what are probiotics?
Probiotic literally means "for life". Sometimes referred to as "live active cultures," probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that form a protective layer in our digestive tract. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Probiotics help to keep our digestive and immune systems functioning as nature intended.
To be effective, probiotics must be:
- Alive when administered
- Documented to have a health benefit
- Administered in sufficient amounts to have a benefit
While some of the probiotic products on the market do not have all three criteria, phd™ does — ensuring you are getting an effective dosage.
where do probiotics come from?
10% of the average human's body weight comes from beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in our digestive system. The probiotics we use are clinically discovered strains of bacteria that have been shown to have a positive impact on health. You can also ingest probiotics as naturally-occurring bacteria in fermented fruits and vegetables such as sauerkraut, miso, and kimchi, as well as in some yogurt and diairy products that have active cultures.
what benefits do probiotics offer?
There have been thousands of studies conducted on the benefits of probiotics by major U.S. and European institutions, and it is generally accepted that probiotics promote immune function and support a healthy digestive balance. Numerous additional studies are starting to uncover additional benefits of probiotics.
For more info about probiotics, visit Research, In the News, and FAQs
