Quick Tip

I could be hours away from having a baby! Yesterday was my "guess date", so really, any time now we will welcome our baby boy. Today I have time for a quick health tip.

You may have heard the term "probiotics" and not known just what they are. They are incredibly important to your health. Here is a definition: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Probiotics can be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts, and other foods. Click HERE for more scientific info.

You can find probiotics in food sources such as yogurt, Kiefer, kelp, and certain fermented preparations. Today's quick tip is one that I read recently in a health magazine. Did you know that your body needs prebiotics to properly use probiotics? If you are reaching for your favorite yogurt or other probiotic preparation, here is an easy way to insure you are getting the full benefits of that yummy cultured treat. Add a teaspoon of ground up flaxseed meal. Flax naturally contains prebiotics, so by pairing it with your favorite probiotic beverage or food, you can be sure the healthy bacteria will be at work in your belly.

Although many food sources contain probiotics, be sure to get enough of these helpful bacteria in your system on a daily basis. Even if you eat cultured foods, it is a good idea to pick up probiotic capsules at your local healthfood store and take them regularly.

Here's to a healthy gut, and here's to your health!