Multibionta Heath® Enchancer

Probiotics play an important role in the health of our digestive system. They also promote the natural balance of the gut flora and, in this way, support our immune system.

The function of the digestive system is to transform food into small nutrients that can easily be absorbed by the body. The process of transforming food into nutrients is known as digestion. If the digestive process is not operating as it should be and breaking food down into nutrients then this can have an effect on the whole body, its functioning and therefore on overall wellbeing.

In human beings the intestinal microflora contains about 100,000 billion bacteria belonging to 400 different species. This microflora plays an important role in the digestive process and can be stimulated by micro-organisms such as probiotics.

The human body uses the immune system to defend against harmful types of bacteria and infections. Probiotics form a line of defence against the harmful bacteria that inhabits our bodies. By doing this, probiotics help to support our immune and digestive systems.

The intestinal microflora is involved in the chemical digestion of various substances. The process of the substances being broken down by the intestinal microflora is important because the nutrients are then used by the body for energy and immune support.

What do Consumers currently think about Probiotics?

New survey conducted in June 2011 highlights some of the misconceptions about Probiotics and Professor Glenn Gibson puts the record straight.

Key Statistics

• Only 21% of people surveyed currently take probiotics
• 46% would consider taking a probiotic supplement
• 54% of people do not think that probiotics should be taken every day
• Only 26% realise that everyone could benefit from taking a daily probiotic
• 25% of people surveyed did not know what health benefits probiotics offer
• 83% of participants were unaware that stomach acid can reduce the number of probiotics

Q&A with Prof Gibson

I get enough probiotics by having them once or twice a week

Prof Gibson says, “When used regularly probiotics help to increase the beneficial bacteria already found within the body and balance the natural gut flora. Probiotics help to support our immune and digestive systems

It’s best to have probiotics at the start of the day

“Many people take their probiotics in the morning which is absolutely fine,” says Prof Gibson. “However people should make sure to leave at least 30mins after consuming a hot drink such as tea/coffee as hot liquids will destroy the beneficial bacteria.”

I should look for the greatest number of probiotic cultures when selecting a probiotic

“This is an important factor,” says Prof Gibson, “however there are a number of other factors to consider such as the number of probiotic strains and how many probiotic cultures will be reduced in the stomach environment. Some probiotic supplements have a protective coating which helps to ensures the beneficial bacteria reaches the right places

I’ll benefit immediately from taking probiotics

Prof Gibson says, “To experience optimum health benefits from probiotics these should be taken on a continual basis, ideally for at least three months. Probiotics offer a whole host of health benefits and they can be taken every day.”

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

Probiotics help restore the gut flora after a course of antibiotics

Antibiotics kill bacteria, but aren't smart enough to only target the harmful bacteria that are causing the illness. Antibiotics kill friendly bacteria too. Thus, antibiotics disturb the gut flora.

After treatment with antibiotics, you might wish to replenish the friendly bacteria in the gut flora by taking probiotics. Regenerating the gut flora helps support the immune system.