What are probiotics and why do you need them? This article answers those questions and gives you some advice when looking for good probiotic sources.
Why do I need Probiotics?The most common use for probiotics is for the prevention of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics tend to kill all bacteria, even the good kind. Killing the “good” bacteria can sometimes allow the harmful bacteria to multiply which leads to diarrhea.
In addition to diarrhea prevention, studies indicate that probiotics may also help with the following conditions:
Allergies – Probiotics may assist in alleviating atopic eczema. The exact cause of eczema is not known but there are various theories, some linking it to an allergic reaction to milk and other foods.
Respiratory infections – Studies indicate that children who drank milk with Lactobacillus GG (GG is a particular strain of probiotics discovered by Dr. Sherwood Gorbach and Barry Goldin) had fewer absences from school due to respiratory infections.
Urinary infections – Some studies suggest that yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may boost immune cells that help to protect the urinary tract and help reduce vaginal infections.
Cancer – Prebiotics may help prevent cancerous changes in the large intestine. Preventing these changes might help protect the body against colon cancer.
How do I get Probiotics?You can get probiotics through food such as yogurt or supplements. Many yogurts contain the live cultures but check the label to make sure it says “live” or “active”. The closer the yogurt is to the expiration date, the less of the live culture will remain active.
If you choose to get your probiotics through supplements, you have the option of capsules, powders and liquids. All are available at most health food stores. Check the label for the number of live cells. They should have no less than one billion live cells per dosage. You may also want to check on the strain of bacteria. Studies show that some strains may work better than other strains. Some of the bacteria with positive results include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum.
Be Selective When BuyingBe aware that probiotics are classified as dietary supplements, which means they are not regulated by the government. You cannot always be sure of exactly what you are getting. I ran across one independent study that found 8 out of 25 probiotic supplements contained less than the minimum one billion live cells claimed on the label. Stick with brands you trust or ask your health store clerk for a recommended brand.
How To Find A Gym And Start Exercising
There is hardly a week that passes without an article or study touting the benefits of exercise. Exercise to cure cancer, exercise to lose weight, feel better, livelonger, and stop dementia, the list appears endless. The benefits of exercise sound fantastic but there is just one problem. You have to exercise to gain the benefits! For many, this is a big problem.
Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes
That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.
