
07/22/2025
What are Probiotics? More Than Just "Good" Bacteria
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, often strains of lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. These microscopic helpers contribute significantly to a healthy gut, going beyond simple digestion.
Key Benefits of Probiotics:
• Supports a Healthy Intestinal Environment: Probiotics encourage a balanced gut flora, which is crucial for optimal intestinal health. They can compete with other bacteria to support the natural balance of the gut. Bifidobacteria, for instance, are naturally found in the colon, acidify their environment, and can utilize various carbohydrates for energy without producing gas.
• Enhances Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: Probiotic bacteria support digestion and can enhance the absorption of vital nutrients. They help improve nutrient digestion and absorption from your food.
• Promotes Healthy Bowel Function and Regularity: Probiotics aid in maintaining normal bowel regularity and consistency. Products like Zymex® Capsules (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/zymex-capsules) and Wafers specifically support a healthy pH range in the intestinal tract.
• Boosts Immune System Function: A significant portion of your immune system resides in your digestive tract (over 70 percent). Probiotics support the body's natural immune system function. Specific strains, like Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. casei 431®), are suggested to support the gut during challenges and help maintain the body’s natural immune system response function.
• Supports Mineral Absorption: Probiotics can help support the body's natural absorption of important minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Aids in Detoxification: By supporting overall intestinal health, probiotics indirectly contribute to the body's normal toxin-elimination function.
How Standard Process Supports Your Gut Health
Standard Process, a family-owned business for three generations, emphasizes whole food nutrient solutions, ensuring products are as close to nature as possible. They control the process from beginning to end, starting with raw materials from their certified organic farm.
• ProSynbiotic (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/prosynbiotic) : This product is a synergistic blend featuring four research-supported probiotic strains (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5®, Lactobacillus paracasei L. casei 431®, and Bifidobacterium BB-12®) along with two prebiotic fibers (inulin and galactooligosaccharides). Prebiotics act as food for the probiotic bacteria, helping them thrive.
• Lact-Enz (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/lact-enz) ®: This formula combines digestive enzymes with probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum) to provide comprehensive support for healthy digestion and immune system function.
• Prebiotic Inulin (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/prebiotic-inulin) : As an excellent source of fiber, Prebiotic Inulin directly encourages a healthy intestinal environment that benefits probiotic flora. It also supports calcium and magnesium absorption and promotes a healthy pH in the lower GI tract.
• Zymex® Capsules (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/zymex-capsules) and Wafers (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/zymex-wafers) : These products are designed to promote a healthy pH range in the intestinal tract, encouraging a healthy intestinal environment for proper gastrointestinal flora. For those who prefer not to swallow pills, Zymex® Wafers offer a chewable option.
• Epimune Complex (https://askdrstacy.standardprocess.com/products/epimune-complex) : Contains EpiCor®, a dried yeast fermentate, which in laboratory studies, has been shown to have a prebiotic effect, stimulating the growth of lactobacilli, beneficial gut bacteria.
From outside the Standard Process sources, products like BioDoph-7 Plus are also sources of healthy gut bacteria, useful for various conditions including acne. Additionally, ADP (standardized oregano extract) is noted for its utility in addressing fungal/yeast problems in the bowel, which can disrupt the gut's natural balance.
Also new from Biotics Research is: BioDoph-Fem™ is a once-daily dual-action probiotic formula targeting both women’s vaginal and gastrointestinal (GI) health.* This formula features highly researched probiotic strains that specifically support microbial balance in the vaginal and GI tracts.* It also promotes a normal vaginal pH, a healthy immune response, and a healthy gut-brain axis.* BioDoph-Fem™ features ASTARTE™, a proprietary blend of four unique strains typically found in a healthy vaginal microbiome to help support a balanced vaginal microbial population, along with CLEPIUS™, a patented strain of L.plantarum that provides natural relief from loose stools and digestive distress.*
Just as a gardener nurtures the soil to cultivate a vibrant garden, providing the right probiotics and prebiotics helps cultivate a flourishing internal environment, allowing your body to absorb nutrients, bolster defenses, and maintain harmony from within.
Make an appointment to get tested to see which of these is optimal for your gut biome at the moment.
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