What EXACTLY are Probiotics?

Lowdown on Oral Probiotics

Probiotics are a hot topic in the media today. Want to be more “regular”? Try this yogurt with probiotics. Want to boost your immune health? Try another yogurt with probiotics known to support the immune system. In fact, yogurt has long been the delivery system for the beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. So, if you’re the average American who spends time on the Internet or watching TV, it’s likely you know a thing or two about probiotics.

So What Exactly ARE Probiotics?

Basically, probiotics are friendly bacteria.

There are literally billions of bacteria in the human body. Most of them are basically inert – they cause neither good or harm, they just hang out. Then, of course, there are the harmful bacteria. These are the buggers that cause things to go awry in your body. And, when they do, often the beneficial bacteria in your body keeps them from getting out of hand. If the beneficial bacteria in your body aren’t prepared to fight off the bad bacteria, you may end up with an infection and a prescription for antibiotics. That’s when the probiotics come in handy.

How Can Probiotics Help if I’ve Already Taken Antibiotics?

Taking probiotics while taking antibiotics can help curb the digestive effects caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics basically wipe out most of the good AND bad bacteria. Probiotics borough into the lining of the tissues of the body, and help keep the probiotic population thriving in the body.

What Other Benefits are Possible Using Probiotics?

There are beneficial bacteria throughout the body. Recent research has shown that not only are probiotics beneficial for digestive health, they can also affect your oral health. Researchers in Tampa, FL, have found that by blending three beneficial bacteria commonly found in very health mouths, the probiotics compete with harmful bacteria in the mouth for both space and nutrients. Once these beneficial bacteria have set up a solid base camp in the mouth, it’s much more difficult for the bacteria known to cause tooth decay, periodontal disease and bad breath to thrive.

Are Probiotics for You?

They sure are. Probiotics are for everyone. There are no contraindications for using probiotics.