Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits, especially to your digestive system. They are often referred to as “good bacteria”. The most common groups of probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, however, there are many different species within each strain.
While this may all sound a bit weird, our bodies are actually full of bacteria, both good and bad. Your gut specifically contains hundreds of different types of microorganisms – this is referred to as your “gut flora”. Your gut flora is essential for healthy digestion and is actually like an organ, performing many vital functions like manufacturing your vitamins K and B, helping your immune system and turning fibers into short-chain fatty acids which feed the gut wall and help your metabolism.
Your gut flora is highly sensitive; factors like stress and medications can cause it to become unbalanced, leading to poor gut function, bowel issues, diseases, even weight gain and depression. Consuming probiotics can help correct this balance, making sure that your gut is functioning optimally.
If you suffer from any of the following conditions that involve your digestive system, you may benefit from consuming probiotics:
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diarrhoea
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Eczema
• Urinary tract infections
• Persistent colds and flus
• Poor oral health
Probiotics can be obtained from foods that are prepared by bacterial fermentation such as yoghurt, tempeh, and kefir. Consuming these foods may benefit your digestive system and aid the above conditions. Cocobella Coconut Yoghurt contains the probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus and adding it to your diet each day will give your body these healthy probiotics that can aid digestive function and boost your overall health and well-being. Try adding some Cocobella Coconut Yoghurt to your smoothies or your muesli each morning and having some with a fruit salad snack or as a healthy dessert to reap the benefits of these probiotics.
