Probiotics are naturally found in the body and support the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, fight infection, and populate the digestive tract for healthy digestion. Probiotics also regulate inflammation and support immune function.

Probiotics have been in our system since birth. During delivery, infants are first exposed to beneficial bacteria from the mother, initiating development of the microbiome within the gastrointestinal tract.

As we age, the production of beneficial bacteria and immune system function may become compromised. Antibiotics, stress, poor diet, and environmental factors can disrupt microbial balance and contribute to digestive, metabolic, neurological, and immunological imbalances.

Probiotic supplementation may help replenish beneficial bacteria and support overall wellness. According to the National Institutes of Health, imbalances in intestinal flora may correlate with numerous health conditions. Restoring microbial balance is an important component of supporting overall health.

Balancing the Intestinal Ecosystem

We now know that intestinal flora plays an important role in health: stimulating the immune system, protecting the host, aiding digestion and assimilation of food. The condition and function of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to our well-being. After the respiratory tract, the GI tract constitutes the second largest body surface area, comparable in size to a tennis court. During a normal lifetime, about 60 tons of food passes through this canal. It is estimated to harbor about 100 trillion viable bacteria. This is approximately 10 times the total number of cells in the human body. These live bacteria account for around 2-3 lbs of a body's weight and are known as intestinal or gut flora. Viruses, fungi and protozoa can also be present, but these normally form only a minor component of the total resident population of microorganisms in healthy individuals.

The composition of the gastrointestinal flora differs among individuals, and also during life within the same individual. Many factors, such as diet, climate, aging, medication (especially antibiotics), illness, stress, pH, infection, geographic location, race, socioeconomic circumstances and lifestyle can upset this balance. Intestinal flora profoundly influence nutritional, physiologic and protective processes.

For optimum "gut flora balance," the beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, should predominate, presenting a barrier to invading organisms. The majority of the intestinal microflora in a healthy person should be good bacteria. The intestinal microflora provides protection against a broad range of pathogens as well as yeasts such as Candida albicans. The greater the imbalance, the greater the symptoms. The use of probiotics may be the most natural, safe and common sense approach for keeping the balance of the intestinal ecosystem.

How Do Probiotics Work?

Probiotics help modulate the composition of intestinal microflora. The survival and activity of probiotics throughout the gastrointestinal tract depends on the strain, dosage, and frequency of use.

Regular use of probiotics may help maintain beneficial microbial balance and support digestive and immune health.

Qualities of an Effective Probiotic

Our custom probiotic formulations in capsule and powder forms are designed to meet these important requirements.

We do not use prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or inulin in our formulations. Instead, we recommend obtaining these compounds naturally from vegetables such as onions, garlic, asparagus, dandelion, artichokes, and leeks.

Health Benefits

Probiotics are widely used throughout the world and continue to be studied extensively for their potential role in supporting digestive, immune, metabolic, and overall wellness.

Research into probiotics has accelerated significantly as interest grows in natural approaches that support microbial balance and reduce dependence on excessive antibiotic use.

For more information on probiotic health benefits please click here.

Dosage

The degree of bacterial imbalance within the digestive system may influence the dosage required for optimal results. Dosage recommendations vary between individuals.

We recommend gradual increases in probiotic dosage. Because every person’s microbiome is unique, appropriate dosage should be determined individually.

For dosage suggestions please click here.

Explore More Probiotic Resources

For additional information about our high-potency formulations, explore our probiotic products, including CP-1 probiotics, D-Lactate Free probiotics, Six Strain probiotic powder, and 11 Strain probiotics.

Learn more about Lactobacillus Acidophilus probiotics, Bifidobacteria Bifidum probiotics, and our selection of single strain probiotics formulated to support digestive and microbiome health.

Parents looking for probiotics for younger individuals can also explore our Infant & Children probiotics and probiotic yogurt starter options.

For additional educational resources, visit our scientific references, Frequently Asked Questions, and probiotics blog.