How important is beneficial bacteria?
There are upwards of one hundred trillion bacteria in the digestive system. A healthy balance of intestinal flora (bacteria) is considered integral to good health. The so-called friendly bacteria counteract unfriendly bacteria in the digestive process by: * aiding in the digestion of food * cleaning the intestinal tract * purifying the colon * promoting regular bowel movements * establishes a healthy balance of good bacteria in the intestinal tract: * balances the intestinal pH * promotes the destruction of molds, viruses and parasites * protects us from environmental toxins * increases the number of immune system cells * helps to manufacture vitamins and essential fatty acids * assists in maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels * breaks down and rebuilds hormones. With so many benefits, its easy to see that when the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the intestines has become skewed, a host of health problems may result.
