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The power of probiotics

In addition to digestion, your gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays many roles that can profoundly affect your overall health. In fact, 70% of the cells in your body’s immune system are located in the GI tract.

Anything that undermines the health of your GI tract—such as a high-fat/low-fiber diet, food intolerance, certain medications, chronic stress, or nutritional deficiencies—can disrupt the GI function and potentially impact many aspects of your health.
Fortunately, certain probiotics, or “friendly” bacteria, can help prevent GI tract inflammation and irritation that may cause:

• Abdominal cramping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Probiotics: Natural “Bad” Bacteria Fighters
Probiotics, discovered just over a century ago, are naturally occurring “good” bacteria found in the human colon. They play an important role in preventing the colonization and proliferation of harmful bacteria in the GI tract, helping to restore the beneficial balance of bacteria. Unfortunately, unhealthy eating habits, overuse of antibiotics, and environmental pollutants can influence, and in some cases, reduce the presence of these natural cushions against infection and GI inflammation and distress.

Science-Based Relief for GI Inflammation
Scientific research has shown that various probiotic strains offer different benefits by supporting specific GI tract activities. For example:
Lactobacillus plantarum is particularly effective in:

• Addressing bacterial imbalances in the GI tract
• Guarding against inflammation and irritation of the GI lining, and
• Relieving cramping, diarrhea, and constipation

This makes L. plantarum an ideal for many complaints associated with GI inflammation or distress. When taking any probiotic, however, make sure you ask for scientifically tested, purity-certified strains, which offer guaranteed potency at the date of expiration (listed on the bottle), rather than the date of manufacture.

If you suffer from symptoms that may be associated with intestinal irritation or inflammation, schedule an appointment so we can discuss whether L. plantarum, or another probiotic strain, is right for you.