What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a combination of live ‘good’ microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi and protozoa) and exist naturally in all aspects of life - for example inside the body, on the skin, in the air, and in the soil.  They are in fact vital to all living things.

The digestive tract is home to colonies of microorganisms referred to collectively as the intestinal flora or microflora.  Interactions between these microorganisms give rise to either good health or disease, hence maintaining the balance of these colonies promotes optimal functioning of the body.  

When the gut is balanced, food digestion and immune function are optimised; however when the balance is disturbed, some microorganisms produce toxins that are harmful to the digestive tract, compromising overall health.

Probiotic supplements are a way of manipulating microorganism populations to help maintain a healthy balance which, in turn, provide health benefits for the whole body.   Taken regularly, these supplements can help maintain a healthy gut microflora, supporting optimal digestion and protecting a healthy gut lining.  

Probiotics achieve this balance by:

• protecting against toxins produced by harmful bacteria, binding these toxins before they can harm other cells
• competing with harmful bacteria to inhibit their survival and growth as well lowering the pH of the gut, making it harder for harmful bacteria to survive
• stimulating immune cells to produce antibodies which further block harmful bacteria, bolstering natural barriers against infection.