Importance of Probiotics in the Elderly Lifestyle

When we are born the level of good bacteria in our "gut" is no less than 90% and usually more. However, as we age the good bacteria in our intestinal tract and colon drop to levels of no more than 10 or 15 percent at best. Once we hit the ages of 60 and older, the levels drop to nearly nothing. Since most of our immune system is housed in the intestinal tract and colon the need becomes apparent to replace the good bacteria in our "guts" over the course of our lives in order to maintain good health and quality of life.

Teaching An Old Gut New Tricks

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have been introduced to probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other such fermented products it is likely that the habit has been maintained over the years. For those of who have never so much as tasted yogurt much less anything else, the introduction of such foods to an older person may be difficult. Someone in their 60s or older may view such foods with some mistrust, taking the view that, "...it's some of that nasty health food stuff..." or they may site the premium cost of such foods and just may refuse to try it altogether. The best way for many older folks to introduce probiotics into their diet is to have a doctor recommend supplements. While some of the probiotic supplements are a bit on the pricey side, there are many that are reasonably priced and may even be cheaper through mail order via the Internet.

The Necessity of Protecting Our Bodies As They Age

Because our bodies begin to lose some of the ability to heal as they age, break downs in the immune system can occur possibly leading to serious illnesses, particularly of the stomach, colon, and intestines. With the constant reintroduction of the good bacteria into the flora of the bowels on a daily basis one can help prevent the formation of polyps, tumors, and several forms of cancer; including colon cancer. Keeping the good bacteria flourishing in the old guts also helps the older folks to have fewer problems with constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and just general intestinal upsets.

While probiotics may not prevent your body from aging, they can help it to age better and remain healthy for as long as you live. Having a good quality of life has been one of the biggest problems for many folks as their body's age and grow older. For many people, they merely view illness as just a part of growing old, but being in ill health as your body ages is not a prerequisite of aging. Studies of cultures where longevity is fairly commonplace the people consume large amounts of probiotic foods on a daily basis. Many of these people live to well past 100 years of age and are still quite active even up until death.