by Mike Ventresca

Have you ever thought about the meaning of the word anti-biotic? It literally means against life. Isn’t it funny that when we’re sick, we’re often prescribed something that’s against life?  Now, of course, antibiotics play an important and necessary role in modern medicine, but these days I find myself talking more about how critical pro-biotics are.

Probiotics are the collection of beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut. They support every tissue, fluid and body function and are considered our primary immune response. In fact, more than 70% of our immune function is governed by this community of beneficial bacteria.

Probiotics are also critical to proper digestion and are even responsible for the creation of certain vitamins, like vitamin K2 (which is crucial to both cardiovascular and bone health). Simply put, the more we have of them the better we feel. And that’s why it’s important to know that everything from processed foods to stress to antibiotics kill them.

Now please don’t misunderstand, if an antibiotic is prescribed you should take it as directed. But according to many health experts, you should also take a probiotic alongside. This helps re-establish the good bacteria and optimize health. In fact, many natural health experts believe that probiotics are essential to good health and should be taken daily – regardless of antibiotic use.

So how do you choose among the many options available? I base my decision on three criteria: The number of strains, the total bacteria count and, perhaps most importantly, the base, or medium, the bacteria is in. While there are many excellent products available, I take All- Flora® by New Chapter. All-Flora is a high potency probiotic that offers a perfect base of whole foods, and soluble and insoluble fibers to help maximize performance, including enhanced immunity and improved digestion.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Healthstore located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440- 885-9505. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.