If you’ve ever struggled with digestive disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, then you know how easily these symptoms can ruin your day.  Dealing with the strains of a turbulent stomach is uncomfortable to say the least, and if your symptoms are chronic, it’s even more of a pain.  For those struggling with more severe bowel problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and even Chron’s disease, it’s a daily struggle to keep a handle on symptoms and live a normal lifestyle.  The positive news is many are able to help regain balance within the digestive system the natural and easy way with the help of a certain bacteria known as probiotics.

You may be thinking, “But isn’t bacteria a bad thing?”  The answer is not necessarily, in fact, certain bacteria are helpful in balancing the colon.    Approximately 100 trillion microorganisms already live in our bowels, helping us to better absorb nutrients, guarding against bad bacteria and even helping to improve our immune function.

As experts continue their research in bacteria, it has been proven that live bacteria like probiotics work with us, not against us, in combating digestive disturbances.  According to experts, there are many health benefits of probiotics.  These may include assisting those with lactose intolerance, enhancing the immune system, re-balancing one’s digestive system after the use of antibiotics, managing relapse of certain inflammatory bowel conditions, decreasing the risk of some types of cancers, and even may improve vaginal health in women. 

As research continues, the market for probiotics has exploded in both supplement  and dairy form (yogurt is a great source of live bacteria).  As a Nutrition Coach who has been using probiotics for two years, I can honestly say that my digestion has never been better.  I’m less bloated with fewer instances of “stomach woes” and all the happier for it!  After struggling with “issues” for years, my new GI doctor recommended probiotics (for me, he specifically recommended Accuflora) as a natural therapy and it has been incredibly effective.  If you are struggling with digestive disturbances, or a bowel disease, or just interested in living a healthier lifestyle, I recommend that you speak to your doctor and see if probiotics can help you.  He or she can help determine what kind and how much probiotics will be most beneficial for you.

Live well.

My best,

Valerie Cogswell
Lead Nutrition Coach and Head Chef