Antibiotics kill bacteria that in the past would have killed us. Unfortunately, antibiotics cannot discern between the good and the bad bacteria, and hence, kill even the friendly bacteria that promote gut health. This weakens the immune function, causes hormonal imbalance, leads to eczema, causes insomnia and mood disorders.
However, help is at hand in the form of Probiotics. “Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system”. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) and Common Cold are all alleviated and relieved with the help of Probiotic food or drinks.
A good source of Probiotics in our food is yoghurt. Everybody must love a tall glass of “lassi” (sweet or salted). Pickled vegetables such as cucumber in brine (salted water). The salt in the water helps retain the healthy salt-loving bacteria whilst eliminating the bad bacteria. These bacteria (mostly Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus) produce lactic and acetic acid as they "eat" the natural sugars in the cucumbers. Eventually the acid levels get to high, the bacteria go dormant, and eventually the cucumbers pickle.”
Dark chocolate, apart from being a probiotic source also contributes to a healthy heart. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth.