Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ - 60 V-Caps + BONUS

Stress and the Gut

Stress is usually thought of as a negative factor in our daily lives but it is necessary part of life. Without stress life becomes boring. The key to stress, as with everything else in life, is balance. Enough to keep you interested but not enough to become overwhelmed. Individuals have different thresholds for stress. What is seen as stressful to one person may not be stressful to another.

The stress response is the body's way of preparing for action. As our species evolved it kept us safe, allowing us to fight for survival, or to flee from dangerous situations. The sympathetic nervous system response involves increased heart rate, blood pressure and adrenal output, as well as increased blood flow to the brain, muscles, lungs and heart. Those organs that are not needed to fight or flee receive less blood flow, for example, the digestive organs. This response is very efficient for a short period of time but it is meant to be used sparingly.

We often ignore the first signs of stress, such as headaches and insomnia, and use medication to stop the symptoms. We use stimulants, like caffeine, to allow ourselves to keep working when the body is trying to tell us to slow down. The masking of stress symptoms eventually causes the body to breakdown.

Emerging science is showing a link between gut and brain health. Dr. Perlmutter created this unique formula with clinically studied probiotics, Organic Ashwagandha and Organic Blueberries to support emotional well-being and relaxation.

The Types of Friendly Bacteria

In general, probiotics can be categorized by where they are used in the body. For example, there are friendly bacteria, which only grow in the small intestine and those that proliferate only in the large intestine (colon). But, believe it or not, beneficial bacteria exist in the mouth, urinary tract, stomach, vagina, and even on the surface of the skin. Certain strains colonize certain areas of the body more easily than others. More specific information can be seen below.

What to Look for in a Probiotic

There are literally thousands of probiotic supplements available in health food stores today; with so many available it can be difficult to know which one is best for you or your family. A multi-strain probiotic is frequently the best way to go for most people. This type of probiotic can supply you with at least 6, 8 or even as many as 10 or 20 different strains of healthy bacteria. Your body naturally contains a wide variety of strains, so it makes sense to take a supplement with as broad a spectrum as possible. This will give you the greatest coverage to replenish or maintain the natural gut flora. The greater the diversity, the greater the strength of your body's flora.

SPECIES OF PROBIOTIC

Lactobacillus
Probably the most commonly known probiotic available on the market, Lactobacillus has a number of health benefits. There are four major species of Lactobacillius that are commonly supplemented: acidophilus, rhamnosus, casei, and plantarum. Each has its own unique beneficial effects, although all share the common digestive, immune and cell supporting benefits provided by Lactobacilli in general.

Bifidobacteria
This genus of bacteria is another group of lactic acid bacteria that also colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina. These are the species of bacteria that make up the vast majority of the digestive flora in infants, and some species may be the first beneficial microorganisms to be introduced to our guts through our mother's breast milk. In addition to the benefits common to most probiotics, certain strains of Bifidobacteria are particularly able to help reduce allergies and help to prevent and treat Irritable Bowel Sydrome and Irritable Bowel Disease. Some strains may also help to prevent and treat certain tumours.