Its hard to believe, but 1 in 5 of us live with digestive problems every single day. And if youre like most people, you probably treat yourself with antacids or even stronger purple pills which neutralize stomach acid. But often these treatments cause stomach to produce even more acid, making your condition worse. Or, you may rely on laxatives to relieve constipation which leads to diarrhea.

But digestive problems can quickly evolve beyond just gas and bloating. Your energy levels become radically reduced, and your immune system becomes compromised. You may even fall victim to such chronic health problems as migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, even high cholesterol.

Little wonder why many researchers now say that a disrupted ecology of the gastro-intestinal tract may cause up to 90% of illness and disease. So keeping your digestive system strong is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

The Balance of Good vs. Evil

Did you know that both "friendly" and "unfriendly" micro-organisms inhabit the human intestinal tract simultaneously? In many cases, each contributes to the overall function and health of the intestinal tract, while keeping each other in "check. Intestinal function runs at peak levels when the balance of "friendly" and "unfriendly" micro-organisms is stable.

Science tells us that healthy colon should contain at least 85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria. That's the "good bacteria."

But due to the conditions we have to endure living in a modern society where our natural good health is stripped-down by environmental toxins like pesticides, cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, artificial ingredients and preservatives in our foods and so on our "modern" colon is not a healthy one. Alarmingly, its bacterial balance is often opposite of what it should be! This unbalance brings the gas and bloating associated with indigestion, constipation, pathogenic organisms as well as the malabsorption of essential nutrients our body needs to thrive.

One of the simplest, best ways to replenish your bodys supply of friendly intestinal flora is with a probiotic supplement. Probiotics help rebalance intestinal microflora, detoxify and cleanse your body, and actually reverse the imbalances that contribute to a barrage of health- and energy-robbing illnesses. They also have natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

When you start feeding your body these health-promoting bacteria, the difference can be remarkable. Most people feel results rather quickly.

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Probiotics contain live microorganisms, which means theyre particularly sensitive to light, temperature, and air. Most quality probiotic supplements require refrigeration and special handling -- but even then, you cant be sure of their potency.

The probiotic you choose should contain close to 15 live strains of friendly flora and deliver them at high enough levels to make a real difference in your health.

Unfortunately, most probiotics on the market today contain only 2-1/2 billion viable cells per capsule and only two or three different cultures. This is not nearly enough to provide you with the health protection you need.

The best quality probiotic supplements contain 22 billion viable cells per capsule and 49 billion viable cells per gram. They should also include a broad spectrum of at least 12 to 15 live cultures for total effectiveness. So be sure to check the label before you buy!

More and more doctors recommend probiotics as a safe, natural solution for their patients digestive problems. In fact, many agree that a high-quality friendly flora product is the most powerful weapon in their healing arsenal and one of your most important as well.

In study after study, probiotics completely and efficiently cleanse from the inside out by replacing bad bacteria with important good bacteria and to effectively power-pack your immune system so you can look and feel your absolute best.