Many people experience digestive problems at some stage of their lives-- even if it's only indigestion and

bloating from overindulging on special occasions. Others suffer more frequent discomfort and pain, for example, those

with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, heartburn, ulcers and diverticulosis.

The microbes in our body that play a major role in our digestive processes are called probiotics, a form of bacteria. The normal body incorporates as much as 100 trillion of these organisms at any one time, that reside largely in the gastrointestinal tract. They aid digestion in a variety of ways by:.

Dissolving complex proteins and mid-chain fatty acids from complex fats,.

Breaking down bile acids,.

Converting polyphenols from plant materials to be digested-- numerous antioxidants are polyphenols,.

Aiding soluble fiber fermentation which yields digestible fatty acids and sugars. These bind cholesterol to.

decrease blood levels of LDL.

Probiotics also help create vitamins A, B and K and especially B12, which helps to explain their mood-enhancing effects, as they regulate the 'feel good' chemicals of the brain-- serotonin and tryptophan. They also assist with the development of elemental serum calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones and secrete different sorts of acidic substances which, among other functions, help to facilitate the absorption of iron and minerals through the intestinal walls.

So it stands to reason that if your levels of probiotics are less than optimal you may experience digestive issues, as your food is not being digested as efficiently as it should be. This may produce problems including gas, bloating, indigestion, constipation and general stomach discomfort.

How do you know if your levels are inadequate? Even if you're in shape and healthy and not suffering from any of the above symptoms your levels may not be the very best. Although probiotics are hardy little creatures,they're prone to a multitude of dangers. These include: foods lacking in fiber, antibiotics, pain relievers, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, refined sugar, trans-fatty acids, chemical pharmaceuticals, antacids, food colorings, surplus animal proteins, acid blockers, preservatives, irregular body rhythms, low oxygen levels, lack of sleep, aging, worry, and the list goes on.

There are few people in modern society who wouldn't be affected by at least some of those factors. Lack of sufficient sleep, a very commonplace issue nowadays with our busy lifestyle, is especially damaging to probiotics as it's when you're asleep that they do their finest work. A lack of sleep can decimate vital probiotics, which will make the remaining ones less efficient.

This is where supplements come into play. They not only top up your levels of natural probiotics but they also aid them to build up more colonies, as the supplemented probiotics only remain in your system for a few weeks. That's why you gain the best benefit from taking them consistently over the long term, although there are numerous instances when a short course of probiotics is effective, for example, recuperation from illness.

So if you're experiencing stomach discomfort and upsets, taking probiotic supplements may help to alleviate the symptoms. However, if they continue, it's crucial to consult your health professional.