Home > Probiotics / Enzymes / Colon Cleansing > Probiotics / Intestinal Flora - Lactobacillus Acidophilus / Bifobacterium bifidium > General Probiotic Information Types of Probiotic Supplements Probiotics Uses & Scientific Evidence For Probiotics Supplement and Dosage Information Buy Probiotic Supplements and Information Books - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Probiotic Information Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria (intestinal flora) normally present in the digestive tract. These bacteria are required for proper digestion, the synthesis of Vitamin K, and the prevention of yeast infections and pathogen growth. If our intestinal flora becomes unbalanced due to the depletion of friendly bacteria it can result in a weakened immune system. Probiotic bacteria produces substances called bacteriocins which act as natural antibiotics, killing potentially harmful microorganisms. Two probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria by producing organic compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid. Probiotic bacteria is commonly found in cultured and fermented foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and umeboshi. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Probiotics Uses & Scientific Evidence For Scientific studies have shown that Bifidbacterium lactis, a particular strain of bifidobacteria found in milk, enhanced immune function in a group of healthy elderly people after six weeks of supplementation. Yogurt is said to have similar effects. Taking regular Probiotic supplements may also help prevent vaginal yeast infections and vaginitis. During bouts of diarrhea or for those with Crohns disease, the gastrointestinal tract becomes depleted of beneficial bacteria but taking Probiotic supplements on a regular basis will help replenish the beneficial bacteria and help prevent new infections. Preliminary studies have shown that Probiotics may also help remove toxins from the intestines and have a positive effect on reducing cholesterol levels. Beneficial bacteria supplements also work well in maintaining intestinal health during and after being on antibiotics. Probiotics can improve digestion, help treat ulcerative colitis, and help heal canker sores. It can also help reduce food allergies and is used in treating eczema. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Probiotics Supplement and Dosage Information Most often yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria; however, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency and some yogurts (especially frozen varieties) do not contain any live bacteria. Probiotics come in various forms such as powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form. There is no standard dose as the amount of probiotics needed to replenish the intestine varies according to the extent of microbial depletion and the presence of friendly bacteria. The most common forms of probiotic supplements are: Lactobacillus Acidophilus - is a friendly bacteria that supports the digestion of proteins, reduces fungus infestations, lowers blood cholesterol, aids general digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption. These are available in dairy and non-dairy forms, and all should be kept refrigerated before use. Should not be taken with antibiotics, but may be taken after completing antibiotic regimen to rebuild friendly bacteria levels. Deficiencies may result in bloating, constipation, intestinal toxicity, gas, malabsorption, candida or fungal infections. Bifobacterium bifidium - creates a healthy level of friendly intestinal bacteria that is important for the synthesis of B Vitamins and vitamin K. A deficiency of bifobacterium bifidium may result in constipation, gas, and high levels of ammonia from protein digestion, irritating the intestines, and after absorption, requiring detoxification by the liver. High levels of ammonia in the blood stream may cause a decrease in appetite, nausea or vomiting. Additional increases in histamine levels may trigger allergic symptoms. Bifobacterium bifidium may be used is a douche to fight yeast infections, or as an enema to fight bacteria and improve bowel function. Bifobacterium bifidium has shown to be useful in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis. Many experts prefer Bifobacterium bifidium for children and for adults with liver problems. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Probiotic Safety & Interaction Information People on antibiotics, those with poor diets, and those suffering from diarrhea are most likely to be deficient in beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses; however, it is best to consult with your physician for the recommended dose for your individual needs. It is possible that acidophilus and bifidobacteria may manufacture B vitamins, including niacin, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Available Probiotic Supplements Listed Below.