There’s a lot of talk about probiotics lately. T.V. ads claim you need to take them to be healthy. They’re added to yogurts, milk and even fruit juice. They are also sold in supplement form. Your friends might even be taking them. It’s enough to make your head spin! So what is the deal with probiotics?
Probiotics are what is considered “good bacteria”. Our bodies have lots of bacteria, inside and out. There are some so called friendly bacteria and probiotics are one of them. Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” In other words, probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to your health, when eaten in adequate amounts. It’s important for your large intestine to maintain a healthy count of these "good" bacteria. Some health specialists believe that good bacteria may also play a role in fighting disease. There are other benefits of probiotics as well including:
- Probiotics may help increase availability of B vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
- Probiotics may help improve lactose intolerance. The probiotics used in yogurts can produce lactase enzymes that make the yogurt easier to tolerate.
- Probiotics may help alleviate constipation. Some studies have shown that they may help regulate intestinal transit time.
- Some studies show that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes and antibiotics.
- Probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of Chron’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Probiotics may protect against E. Coli infection.
- Probiotics may help prevent colon cancer. Some research shows that probiotics show anti-carcinogenic effects.
- Probiotics may help reduce inflammation in the body. Clinical studies suggest probiotics can reduce the risk of atopic eczema in children and lessen milk allergies.
- Probiotics have also been shown to have the health benefit of lowering cholesterol. Probiotics may lower serum cholesterol by breaking down bile in the gut which if reabsorbed would enter the blood as cholesterol.
- Probiotics can help prevent yeast infections.
Further studies are being done to determine which of the health claims are 100% true. In the meantime, it surely won’t hurt to increase your intake of probiotics. As I mentioned above, you can find probiotics in certain yogurts, milks and juices. You can also find probiotics supplements in most health food stores, but getting them from the foods you eat is preferred. According to Mary Sanders, the Executive Director of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, “the science of probiotics is still emerging and regulation on the industry is not optimal yet.” If you’re interested in taking advantage of the potential benefits of probiotics, ask your doctor first and then check it out in your favorite yogurt!
- Jennifer
Labels: healthy eating, healthy tips, Jennifer, Probiotics
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