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It might not be the most pleasant thing to think about, but we all have billions of bacteria living on and in us. Some are bad and some are good. The good ones help keep the bad ones in check, and work with our bodies to digest food, help our blood clot, and keep our immune systems happy.

A very large part of our immune system is in our gut; the surface area of our digestive tract is as about as big as a football field so we need alot of protection there! If we have good bacteria, or probiotics, in our digestive tract, then we have a happy immune system.

My friends, family and patients have all benefited from eating foods with probiotics or taking a probiotic supplement. I once had a family of patients who would get the flu almost every season each year. By simply adding a probiotic supplement and adjusting their diet slightly, they’ve significantly reduced their share of the seasonal catch.

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria can be found in yogurt with “active” or “live” cultures, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kim chi, and other food sources. There are many different strains, and they all have their own function. Probiotic supplements can be found in health food stores, but you’ll find a higher quality at your naturopathic healthcare provider’s office. Be sure to refrigerate your probiotics, and as always check with your healthcare practitioner before taking one.

Probiotics are easy to take with your other vitamins, and can significantly boost your immune system to keep you healthy as we head into the last few months of the year. For more information about what probiotics or other vitamin supplements might be good for you, call us!