only 20 strains account for 75% of the mass of bacteria that live in our bodies.

Numerous scientists also argue that the combined DNA of our probiotic residents are more important to our survival than our own DNA.

14) Probiotics Are Bacteria And Fungi That Make Us Healthy

The World Health Organization probiotics definition is “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” These probiotic organisms can be yeasts (fungi), good bacteria or even organisms commonly found in soil.

The deference between normal pathogenic bacteria or candida and probiotics, is that the probiotic organisms have a symbiotic relationship with our bodies. Our bodies and probiotic organisms have formed a mutual defense treaty. And while we are extremely fearful of bacterium and fungi, specific probiotics strains are very beneficial to our health.

15) Probiotic Foods Have Been Healing For Millennia

There are numerous traditional probiotic foods that are extremely tasty and healthful. These foods have been restoring health for millennias.

Foods like natto, miso, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and lassi all have very rich cultural heritages and medicinal benefits.

16) Probiotics Can Decrease Lactose Intolerance

In a 1996 study, Jiang et al. studied milks containing B. Longum grown in a medium rich in lactose. He found that when lactose intolerant individuals consumed this special milk, they showed significantly fewer symptoms of lactose intolerance. They have been numerous studies that have shown probiotics to be helpful in decreasing lactose intolerance.

17)Are You Getting Your Vitamins? Better Get Your Probiotics.

It has been proven that probiotics produce a huge number of vitamins, such as:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Vitamins B1-B3, B5-B7, B9, B12
• Essential Fatty Acids

So perhaps the need for B-vitamin supplementation is really a call for proper probiotic colonization. I look forward to the day when probiotic companies and organic food companies put vitamin companies out of business.

Additionally, probiotics also increase the digestibility, bioavailability and processing of a large number of nutrients, including:

• copper
• calcium
• magnesium
• iron
• manganese
• potassium
• zinc
• proteins
• fats
• carbohydrates
• sugars
• milk
• phytonutrients
• cholesterol

These lists are both by Casey Adams, Ph.D. in his book, “Probiotics – Protection Against Infection”.

18) Supplemented Probiotics Don’t Remain In The Body

It is interesting to note that no study has shown supplemented probiotic strains remain in the body for more than two weeks. At the National University of Signapore, Mah et al. infants were given probiotic supplements for the first 6 months of her life. During these 6 months of supplementation, the supplemented probiotic strains were present in the infants’ feces. However, within weeks of stopping the supplementation, the probiotic strains were no longer found in the feces.

These results of this study and the results of other research suggest that supplemented probiotics assist the our native probiotic strains. The foreign probiotic strains form a beachhead for our own native probiotics, and allow our probiotics to proliferate. This situation is analogous to a foreign arming invading a country, fighting one “evil” faction, and allowing another “good” faction time to proliferate.

19) Vaginal Birth Is Our First Dose of Probiotics

It’s no secret that a healthy, loving mother is key to a healthy child. And a healthy mother will have a vagina lined with probiotics to fend off invaders. What isn’t well known, is that when a baby experiences a vaginal birth, the baby gets it first dose of probiotics. In fact, 60% of vaginal births will give infants their first probiotic inoculation of Bifidus Infantis. However, only 1% of cesarean section births will give infants B. Infantis innoculation, according to “Probiotics” by Casey Adams.

After getting a dose of probiotics from vaginal birth, consumption of breast milk gives more probiotic inoculation. In fact, mother’s colostrum has up to 40% probiotic content.

20) Probiotics Are Good For Infants

In a 2004 study, Saavedra et al. gave infants, average age 2.9 months, B. lactis or S. thermophilus for 210 days. The infants who were given the probiotics have a lower frequency of colic and needed fewer antibiotics compared to the control group.

In an Estonian study by Vendt et al. 2006, preterm infants L. rhamnosus GG until they were six months old. The infants given probiotics had grown more than the placebo group.

21) Probiotics Are Vital For Women’s Health

Both oral probiotics and douching supplementation can prevent and cure vaginitis and vaginosis. An interesting study on probiotics and vaginosis was conducted in a 2007 by the University of Milan (Drago et al).They found that after a 6 day daily douche of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei F19, 92.5% of women had their vaginosis cured. The fishy order was cured in all women. The pH levels of women were normalized to 4.5 in 34 out of 40 women.

Probiotics has also been shown to reduce mastisis.

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