Help The ‘Good Guys’ Win With Probiotics
by Sheila McCormick on June 19th, 2008
Loading ...The use of probiotics has grown rapidly during the past five years as consumers and medical professionals have come to understand the critical role that “friendly bacteria” (aka the “good guys”) can play in helping to maintain health. In fact, the use of probiotics has more than tripled since 2003.
The word probiotic is derived from the Greek word which means “for life.” Probiotics are live microbial substances which improve intestinal balance and boost the immune system. Probiotics are found in many cultured dairy products (such as yogurt) and they are available in supplement form at health food stores.
To get the most health benefit from yogurt, look for a “Live and Active Cultures” seal on the label. This indicates a live starter culture was used. L. acidophilus is the most commonly added probiotic in yogurt. Be careful not to choose yogurt that is heavily laden with sugar. Nutritionally speaking, you can’t beat plain nonfat yogurt with live active cultures and added probiotics. One cup provides 136 calories, zero grams fat, 14 grams protein, 19 grams carbohydrate and 488 milligrams calcium.
The human body is filled with microorganisms (including bacteria) that live on the skin, in the gut and in other orifices. It is vital that the human body have friendly bacteria in order to maintain a strong immune system, and to aid in the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. The overuse of antibiotics in recent years has been detrimental to our nation and has even resulted in some resistant strains of bacteria that can cause serious, even fatal, illnesses.
Probiotics help the body digest foods by breaking them down into their individual components such as fats, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Another function of the friendly bacteria is to prevent or limit the growth of unwanted bad bacteria such as salmonella, clostridia and E. coli that can prevent proper nutrition absorption, create intestinal disturbances and eventually cause more serious illnesses.
Probiotics can help restore intestinal balance and repopulate the intestinal walls with beneficial bacteria that help us break down and digest foods, including those containing lactose. Many people who use probiotics report reduced symptoms of lactose intolerance. By consuming foods with probiotics, you can increase the number of healthy bacteria, boost your immunity, and promote a healthy digestive system.
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