Probiotics beyond the gut

Probiotics, unlike antibiotics, promote life and healthy intestinal balance. The most direct effect these good bacteria have on the human body is in the digestive tract. These bacteria help with the production and absorption of nutrients, stave off unwanted invaders, help with gut tissue repair and may help restore regularity of bowel motions to name but a few of their many tasks. However, researchers and regular users report benefits beyond digestive improvements when taking high quality probiotics, but how do probiotics benefit organs so far away from where they reside?

Probiotics and bone health

With improved bowel health, absorption of nutrients including minerals essential for bones, such as calcium and magnesium, is enhanced. Probiotics also manufacture vitamin K, an activator of calcium deposition into bones. Prebiotics, special dietary fibres that feed the good bacteria, have also been shown to increase calcium and magnesium absorption, increasing bone flexibility and resilience.

Cardiovascular health and Probiotics

Elevated cholesterol levels have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A number of studies have shown that probiotics support the reduction of cholesterol by 22-33%! The exact means by which probiotics do this is not yet completely understood, however the theory that probiotics affect the breakdown of bile salts is probably the most likely mechanism. Probiotics, specifically the lactobacilli strains, have also been shown to support healthy systolic blood pressure.

Probiotics and the genitourinary tract

The female genitalia naturally contains small amounts of friendly bacteria that are of utmost importance in maintaining genital health. The lactobacilli strains, the most predominant in this body region, create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of bad microorganisms that are potential culprits in conditions such as thrush, vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Tipping the scales of bacteria population towards the favourable type helps reduce the effects of the detrimental microbial bandits.

Probiotics as an adjunct to cancer therapy?

Knowledge in this area is preliminary, however, probiotics appear to potentially assist in the battle against cancer. Perhaps the most intriguing way is through their ability to support health in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Choose only the best

Nature’s Way® Primadophilus® range offers age specific probiotic products alongside the specialised preparations Primadophilus® Reuteri and Primadophilus® Optima. Primadophilus® products are available as powders, enteric coated capsules and shelf-stable pearls. The entire range is endorsed by Natures Way® True Guarantee™, a promise to provide you and your family nothing but the highest quality probiotic product, every time.

Probiotics may not yet be considered “essential to life” like vitamins and minerals, however mounting evidence shows that probiotics are essential for optimal health as they support many vital body functions and help prevent illness and certain diseases. Research is now proving that these “friendly gut residents” may be of importance for more than just sound bowel motions.