What are probiotics and how are they best used?
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that belong in our digestive tract, from stem to stern. They protect us from unfriendly bacteria that would like to live in our gut (it’s warm, and there’s lots of food), but would make us sick if they did. They stimulate cells that line the insides of our digestive tract to make a protective covering called mucin, which prevents acids, enzymes, bacteria and abrasion from damaging our digestive tract. They also help prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Like enzymes, probiotics are destroyed when foods are processed or cooked. Since they are natural to our gut, they should be replaced. Probiotics may also be helpful against damage to the esophagus and stomach, but only if they are present in our mouth. Here they also protect against infections of the gums, teeth, sinuses, tonsils, inner ear canal, and tear ducts. Probiotics survive stomach acid and bile best if taken after meals. To use: 1) Open a capsule and dump the contents onto the tongue 2) Brush your teeth
