About 80% of the immune system is inside the gut. The lining, or G.I. tract, is the part of the body most at risk to being exposed to what is happening in our environment. The lining absorbs what we eat and other things we put into our bodies, including bad bacteria and toxins.

When there is an uneven balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, the body is more susceptible to infections, illness, and disease. When out of balance, the body has a harder time fighting off the harmful germs and pathogens that enter the body.

When there is a healthy balance of friendly and bad bacteria, the immune system is more efficient and can fight off sickness and infection faster.

Characteristics of a healthy gut with plenty of good flora:

• Functions smoothly and develops properly
• Absorbs nutrients
• Absorbs vitamins
• Absorbs minerals
• Breaks down carcinogens, which are cancer causing substances
• Strong immune system
• Strong defense against bad bacteria, toxins, and harmful microbes
• Fights off infections quicker and more easily

Daily intake of a probiotic like L. reuteri shifts the balance so that the digestive system has greater numbers of good flora than bad. L. reuteri is a unique probiotic because it is not only beneficial for digestive health, but also an immune system booster. Most probiotics only target good digestive health. L reuteri is the only one to also strengthen the immune system.

One study found that L. reuteri significantly reduced sick leave amongst 262 employees. The overall health of the workers increased in addition to their improved immune systems.

L. reuteri can improve many health issues in infants, children, and adults:

• Stomach upsets and stomach discomfort
• Digestive problems
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Antibiotic associated diarrhea
• Allergies
• Lactose intolerance
• Milk allergy
• Eczema and dermatitis
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)

L. reuteri has been clinically tested in newborns, infants, children, adults, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems (HIV+). No group has shown negative side effects in any study.

Most humans are exposed to healthy gut flora at birth. Babies develop in the womb with a squeaky clean digestive tract. This makes them very vulnerable to bad bacteria after birth. Through vaginal birth the baby is exposed to the mother’s good flora, which then takes up residence inside the baby. This initial exposure to good bacteria helps the baby develop an immune system and digestive system that can handle new bacteria the baby will encounter.

However, L. reuteri does not permanently colonize inside the digestive tract, which is why it is so important to supplement the diet with good bacteria. Having consistent levels of good flora in the gut is a first step towards good health and illness prevention.