Probiotics / flora can’t live beyond a few days without dairy fat.

Probiotics are live microorganisms referred to as flora, that naturally thrive in the intestines of people. However, when antibiotics are taken, the internal environment of our intestinal tract changes to a non-hospitable environment, causing the natural flora to die. If the environment of the intestinal tract doesn’t recover (which it can’t without help), flora won’t survive more than three days, even when supplemented in the diet.

There are two things we can do to help the intestinal tract recover from the ravages of antibiotic poisoning, and regain a good amount of its natural environment and normal function.

First is Concord grape juice. Drinking a small amount of concord grape juice with, or after, the evening meal can support the intestinal tract in restoring its natural environment. It may even help the brain recover from damage done to its environment after antibiotics. Good results are noted when 2-4 ounces is taken daily, in the evening, for approximately 4 weeks.

After the first 2 weeks of the grape juice, probiotics (flora) can be reintroduced. However, probiotics need to be fed to be any good. If they aren’t fed before they are taken, then again on a regular basis after they are taken, there is a good chance they won’t survive beyond three days. What does this mean to us? We will have to keep taking probiotics (at least every three days), for the rest of our lives.

How to feed probiotics: Probiotics thrive on dairy fat. This doesn’t mean low fat milk, or whole milk. There isn’t enough fat in these products. Probiotics need fat that is healthy and whole, so you will have to use natural, organic heavy whipping cream, or the cream top off of organic yogurt. I feel best results come from using the top fat layer of organic yogurt, because it already has live microbial culture in it. Remember, non-organic dairy is loaded with antibiotics that were fed the dairy cows, so it is counter-productive, and in my opinion, unhealthy to consume. After you get the organic yogurt, the top 3 tablespoons is scooped off with a plastic spoon (metal damages the flora), and put in another container. To this yogurt, three or four capsules, or teaspoons, of probiotics is added. Gently stir them into the yogurt. Let this mixture set at room temperature for 4-6 hours to allow the probiotics to feed and begin multiplying before consuming. This can be repeated daily for 4-5 weeks to completely restore flora to the intestines. Another option is to mix a larger batch, with extra dairy fat, let set at room temperature for several hours, then refrigerate up to four days to preserve it. After four days, a new batch should be made.