Probiotics play a key role in the body by improving gastrointestinal functions, enhancing immunity, regulating hormones, protecting us from food-borne illnesses, controlling overgrowth of bad bacteria, and assisting in vitamin production & nutrient absorption. Here’s what to look for in your probiotic:
1. High culture count – Culture count refers to the total amount of live bacterial cultures in a single serving i.e. 50 Billion cfu (colony forming units)
2. Number of strains – There are over a thousand strains of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Look for multiple strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
3. Make sure the capsule is designed to protect probiotics – Enteric coated capsules remain intact throughout the harsh stomach environment and begin dissolving in the intestine where the pH is more alkaline.
All of these factors can be found in the Ultimate Flora line of probiotics by Renew Life.
Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com

Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health. Sean Miller, CMHA, mbwpg.cmha.ca