Good health starts in the gut. An imbalance between good and bad organisms in the digestive tract can lead to poor digestion, discomfort in the gut and many illnesses develop as a result of prolonged imbalances in the gut. The entire gut lining is replenished every 4 days, so continual supplementation for probiotics is key for great health.
Most people have less than optimal digestive systems, leading to poor absorption of nutrients and allowing harmful bacteria to multiply in the body. The digestive system contains beneficial micro-organisms and enzymes that break down and absorb nutrients from food and acts as a barrier against infections in the intestines.
Probiotics are “live microorganisms, indigenous to the human intestinal tract, which when consumed in adequate quantities improve the intestinal microbial balance and positively affect the functioning of the human intestinal tract and general health”.
Probiotic means ‘for life’ in Greek. These friendly micro-organisms, when taken in adequate amounts, form the core of nutritional supplements, as their use positively influences the whole body and your overall health.
Probiotics frequently questions and answers
Q: Why do we need probiotics?
A: New research is published daily on the numerous benefits of probiotics, from better digestion to improved brain function and immune system. The constant sanitising, stress and infections that we are exposed to, destroy our friendly bacteria and if we do not replace them we leave the door open for all the bad bacteria. In some cases, covid and/or the vaccination could affect the good gut bacteria.
Q: How long after taking it will I experience a change?
A: Depending on the level of depletion, it can take a month before your system settles to a new normal.
Q: Are there side-effects?
A: Some people may experience bloating or diarrhoea because their digestive system is not used to good bacteria. This normally takes ten to fourteen days to settle.
Q: Is there interaction with medication?
A: There are no known interactions with medication. However, it may improve the condition for which you are being treated.
Q: When is best time to take probiotics?
A: Probiotics are most effective when they have been taken on an empty stomach to make sure the good bacteria make it to the gut as quickly as possible. The best time to take a probiotic is either first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night.
Q: Why does it not contain a prebiotic?
A: The capsule space occupied by a prebiotic can be used better with extra probiotic strains. By eating a small apple or banana before taking the capsule is equal to a prebiotic.
Q: Can I take it with antibiotics?
A: Yes, in fact we suggest that you do. Antibiotics can be effective in treating bad bacteria, but it also wipes out good bacteria. Taking probiotics like OptiFlora+ is beneficial to replenish good bacteria in the gut. Take probiotics at least 1 hour after antibiotics.