Supplements

Millions of bacteria (flora) normally live in our gut. They help keep harmful bacteria at safe levels, help manufacture vitamins and their by-products nourish our large bowel. Because over 50% of our immune system lines our gut, having the right balance of gut bugs helps keep the right immune balance.

However, poor digestion, food reactivity - especially to wheat or dairy - and taking antibiotics can all upset this delicate balance. Probiotics (which means "for life") are good bacteria, taken by mouth, in large enough numbers to reinforce flora numbers in the large bowel. It is common to have 25 billion bacteria per dose and 2 doses daily is best for an adult, immediately after a full course of antibiotic therapy is complete. The key with probiotics is to take the right strain in large enough numbers for long enough for them to establish strong colonies. You may like to consider booster doses every 3 months or so.