By Dr. Edward Rowe

Antibiotics are one of the wonders of the 20th century.  They have been used to save millions of lives in both war and peace.  However, antibiotics have certain limitations and their use and misuse can cause problems.

For example, "wide-spectrum" antibiotics don't distinguish between the beneficial and the non beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract.  They eliminate beneficial bacteria as well as non beneficial bacteria. Such indiscriminate elimination of friendly bacteria is a good reason why we should use antibiotics as rarely as possible, and only when very necessary. 

Another problem involved in the excessive use of antibiotics is that a number of hostile microorganisms have developed partial or total resistance to some antibiotics, which for that reason may not be very effective.

When the use of antibiotics inhibit the presence and normal multiplication of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, unfriendly bacteria from outside the body can seize the opportunity to invade the digestive tract and multiply in high numbers, thus disturbing the delicate healthy balance between the beneficial and the non beneficial bacteria.

The War Within

It is important to understand that the presence of a controlled content of hostile bacteria is normal and good for health maintenance.  This is because beneficial bacteria gain strength and effectiveness while combating non beneficial bacteria.

Any army that is combat experienced has gained combat effectiveness and strength through that combat. A tree in a windy location has deeper roots than trees in a windless location.  In the minuscule world of bacteria, the same principle holds. The beneficial bacteria gain strength through their combat with the invading hostile bacteria. 

Importance of Balance

The health related issue is balance. As long as the beneficial bacteria maintain predominance in the intestinal tract, the health of the body is supported.

Healthy bacterial balance in the intestines may be upset by the use of oral contraceptives, steroids, frequent exposure to radiation through x-rays, excessive consumption of chlorinated water, too much refined sugars and other refined foods, poor digestion, poor elimination of waste, prolonged stress, and an unhealthy diet.

If bacterial imbalance becomes extreme beyond a point of no return, simply introducing friendly bacteria in large numbers may not resolve the situation because a seriously unbalanced colonic condition has already been created. Such a condition is conducive to the proliferation of hostile bacteria, which may gain predominance with undesirable results.

Probiotics to the Rescue

The poor dietary habits in modern societies are well documented.  And, as we have noted, there are the multiple ways that the volume of beneficial bacteria in the intestines can be reduced beyond healthy norms.  For these good reasons most people can benefit from taking a variety of Probiotic supplements that re-colonize their intestinal tract, enhance their immune system, and promote good health.

Excellent Probiotic supplements also aid in the removal of toxins produced in the colon by non beneficial bacteria.  With the consumption of quality Probiotics, these beneficial bacteria reside in the GI tract for an extended period of time.  There they flourish, coexist and cooperate synergistically with the pre-existing bacteria such as the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains that inhabit the intestinal walls and aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with beneficial bacteria is important. As the body ages, and as many factors in modern society favor the proliferation of non beneficial bacteria, the addition of billions of friendly, beneficial bacteria to the intestinal tract can help to make the difference with your health.

To maximize the benefits of Probiotic supplementation, use one product for three or four months, then switch to another.  The use of three or four different Probiotic supplements each year will introduce a wider variety of beneficial bacteria to your system, with positive results.  This website features a wide variety of excellent Probiotic supplements from which to make your selections.

The current emphasis on Probiotics for health is overdue. Excellent Probiotic supplements are readily available, and are not very expensive.  Supplement your diet with Probiotics that are available on this website, and you’ll be happy with the results.

A good slogan is “All Probiotics All the Time.”