Probiotics: Helpful Bacteria and Your Body
Do You Have Enough Probiotics in Your Diet?
Most people are not aware that we have a host of helpful bacteria in our intestinal tract. The helpful bacteria help fight infections and aid in common digestive complaints, thus helping to ensure proper digestion and absorption of food. In fact, there are enough of these helpful bacteria that, laid end to end, they would circle the earth 2 ½ times. Helpful bacteria go by the more clinical sounding name probiotics when added to food and there’s good reason to consider making them part of your daily diet.
Probiotic means “for life.” Probiotics typically are found in yogurt or supplements, e.g. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (again, these already live in your intestines). They help to break down foods and drugs, and prevent disease causing bacteria from settling in. In fact, recent research has shown that probiotics may have the ability to occupy the intestinal sites where bacteria would normally adhere, thus providing therapeutic effects against E. coli. Initial conclusions are that probiotics “may serve as future tools to control the spread of E. coli in animals and humans.”[1]
Probiotics have found initial success, as well, with the following conditions:
- Gastrointestinal relief (irritable bowel syndrome, frequent gas, diarrhea)
- Allergies
- Respiratory infections
- Urological infections
- Cancer
How to choose a yogurt or supplement:
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Check the ratings: pick a product with a least 1 billion probiotic units (minimum for benefit)
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Check the bacteria: look for Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
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Be a bit wary of claims on the labels.
Remember that yogurt can also supply protein, calcium and other nutrients. If you’re more apt to consume a supplement, consider enteric coated pills.
[1] Beutin L. Emerging enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, causes and effects of the rise of a human pathogen. J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health. 2006 Sep;53(7):299-305.
Other references: Consumer Reports, July 2005 and Nutrition Action Healthletter, December 2006
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