Probiotics - What Are They And Do You Need Them?
>> February 26, 2008
If you watch any TV, I'm sure you've seen the ads for Dannon Activia. They claim that by eating their low-fat yogurt you can regulate your intestinal tract. What makes their yogurt different? It's because of the active probiotic cultures they've added.
Probiotics, in general, have gained much exposure in the past few years. Once a term that only doctors knew, they are now widely recognized by most everyone for their beneficial properties. So what are they?
Probiotic means, literally, “for life.” Probiotics are, simply, live microorganisms (bacteria) that improve the balance of the intestinal microflora.
Everyone has bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. Most of the bacteria are present in the colon where there may be as many as 500 species. Most of the species are harmless and many are actually helpful, preventing infection and aiding in digestion. However, antibiotic use, disease, aging, bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, diet, the environment, hormonal changes and your stress level can all contribute to altering the balance of the microbial flora which, in turn, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, yeast infection, canker sores, and more.
By supplementing with probiotics, the good microbes that you will be adding will work with the body’s immune system to keep the bad microbes at bay by crowding them out. Research has shown that this “good” bacteria helps not only to stimulate digestive health, but may actually stimulate an overall healthy immune system.
Probiotics may also help you in your quest to lose weight. After all, a healthy digestive system increases energy and improves your metabolism, both critical factors in a responsible weight loss program.
In most cases, since probiotic microbes do not cause disease, there’s no such thing as having too much of them, according to Gary Huffnagle, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan Health System. And, Huffnagle points out, foods rich in probiotics taste good. However, unhealthy people with weakened immunity should be cautious. Researchers at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Holland, said their results were proof that "extremely ill" people should avoid probiotics, and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has ruled that supplements should not be given to patients in intensive care, those with organ failure or anyone being fed through a drip.
For more information:
Probiotic Microbes Could Be a Key to Good Health
Bacteria Can Keep Their Kin in Check
Beneficial Bugs
Probiotics - Topic Overview (WebMD)
So-called 'friendly' bacteria may be dangerous, according to new research - so which should you be taking?
Where to purchase probiotics: GreatServiceNoHassle.com
Probiotics, in general, have gained much exposure in the past few years. Once a term that only doctors knew, they are now widely recognized by most everyone for their beneficial properties. So what are they?
Probiotic means, literally, “for life.” Probiotics are, simply, live microorganisms (bacteria) that improve the balance of the intestinal microflora.
Everyone has bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. Most of the bacteria are present in the colon where there may be as many as 500 species. Most of the species are harmless and many are actually helpful, preventing infection and aiding in digestion. However, antibiotic use, disease, aging, bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, diet, the environment, hormonal changes and your stress level can all contribute to altering the balance of the microbial flora which, in turn, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, yeast infection, canker sores, and more.
By supplementing with probiotics, the good microbes that you will be adding will work with the body’s immune system to keep the bad microbes at bay by crowding them out. Research has shown that this “good” bacteria helps not only to stimulate digestive health, but may actually stimulate an overall healthy immune system.
Probiotics may also help you in your quest to lose weight. After all, a healthy digestive system increases energy and improves your metabolism, both critical factors in a responsible weight loss program.
In most cases, since probiotic microbes do not cause disease, there’s no such thing as having too much of them, according to Gary Huffnagle, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan Health System. And, Huffnagle points out, foods rich in probiotics taste good. However, unhealthy people with weakened immunity should be cautious. Researchers at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht, Holland, said their results were proof that "extremely ill" people should avoid probiotics, and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has ruled that supplements should not be given to patients in intensive care, those with organ failure or anyone being fed through a drip.
For more information:
Probiotic Microbes Could Be a Key to Good Health
Bacteria Can Keep Their Kin in Check
Beneficial Bugs
Probiotics - Topic Overview (WebMD)
So-called 'friendly' bacteria may be dangerous, according to new research - so which should you be taking?
Where to purchase probiotics: GreatServiceNoHassle.com
3 comments:
Good info. Although I've not considered using probiotics until now, you've definitely given me something to think about.
Your title makes me think of the book I am reading...one of my favorites yet.. Live Your Best Life, Discover Your Destiny by Robin Sharma!
More and more people are realizing the benefits of probiotics. Sadly, Americans are deficient in probiotics and this causes a host of problems including the rise in food poisoning. The best probiotic I've seen is Fundamental Probiotic. It's got very high number of strains and organisms per capsule. I especially like the fact that for prevention or maintenance, you only need one per day.
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