By Michael Brooks
Have you had your probiotics today? You may have and do noteven know it. Probiotics are the small “good” bacteria thathelp keep the natural balance of organisms in theintestines. Probiotics has been consumed in Europe forhundreds of years but are just now catching on in theUnited States as a dietary supplement. The largest group ofprobiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteriaof which Lactobacillus acidophilus, contained in yogurt, isprobably the best known.
Why do I need Probiotics?
The most common use for probiotics is for the prevention ofdiarrhea caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics tend to killall bacteria, even the good kind. Killing the “good”bacteria can sometimes allow the harmful bacteria tomultiply which leads to diarrhea.
In addition to diarrhea prevention, studies indicate thatprobiotics may also help with the following conditions:
Allergies – Probiotics may assist in alleviating atopiceczema. The exact cause of eczema is not known but thereare various theories, some linking it to an allergicreaction to milk and other foods.
Respiratory infections – Studies indicate that children whodrank milk with Lactobacillus GG (GG is a particular strainof probiotics discovered by Dr. Sherwood Gorbach and BarryGoldin) had fewer absences from school due to respiratoryinfections.
Urinary infections – Some studies suggest that yogurtcontaining Lactobacillus acidophilus may boost immune cellsthat help to protect the urinary tract and help reducevaginal infections.
Cancer – Prebiotics may help prevent cancerous changes inthe large intestine. Preventing these changes might helpprotect the body against colon cancer.
How do I get Probiotics?
You can get probiotics through food such as yogurt orsupplements. Many yogurts contain the live cultures butcheck the label to make sure it says “live” or “active”.The closer the yogurt is to the expiration date, the lessof the live culture will remain active.
If you choose to get your probiotics through supplements,you have the option of capsules, powders and liquids. Allare available at most health food stores. Check the labelfor the number of live cells. They should have no less thanone billion live cells per dosage. You may also want tocheck on the strain of bacteria. Studies show that somestrains may work better than other strains. Some of thebacteria with positive results include Lactobacillusacidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillusjohnsonii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri,Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum.
Be Selective When Buying
Be aware that probiotics are classified as dietarysupplements, which means they are not regulated by thegovernment. You cannot always be sure of exactly what youare getting. I ran across one independent study that found8 out of 25 probiotic supplements contained less than theminimum one billion live cells claimed on the label. Stickwith brands you trust or ask your health store clerk for arecommended brand.
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