Hi Nicole.
When we talk about probiotics we are referring to supplements which help re-establish the good bacteria in the body. In our gut, and actually anywhere you have mucosal membrane (lungs, intestines, vagina, nose sinuses...etc.) there are billions of bacteria and fungus that fight for space. When the good bacteria is kept in check, you body functions more effectively. Your immune system does not go into hyper-drive when the normal flora or micro-flora is balanced. many things can throw this delicate balance off...steroids, anti-biotics, birth-control, diabetes, a high sugar diet.....even genetics can play a role in the way your body keeps the flora in balance.
Because the average cfer, is on many abs in his/her lifetime, we are at a distinct disadvantage. Not only are we constantly obliterating the good and bad bacteria by antibiotic usage, but because we are on them so often, the good flora never really gets a chance to re-establish itself. So, you have killed all the good and bad bacteria, and now the yeast that was being kept in check by all the good and bad bacteria, has a chance to proliferate or grow unchecked. Nowadays, researchers are realizing that this good bacteria is essential in protecting us from all forms of pathogenic bacteria (such as pseudo) and fungus.
I could go on for days about how probiotics have helped me. I had terrible allergies and I took allergy shots....what a whip.....after being on anti-fungals and probiotics, I don't have to take shots anymore. I was deathly allergic to dust-mites, cats, and all grasses.....and bam, I don't even take zyrtec anymore.......
Why? My only guess is that my immune system is not on hyper-drive anymore....my body does not see everything as an enemy.
I have included a link from med-line search that should let you see a few articles from respected research facilities about the importance of probiotics. One is about cf children and bowel inflammation...inflammatory markers in the cf gut were dramatically reduced by probiotic supplementation. Another talks about how mice with probiotic supplementation were able to clear pseudomonas better than other mice.
It's important to take them.....
mandy
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