Why We Need Friendly Bacteria

Published: 08th December 2010
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Why We Need Friendly Bacteria

Friendly bacteria, probiotics are live microorganisms considered to be healthy for us - in fact we can all benefit from taking probiotics in the form of a health supplement as everyone needs probiotics. According to the new definition made by FAO/WHO, Live microorganisms which when administered offer a health benefit on the host. Most common types of microbes are Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria which are used as prebiotics, as well as other yeasts and bacilli are considered helpful. Probiotics are commonly consumed as fermented food with added live culture like yogurt, kefir and other dietary health supplements.

Optimum levels of good bacteria are essentially required to maintain a healthy digestive system. An average of 1 to 2kg of bacteria live in our large bowel? This is called our gut flora and includes over 400 different species of bacteria. In face, we have 10 times more bacterial cell than human cells! These bacteria are critical for normal development of the body; they help defend us against infections and are vital for our health.


Our residential bacteria are beneficial to our digestive system which also helps keep away bad bacteria. They contribute to helping your immune system function better; however their numbers can diminish for a variety of reasons. If numbers of good bacteria fall, an opportunity exists for more harmful bacteria to thrive. Reduced levels of good bacteria in the gut may be caused by:

  • Broad spectrum antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as harmful bacteria

  • Gastroenteritis and other inflammatory conditions

  • Diarrea

  • Low fibre diet

  • Fasting

  • Consumption of food or water with bad bacteria e.g. salmonella

  • Stress


Probiotics can help increase the number of good bacteria when balance between good and bad bacteria has been changed .Studies have shown that probiotics is useful for treating types of diarrhea like antibiotic associated diarrhea, traveller's diarrhea and diarrhea diseases found in young children caused by rotavirus. The most commonly studied probiotic species in these studies have been Lactobacillus GG, L. casei, B. bifidum and S. thermophilus. Because diarrhea is a major cause of infant death worldwide and can be incapacitating in adults, the widespread use of this health supplement could be an important, non-invasive means to prevent and treat these diseases, particularly in developing countries.


Probiotic bacteria has also been proven to preserve intestinal integrity as well as mediate effects of inflammatory bowel diseases, colitis, alcoholic liver disease and even irritable bowel syndrome. Lactic acid bacteria can also help intestinal mobility which reduces constipation, particularly for seniors.

A popular product is Medicines from Nature Floramax Pro Medical Strength 20 Billion which is available from Vitality Plus is a synbiotic acidophilus formula containing over 20 billion organisms per capsule, plus the prebiotic FOS to encourage proliferation of healthy bifidobacteria. Features the world renowned clinically proven DDS-1 strain of lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis. Probiotic bacteria can also alleviate symptoms of food allergies and other digestive issues. These products are an ideal companion for any treatment because anyone needs probiotics! Floramax Pro Synbiotic is a high-strength 20 Billion cell formula with both pre & probiotic action in a single once a day dosage.

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