Probiotics is a relatively new word in the health vocabulary, though certain aspects of it have been around for centuries. Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines.
The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Antibiotics kill "good" bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. Taking probiotic supplements may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria.(1) Probiotics also occur naturally in or are added to food.
The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Antibiotics kill "good" bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. Taking probiotic supplements may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria.(1) Probiotics also occur naturally in or are added to food.
Do probiotics work, and are they safe?
Probiotic bacteria are already part of the normal digestive system and are considered safe, but probiotic dietary supplements do not undergo the same FDA testing processes as medications. It has been suggested that probiotics be used to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types of bacteria or yeast (called strains) have been shown to work in the digestive tract.(1) For now, research suggests use of probiotics during and after taking antibiotics may be helpful. Those suffering from IBS may find the probiotics in yogurt particularly helpful as well.(2)
Common but unproven claims are that probiotics slow aging, are anti-oxidants or anti-carcinogenic, cure headaches, restore energy, reduce eczema, improve immunity, reduce of childhood allergies and asthma, and regulate moods for those with bipolar or depression, or halt these conditions, altogether. Further clinical studies need to be undertaken to prove the veracity of these other claims.(2)
Some people may be allergic to or intolerant of certain probiotic supplements, or to the probiotic food in which they are presented. However, in most cases, probiotic food is well tolerated, and at the very least, may provide one with better intestinal health.(3)
Some people may be allergic to or intolerant of certain probiotic supplements, or to the probiotic food in which they are presented. However, in most cases, probiotic food is well tolerated, and at the very least, may provide one with better intestinal health.(3)
Where do I find probiotics?
Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known probiotic. Yeast is a probiotic substance. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements, and aside from yogurt, are most often purchased in this form.(1) Probiotics can be easily obtained in kefir, cottage cheese and other soft cheeses, preserved vegetables, miso soup, sauerkraut, many pickles, and powdered drink mixes.(2)
Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins
Written by MareWinds~
a.k.a. Mireille Larkins
~~~~~
Source (1): http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Source (2): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-probiotics.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation
Source (3): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-probiotic-food.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation
Further Information: The Nibble: Probiotic Food
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Source (2): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-probiotics.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation
Source (3): http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-probiotic-food.htm
copyright © 2003 - 2008 conjecture corporation
Further Information: The Nibble: Probiotic Food
1 comment:
Probiotics Supplements are microorganisms that may provide some of the same health benefits that bacteria already existing in your body do. for example assisting with digestion and helping protect against harmful bacteria. they can also be found in yogurt,fermented and unfermeted milk, miso, and some juices. researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as food or supplements can help prevent illness. there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea,yeat infections, IBS, reduc bladder cancer recurrence, shorten the duration of intestinal infections, prevent eczema in children. after doing research i am now a believer in probiotics. i beieve that these do work and i will now keep these in mind and spread the word to friends and famiy members that could use these.rammo
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