Bacteria May Be Key to Good Health This Winter

18/01/08 Do you want to take a little bacteria this winter? If you answered “no,” you are in agreement with 84 percent of Americans who think all bacteria are a bad thing. You may also be missing out on something that can help maintain a healthy immune system during the winter months – probiotics. According to a recent survey by Naked Juice, the creators of the first 100 percent juice smoothie with probiotics available in North America, only one in three Americans has heard the term, but for those who have, 74 percent know that probiotics have health benefits.

Probiotics are the “good” bacteria, i.e., friendly, microscopic cultures that can aid in digestive and immune health. The digestive system is also the body’s largest, most important immune system organ and is responsible for the vast amount of the body’s immune defenses. In fact, a significant number of the body’s antibodies are created right there. Probiotics can help maintain healthy digestion and immune functions as they may increase the ratio of good bacteria in each person’s digestive system.

“Many parts of the world, particularly Europe, have been using probiotics for decades,” said Dr. Roger Clemens, associate director for the regulatory science program at University of Southern California School of Pharmacy. “The strength of your digestive system can affect your total health and well-being.  That’s why it may be advantageous to try to increase the ratio of good versus bad bacteria in your digestive tract.”

Other key survey findings:

• 8 in 10 Americans are concerned about their immune system during the winter months
• 93 percent know that healthy beverages can be a good addition to their diet
• Factors believed to affect the immune system: stress level (84%), diet (83%), amount of rest they get (80%) and health of their digestive system (76%)
• 56 percent know that probiotics live in your digestive system and 53 percent know that probiotics are a type of bacteria
• 87 percent know that live active cultures are found in yogurt but only 12 percent know they are found in juice

Naked Juice Probiotic contains billions of probiotics in each 10-ounce bottle as well as a prebioitc, the added something to help stimulate the good bacteria in the digestive tract.

Naked Juice Probiotic is available nationwide in Tropical Mango, a sunny blend including mango, orange and pineapple, in grocery and club stores.