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It is no secret I am a huge probiotic fan.

If you are unfamiliar with probiotics, they are beneficial microorganisms found in certain foods, like yogurts. Probiotics not only give our immune system a boost, they also give our digestive tract some help developing healthy flora. Healthy flora promotes better digestion, as well as less gas and bloating. Bonus!

You have heard of probiotics when you see ads for Activia yogurt or ‘probiotic pearls’. It is becoming a part of our mainstream, the idea of adding a probiotic supplement to our daily to combat all that is thrown at us. Between questionable food choices that come back to haunt you at the wrong moment to the onslaught of germs the kids are bringing home from school, probiotics are on your digestive tract & immune system’s side.

In the most recent issue of Consumer Reports, a recent survey of subscribers noted that “probiotic supplements brought more relief from digestive disorders than yogurt with probiotics” (November 2011, page 12).

I was first introduced to the idea of ‘good’ bacteria back in 1996. I was out of college, waiting tables, and using a free clinic for my health care needs, not having any insurance or money to afford otherwise. I had gotten sick and the doctor, a lovely woman that took super care of me, prescribed me antibiotics. Then she advised me to buy some organic non-flavored plain yogurt, dip a tampon into it and insert it inside myself to combat any yeast infection that might occur from the antibiotics. She told me that  she learned this tip working with women in third world countries -  and that it worked well for them. It worked well for me as well – no yeastie beasties.

I’ve been taking probiotics regularly for over two and a half years, as well as giving them to my husband and children. I am going on my third autumn with no sinus infection. It used to be the norm for me, every October, for whatever reason – sinus infection. I would do the whole nasal rinse thing, it provided some relief, but that was it. I would hold out trying to wait for my body to fight it or hoping the nasal rinse would flush it out until I was forced to get a ZPak of antibiotics.

My husband had his annual physical last week. He asked his doctor if he should be taking any supplements. His doctor said no, not if you are eating healthy, they are kind of pointless. My husband said well, my wife gives me probiotics everyday, is it a waste to be taking those? The doctor backpedaled a bit & replied, no those are definitely something you want to take.  I felt so validated when he told me that.

Did you know that October is Eczema Awareness Month?

My son was born with nut allergies and eczema. I know so many of you have children with the same issues.  I hated seeing my little boy with angry red skin behind his knees, on his little bum cheeks, around his elbows. He would claw at it until the skin broke, I would fret about infection. I would coat coat coat it with all the non-prescription ointments I thought might help. I know that a change in diet can help eczema sufferers, but my son  has almost zero interest in food. It is a battle to get him to eat. A chewable probiotic though? No problem! After a few months we all had to admit there was an improvement in his eczema. Couple of years later? It’s almost, but not quite, a non-issue. I credit the probiotics with helping us get to this point.

My family has had far fewer sicknesses over the past two years than I thought possible with two kids in the public school system. I even pack a probiotic in with their lunch.

I took my kids to Europe last summer, and I made sure to pack my probiotics. Was NOT about to travel without them!

I like Vidazorb because they taste good and do not need to be refrigerated. That’s a plus! They pack billions of friendly bacteria that your child’s digestive and immune system will welcome. Our children have vulnerable immune systems, why not give them a little help?

I would love to give away not one but TWO bottles of Vidazorb Belly Boost for kids to a mom who hasn’t tried them yet. I would love to hear what kind of results you noticed, so the winner of the Vidazorb  Belly Boost will need to do an honest review for my readers.

Email me your entry at Helga@LiveGreenMom.com. I will pick a winner on Wednesday October 12, 2011. This giveaway is only open to US residents.

(Full disclosure – I am compensated by Vidazorb – with probiotics! That’s right, I ask to be paid in probiotics and not money from them. I do not receive them on a regular basis, however, and purchase my own most of the time.  I would jump up and down hollering the benefits of taking probiotics daily if more people would listen. I swear by them!)

 

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