Probiotics – A Natural Laxative and More

Human knowledge about the benefit of probiotics (as a natural laxative and to help with other issues) has been found as early as the 7th century BC. Yet, these tiny microbial helpers are just starting to get real attention in the scientific community because of the plethora of studies indicating their beneficial role in a variety of human health conditions. Literally meaning “pro life”, probiotics were definitively defined by the World Health Organization in 2001 as “live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”

The National Institute of Health has realized the complexity and importance of probiotics. The recently launched Human Microbiome Project (HMP) aims to understand all the different microbial cells in the human body – no small feat considering that they outnumber human cells in our body by at least 10 to 1!

While research is still on-going, scientists have already found the following fascinating areas that probiotics benefit human health.

Probiotic Benefits

Lactose Intolerance – though many probiotics are cultured in a milk base, there is also evidence that they can help reduce lactose intolerance. Scientists think this is because high levels of lactase (which breaks down lactose) have been shown to be released by probiotics in yogurt when they are broken down by bile in the digestive tract. Bifidobacterium Longum in particular was shown to have a positive effect at reducing lactose intolerance. This species of bacteria has also been been useful for constipation relief – it serves as a natural laxative by increasing the water content of feces – making for softer and more comfortable bowel movements.

Protection Against Infection – while not fully understood how they do so, scientists do know that probiotics protect our body from a whole range of harmful bacteria. Take Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria that releases toxins and is found in higher amounts in the elderly. Supplementation with probiotics has been found to reduce levels of these bacteria in the intestines. Probiotics have also been shown in animal studies to provide protection from Salmonella, and E. Coli.

Probiotics as a Natural Laxative – natural and holistic constipation remedies can be difficult to find for the average consumer, but probiotics appear to be an increasingly smart choice. A variety of studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the gas and bloating associated with chronic constipation. Evidence also shows that probiotics can reduce the transport time of waste through the colon, which can help with feelings of incomplete evacuation. Some attribute this to the short-chain fatty acids that probiotics produce while in your colon. These acids act as food for the colon walls and promote stronger peristaltic action. Finally, as mentioned earlier, probiotics serve as a natural laxative by increasing the water content of stool.

The next generation of natural laxative

StayRegular incorporates probiotics into its holistic formulation to provide comfortable and safe constipation relief. StayRegular has 8 different probiotic species associated with constipation treatment and provides a whopping 12 billion Colony Forming Units per serving – more than many stand-alone probiotic products.

These probiotics are just one part of our quad action formula that provides innovative fiber for bulk and pre-biotic support, herbs to promote bile flow for digestive comfort, and essential vitamins and minerals to soften stools. If you want safe and effective relief for occasional or chronic constipation, look no further than StayRegular.