Page 24 - Top Cover Issue 9

24 TOP COVER ISSUE 9

HEALTH & FITNESS

HOW WE COULD

ALL BENEFIT FROM

PROBIOTICS

robiotics are basically use of fermented foods like sauerkraut,
WRITTEN BY JUSTIN CONWAY micro-organisms that ideally including a small amount of
www.gojinutrition.com reside in our intestines fermented food in your dietary intake
and are a completely each and every day. Obviously this
natural part of our isn’t always convenient or possible, and
body’s defence system. that’s when a good quality probiotic
These are the ‘good’ supplement can provide additional
Pbacteria that help support.
fight and keep in check the number of Research into the positive effects of
pathogenic micro-organisms and harmful probiotic supplementation has been
bacteria that can cause numerous health extensive and has shown great benefits
problems. for an array of health conditions ranging
The word probiotic comes from the from asthma, allergies, digestive and
Greek words pro, meaning ‘promoting’ bowel disorders, skin problems and
and biotic, meaning ‘life’. Sounds pretty urinary infections. By adding in more
important then eh? And so they are. healthy bacteria you can literally crowd
Their main role, as they inhabit the out the bad bacteria’s ability to thrive,
intestines, is to aid digestion and assist in inhibiting its ability to cause infection,
vital nutrient absorption, contributing to inflammation and disease.
proper immune function. By improving digestion and nutrient
If you suffer from any regular ill absorption probiotics ensure your body
health or ailments such as acne, eczema, functions properly by receiving vital
rashes, hives, diarrhoea, irritable bowel vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids
syndrome or other bowel disorders, from the foods you are eating. They are
or your daily routine is riddled with also required for generating certain B
depression, irritability, anxiety and stress, and K vitamins, foliates and short chain
it is most likely due to poor digestion fatty acids.
and nutrient absorption linked to an If you have ever taken antibiotics you
imbalance or lack of good bacteria. have more than likely depleted your good
The best method of improving any of bacteria to very low, ineffective levels.
these conditions and rebalancing your If we look back once again to Greek
gut flora is to replenish it through the meanings, antibiotics literally translates