We live in a world filled with microorganisms both inside the human body and in the external environment. The human body contains over 100 trillion beneficial and harmful microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Most of these microbes live in our gastrointestinal tract (or gut), particularly the small and large intestines. The “gut microbiome or microbiota” is the term for the collection of all microorganisms and viruses.
The gut microbiome has a significant impact on health and disease. The microbiota stimulates the immune system, helps digest food, protects against potentially toxic food compounds and other disease-causing bacteria, and produces vitamin B12, B1, B2 and vitamin K.
In a healthy person, when the friendly bacteria outnumber the unfriendly ones, the microbes coexist peacefully. However, infectious illnesses, stress, lack of sleep, poor dietary choices, prolonged use of antibiotics or antifungal medications, proton pump inhibitors, and metformin can negatively impact the microbiome and disrupt the balance. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease. Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia are associated with dysfunction in the microbiome. (The Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health, University of Washington, 2014)
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (“pro” = good) or live organisms. Their primary responsibility is to patrol the gastrointestinal tract, keep harmful microorganisms in line, and maintain a healthy body balance. Consuming sufficient probiotics helps protect the digestive tract from harmful organisms, improves digestion and gut function and provides other health benefits.
Probiotics are found in some fermented foods, added to foods or as probiotic supplements. Research has shown that probiotics can confer other health benefits for many conditions. These include:
- Skin conditions – atopic dermatitis, eczema
- Diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Heart health - hypercholesterolemia
- Yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections (sinusitis, ear infections and the common cold)
- Gum disease
- Lactose intolerance
A probiotic supplement is only as good as the strains that are encapsulated inside. At CanPrev, each strain of bacteria is carefully selected for its specific beneficial purpose, fermented, concentrated, and e produced as a capsule, liquid, or chewable supplement. Can-Prev has a full line of probiotic supplements. Pro-Biotik 15B is a daily probiotic with the most common strains found naturally in the intestinal tract—an optimal choice for those looking to enhance their natural gut flora and flourish what they already have.
Pro-Biotik 50B is an extra-strength formula containing 14 different strains to address gastrointestinal upset symptoms like stomach pain, constipation, and bloating. Excellent for those who want to improve digestive health, boost immunity, or replenish friendly bacteria after using antibiotics.
Pro-Biotik Immune Defense is targeted to boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity to protect against harmful pathogens in the gut that may lead to infections, fevers, and upper respiratory tract illness.
Pro-Biotik IBS Support - a single soil-based probiotic strain ideal for gastric conditions. that can help manage and reduce symptoms of IBS such as stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Do you rely on laxatives? Pro-Biotik Bowel Transit works directly on the large intestines to reduce straining, bloating and pain while improving bowel function, bowel movement and stool consistency.
Pro-Biotik Chewable are for those who prefer a chewable version of their immunity probiotic formula. This 2-strain formula increases immune activity and chronic inflammation in the digestive system. It can e used every day to enhance your natural gut flora. It’s safe for kids too!
The gut microbiomes of infants are still developing, and even small digestive imbalances can have a significant impact. Pro-Biotik Infant Drops can provide relief from your child’s pain and reduce colic-related inflammation. Vitamin D is added to support the development of healthy bones and teeth.
Growing kids need probiotics too! Pro-Biotik Toddler to Teen is an easy-to-use, tasteless powder that can be added to water or other drink. It was created as a maintenance formula to reduce digestive upset symptoms (stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea) or boost the immune system during cold and flu season.
V Biotik Vaginal & UTI targets vaginal health. The vaginal microbiome is also home to billions of bacteria and is impacted by hormonal changes and stress. Two strains help repopulate and maintain the friendly infection-fighting bacteria. It has 200mg of cranberry extract per capsule to help prevent UTIs.
Note: There are a few cautions for some individuals in using probiotics. This includes those with a weakened immune system (i.e., going through chemotherapy), a critical illness or if there has been a recent surgery. Caution should always be used in giving probiotics to very sick infants. Consult your primary healthcare provider.