Do you know why eating yogurt is so good for you? In addition to yogurt tasting good, a daily serving contains valuable vitamins, minerals and beneficial probiotics -- friendly bacteria. The use of probiotic supplements, already popular in Europe and Japan, is increasing in the United States because of the many health benefits of probiotics that are now backed by limited research.
According to The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, "Bacteria have a reputation for causing disease, so the idea of tossing down a few billion a day for your health might seem -- literally and figuratively -- hard to swallow. But a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live bacteria."
Although scientific research is lagging, some digestive disease specialists recommend probiotics for the following reasons:
Improve gastrointestinal problems
Probiotics are becoming a common protocol in the treatment of diarrhea. Their use can also help shorten the course of infectious diarrhea, especially diarrhea associated with the use of antibiotics. How introducing friendly bacteria actually works often depends on the type and amount of bacteria used in the probiotic product.
Irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease are conditions that sometimes respond well when treated with probiotics. Small studies suggest that certain types help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and might prevent a relapse of Crohn's disease. Pouchitis, a frustrating-to-treat surgical complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis, also responds after the use of certain probiotics.
Protect against harmful bacteria
The use of probiotics appears to change how your immune system reacts to invading microorganisms that can cause inflammation in your digestive tract and gastrointestinal problems. Certain probiotic combinations produce antimicrobial substances to assist the way your body fights against harmful bacteria. This rebuilding process aids digestion, strengthens your natural immune system and is another reason why you need probiotics if you suffer from digestive problems.
Improve urogenital health
Many women suffer from an imbalance of bacteria in their vagina that is frustrating to treat. This finely balanced ecosystem can be thrown off balance by antibiotics, spermicides or birth control pills. Taking probiotics restores the proper balance and prevents common conditions like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and even urinary tract infections.
While probiotics are considered safe, it's a good idea to begin taking any supplements slowly to allow your body time to adjust. Some people have experienced mild gastrointestinal upsets when starting with the highest recommended dosage.
Remember, not all probiotics contain the same type of bacteria or the same dosage. It's a good idea to check with your doctor before buying a new product. He or she might be able to recommend a specific probiotic strain, and the recommendation could be less expensive than the online one you just found.
In the United States, dietary supplements like probiotics do not undergo the same testing and approval process as drugs. Not all strains of probiotics are necessarily useful for all medical conditions. It's always a good idea to keep your medical provider informed when you plan to add any new supplement to your daily regimen.
Discover if you need to supplement your diet with probiotics and the foods that contain probiotics including yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese, but you can also take probiotics supplements. |
Acidophilus, which are helpful germs and bacteria, are getting a lot of attention. Every human has bacteria living inside them, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterium that lives in the small intestines, sometimes known as probiotic acidophilus. |
Reap the health benefits of probiotics by adding foods containing probiotics to your diet and (or) adding probiotic supplements to your regime. |
Improve your digestion process by following some proper nutrition and exercise tips. |
Effective Candida treatment includes a better digestive diet, taking special supplements and watching your sugar intake. |
Modifying your diet to fix a digestive problem should be discussed with your health care provider. Making a few dietary changes can also go a long way to improve your digestive health. |
If you suffer from frequent bowel problems, following a digestive diet and taking digestive enzyme supplements can help alleviate many of the issues you are experiencing. |
Constipation is a common problem, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and small, hard stool. Natural remedies including changes in diet and routine, are usually effective in alleviating your constipation problems. |
Before you begin consuming a diet rich in probiotics foods or taking probiotics supplements, it's important to understand the side effects of probiotics. |
It's important to understand the signs to look for if you have a probiotic deficiency so that you can begin take probiotics supplements or improve your probiotic nutrition. |
Your guide to probiotics, the benefits of probiotic supplements, foods that contain probioitics naturally and the side effects of taking in these good bacteria. |
