Are probiotics useful
As a healthcare provider, I get this question often and my simple answer to it is, “yes.” When speaking with my patients parents about probiotics I explain it this way, “probiotics help to replenish the good bacteria in the gut.” Simple. The next statement from the parent is usually, “Bacteria! Why do I want to put bacteria in my child’s stomach? Bacteria in bad!” From there, I go on to explain the difference between good and bad bacteria. There really is a difference. All bacteria is not created equal. Good bacteria in the human body mostly lives in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI), and more specifically in the gut. Good bacteria in the gut helps our body to digest food and absorb nutrients, help to keep the amount of bad bacteria down as well as, they help to stimulate the immune system to help our body fight off harmful pathogens. Did you know that the gut is referred to as the second brain? It’s true! That explains how important it is to keep our gut in optimal health. Scientists have also found that there is a strong connection between the human brain and the gut. This is referred to as the Gut-Brain connection. There has been evidence to show that there are links between digestion, mood, health and the way we think. Most people may find it odd if their healthcare provider refers them to a mental health provider and a “stomach doctor” to manage their mental health diagnosis. This is because, as mentioned before, our gut play’s a huge role in our overall well being.
I’m sure you’ve heard the statement, “you are what you eat.” Some don’t believe it but what we eat (and put on our body, listen to, and watch) can negatively or positively affect us. A lot of health conditions can be dramatically improved or even reversed if more attention is placed on our diet. Sadly, the importance of a healthy diet or the basics of food and nutrition is not something that most healthcare providers are taught during their schooling.
Fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, kimchi and chocolate are all good sources of good bacteria. For all of you beer drinkers, beer also contains good bacteria. Buttermilk, yogurt and cheeses with live active cultures like Parmesan, Swiss and Gouda all contain sources of good bacteria.
Probiotics are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so that means they are not all created equal. Because of this, the amount of good bacteria in a product, the type of good bacteria in a product, its efficacy and safety cannot be validated. It is always best practice to research the probiotic and the company that produces it and to speak with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
I love doTERRA‘s PB Assist Jr. Probiotic Powder. It is designed for children (4 years old +) and adults. It includes 5 billion live cells of 6 different probiotic strains. And might I add, it tastes GREAT! My 4 year old son loves to take his PB Assist Jr. and asks for it every morning. If you’re thinking about taking a probiotic, or want to get your child/children started on taking probiotics I recommend doTERRA’S PB Assist Jr. (ages 4 years old and above) or doTERRA’s PB Assist + capsules (for adults).
Click on the links below to learn more about doTERRA’s PB Assist Jr. and PB Assist +
doTERRA PB Assist Jr. (4 years old +)
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/pb-assist-jr
doTERRA PB Assist + (Adults)
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/p/digestzen-pb-assist
AMG
This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.