Pre and Probiotics

The health of your digestive tract is influenced by many things, including the bacteria inside your gut. There are actually more than 400 different species of bacteria living inside your large intestine, however not all are beneficial. There is constant competition in our digestive system between good and bad bacteria and when the 'good' guys outweigh the 'bad' guys, you have a healthy gut.

What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are carbohydrates (fibre) that pass through the body undigested until they reach the colon. In the colon, prebiotics are fermented and become an important fuel source for the healthy bacteria in our gut. Traditional dietary sources of prebiotics include soybeans, inulin sources (such as Jerusalem artichoke, and chicory root), raw oats, unrefined wheat, and unrefined barley.

What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. The most common types of probiotics are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli spp. They are found in yogurts and fermented milk (such as Yakult). Probiotics are also available to consumers in the form of dietary supplements.

"Probiotics are designed to help replenish the healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract," says Brian Dixon, Ph.D, Director of Product Innovation at USANA Health Sciences. "This helps keep our digestive system properly functioning, ensures we maximize the nutrition from our food, and helps our bodies maintain a healthy immune system.

"Most people can benefit from taking pre and probiotic supplements, but I especially recommend them for those who travel on a regular basis, have been ill, and have less than ideal eating habits—all of which can take a toll on our bodies beneficial microflora."

USANA Probiotic
USANA's Probiotic is comprised of a unique 50/50 mixture of Bifidobacterium, BB-12® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, LGG®—two strains of probiotic bacteria that have been clinically proven to promote a natural balance of beneficial microflora in the gut. For further information on USANA Probiotic please click here.

Health-related benefits of Probiotics
Please see your personal doctor before taking Probiotics. Their potential health benefits include:

• Immunity boost
• Reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Treatment for diarrhoea
• Improved lactose intolerance
• Reduced risk of colon cancer

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Thanks to Dr. Brian Dixon, PhD , Director of Product Innovation of USANA and Susie Parker-Simmons MS, RD, MED
Sports Dietician and Physiologist, WTA Sports Nutrition Advisor

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