There is a growing interest in how food and digestion can affect emotional and mental health. Mind, a British mental health charity organization, has an interesting page on its website titled "Food and Mood", which reads in part:

"Although the precise cause-and-effect relationship between different foods and moods has yet to be fully understood, many people have found they can link eating (or not eating) certain foods with how they feel... Improvements to a range of mental health problems can result from making changes to what we eat. Some people have reported improvements in the following: mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, cravings or food 'addictions', depression (including postnatal depression), irritable or aggressive feelings, concentration, memory difficulties, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), obsessive-compulsive feelings, eating disorders, psychotic episodes, insomnia, fatigue, behavioral and learning disorders, and seasonal affective disorder."

Equally important is our ability to properly digest the food that we eat. For example, people who lack the enzyme lactase are unable to digest lactose (milk sugar), and can suffer unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, cramps, gas and loose stools. And, as with all things in life, most foods should be enjoyed in moderation. Overindulgence can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, stomachaches, sluggishness and indigestion.

There is ever increasing evidence of the benefits of probiotics to aid digestion, and to relieve occasional indigestion. For example, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus can assist with lactose metabolism, and with the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. Probiotics can also help with nutrient absorption.

If you are new to probiotics, or introducing a loved one to probiotics, Natren's HEALTHY START SYSTEM^® is a convenient and effective starter program. HEALTHY START SYSTEM is an easy-to-use three-step probiotic system that allows you to layer together proven strains of beneficial bacteria. The system contains one bottle each of three of Natren’s custom probiotic products:

• MEGADOPHILUS^® - Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 (in the dairy-based powder) or NAS super strain (in the dairy free vegetarian/vegan capsules), which benefits the small intestine.
• BIFIDO FACTOR^® - Bifidobacterium bifidum Malyoth super strain, which benefits the large intestine.
• DIGESTA-LAC^® - Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB-51 champion transient super strain, a transient bacteria that travels through the intestines with food, providing support through the entire digestive process.

Probiotic layering means you take both the powders and the capsules to maximize the beneficial effects of each. Probiotic layering can be done in a number of ways. You can take HEALTHY TRINITY^®, our most potent formula, or you may enjoy even more satisfying results by experimenting with a customized combination of single strain powders and capsules along with HEALTHY TRINITY.

A probiotic supplement that benefits one individual may not have the same results for a different individual. Our Natren Probiotic Consultants can help you determine the best probiotic program for you. Visit www.natren.com, or call 1-866-4-NATREN (1-866-462-8736).