Why probiotics should be part of your routine in 2018
At the turn of the calendar, many people begin taking action
on what they plan to accomplish in the new year. Some have resolved
to take up a new hobby, to save more money, to travel and,
of course, to improve their health.
New eating plans and gym memberships are common steps people
take toward their health goals, but there are other effective ways
to improve your health - like adding probiotics to your daily regimen.
You’ve likely heard of probiotics before, but do you know
how they benefit your health and how to select the right one for
you?
What is a probiotic?
Before delving into how probiotics can help your body, let’s first
explain what they actually are. In the simplest terms, probiotics are
the good bacteria (live microorganisms) that live inside your digestive
tract and help your body to function properly. There are many
different types of probiotics, and each one performs a different
function in your digestive system.*
The billions of bacteria that live inside your digestive tract are
often called “microflora,” or more correctly, “microbiota,” and the
environment that they work together to create inside the body is
called the microbiome. Maintaining proper balance within your microbiome
is crucial for overall health.*
How do probiotics help?
The beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract are influenced by
a variety of factors such as stress, medication use, traveling and
poor diet. Therefore, it is important to prioritize diet and lifestyle to
maintain proper gut ecology. Probiotics are also effective for maintaining
healthy populations of beneficial bacteria. Numerous clinical
studies have shown probiotics have positive effects on health,
including assisting in the digestion of food and the absorption of
nutrients and contributing to immune system health. Some studies
have suggested that certain beneficial strains may also support
brain function.*
Probiotics in your diet
Probiotics are found in many foods you may enjoy every day including
yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. However, due to food processing
and packaging, maintaining the stability and potency of the
live beneficial bacteria in these foods can be a challenge. Including
probiotic supplements in your routine ensures a consistent dose to
help you and your family maintain optimal health.*
Finding the right probiotic supplement for you
Probiotic supplements can help support health at any age - from
infancy to adulthood. When it comes to selecting the probiotics for
you and your family, the best options are those that are formulated
based on clinical research. Genestra Brands offers a comprehensive
line of clinically studied, effective probiotic strains that have been
recommended by doctors for more than 20 years. With more than
25 gluten-free, non-GMO formulas, Genestra Brands’ probiotics
offer personalized support to help make your New Year’s resolution
of becoming a healthier you that much easier.*
Before you begin taking any type of probiotic, speak with your
doctor and/or pharmacist about whether they are safe and right
for you.
To learn more about probiotics designed with you in mind, visit
genestrahmf.com. (BPT)
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Four tips to prevent Aneurysms and improve vascular health
When it comes to vascular health, Dr. Robert Rhee, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center is the
expert. He shared with us some great tips for staying on top of your vascular health.
Quit smoking: When it comes to heart health, Dr. Rhee says the number one thing you can do is cut back on smoking – or quit
altogether.
“One of the tips related to heart health and, in particular, preventing Aneurysm ruptures or Aneurysm growths is to quit or cut down on
smoking,” he said. “Smoking one pack a day is not good but smoking half a pack or no cigarettes at all will significantly improve a
person’s chances of not developing these type of vascular problems.”
Get screened: When it comes to vascular health and, in particular, preventing Aneurysms, Dr. Rhee recommends that anyone who has
high blood pressure, is a male and is over the age of 65 should get screened – especially for Aneurysms.
“The problem is that Aneurysms don’t cause symptoms until it’s too late,” he said, “so it’s best to get ahead and get screened before
they become a problem.”
Weigh your risk factors and pay attention to family history: Do you smoke? Are you over the age of 65? Even if you’re not, Dr. Rhee
says, you could still be at risk. “Risk factors like smoking, hypertension or heart disease, all of this could lead to vascular issues – and
so can your genetics,” he said. “If you have family members who’ve had or have died from an Aneurysm be it in the belly or somewhere
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else, you might want to also get screened. There’s a lot of genetics involved with Aneurysm formation. All of these risk factors
can add up so it’s important to get screened so that you can detect these life threatening instances before they become a problem.”
Keep control of your cholesterol: Alongside high blood pressure, high cholesterol can also be a major red flag. “Controlling your
cholesterol is very key,” said Dr. Rhee. “Decreasing the level of cholesterol you have in your body can help prevent the growth of any
Aneurysms.”
Check for symptoms: While there are usually no symptoms for Aneurysm ruptures (in most cases, Dr. Rhee says by the time there are
signs, it’s already too late), your body may show signs of other related issues, such as blockages or mini-strokes. “If you experience
numbness in your hands, vision loss, crampy pain in your legs as you’re walking – any of these things – you should see a vascular
specialist,” he said, adding that the first thing a patient who suspects they have any of these issues should do is see their family doctor.
“From there, the doctor can assess the risk factors and send you to a vascular surgeon for further testing.”
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