Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We often think of bacteria as something that causes disease, but your body is full of both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are often called the “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
Defined as live yeasts and bacteria, probiotics are the good microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract. The probiotics that are found in dietary supplements and foods are similar to the probiotics that naturally occur in the stomach. While the body does not necessarily require probiotic supplementation, doctors often suggest them to help with digestive problems. Probiotics that are contained in supplements form can assist digestive health by:
- Reducing the bad bacteria in the stomach that can lead to inflammation or infection
- Replacing good bacteria that may have been removed through antibiotic use
- Balancing out the bacterial balance to ensure that the body is functioning properly.
The probiotics that naturally occur in the stomach include a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii and bacteria that include the Bifobacterium and Lactobacillus microorganism families. You may already know that yogurt contains the probiotic known as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Probiotics in Foods
Foods that contain probiotics include soy drinks, buttermilk, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, kefir, pickles, and soft chesses. As already indicated, the most well known food containing probiotics is yogurt.
Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics can be purchased as supplements in the form of capsules, powders, tablets and liquid extracts – each of which contains a specific kind of probiotic. Such supplements are regularly found in vitamin shops, natural health food stores, and similar retailers. Again, one of the frequently used supplements is acidophilus.
Acidophilus
According to the American Cancer Society, acidophilus, also known as lactic acid bacteria or scientifically named L. acidophilus, is a bacterium that is regularly found in normal digestive tract functioning. It is produced primarily in the small intestine.
The germ is included in a variety of dairy products, especially yogurt. Acidophilus and related bacteria are considered probiotic as they maintain the balance of bacteria in the intestine and therefore are promoted for maintaining the health of the bowels. Look for “contains live cultures” on yogurt containers.
The Health Advantages Of Acidophilus Use
Acidophilus is recommended for treating or preventing vaginal infections, treating diarrhea and lowering cholesterol. The bacterium also aids in lactose digestion in people who are lactose-sensitive. It prevents the growth of yeast and germs that can cause cancer.
A Reduction In Cholesterol
The American Cancer Society states that some supporters of acidophilus believe use of the bacterium may reduce the risk of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon. The bacterium is known to neutralize carcinogens in the diet, thereby killing tumor cells.
Others claim that the probiotic boosts immune system health by manufacturing vitamin K and the B vitamins. The bacterium also reduces bad cholesterol, which some proponents state is needed for tumor cells to grow. (See Probiotics Can Help You Fight Cancer for more information)
Recommended Dosage
When taking a probiotic like acidophilus, the dosage refers not to the volume, but to the amount of live bacteria. Experts recommend a dose of one billion to 15 billion bacteria, although some insist that a larger amount is better. As a supplement, it should be taken one to three times per day in capsule, liquid, tablet, or powder from.
When the Probiotic Was First Discovered
Interest in the probiotic acidophilus started as far back as the late 19th century. At that time, the bacterium was credited for adding to the long life of the people living in the Balkans who regularly ingested fermented milk.
Later, it was discovered that the milk was rich in L. acidophilus. Since that discovery, the probiotic has been a topic of interest with respect to digestive health.
Probiotic Treatments
- Probiotic supplementation is useful in preventing inflammatory problems, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease and ulcers that are caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium.
- Probiotics are also used in treating such digestive maladies such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, spastic colon, and constipation.
- The bacterium is known to help reduce the recurrence of colorectal and bladder cancer.
- According to some research studies, yogurt is beneficial in preventing diarrhea, which is a common side effect of antibiotic use.
- Vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections can be prevented by use of probiotics.
- Besides digestive health, skin conditions, such as eczema, can often be improved by using probiotics.
- They are also indicated for use in helping alleviate respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, joint stiffness, and insomnia.
Implementing Probiotics Into Your Daily Diet
It is clear that probiotics can facilitate several aspects of good health. While supplements are available, eating low or nonfat plain yogurt is a great way to get your daily intake of probiotics, besides the fact that yogurt is a great source of other important nutrients, like protein and calcium, which we think makes yogurt a better choice than supplementation.
Activia is one yogurt product in particular that includes those important active cultures and probiotics that help regulate the digestive system on a daily basis.
Yogurt is also very versatile and can be eaten for breakfast with berries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds for a nice fiber boost. It can also make a great snack and dessert that – unlike ice cream – is much lower in fat and yet still satisfies the sweet tooth when made into a smoothie with fruit.
