What are Probiotics and do you need them?
Have you had your probiotics today? You may have and do not
even know it. Probiotics are the small “good” bacteria that
help keep the natural balance of organisms in the
intestines. Probiotics has been consumed in Europe for
hundreds of years but are just now catching on in the
United States as a dietary supplement. The largest group of
probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria
of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, contained in yogurt, is
probably the best known.
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 Buying
Be 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.
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Two probiotics help infants who have eczema, cow’s milk allergy: lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.(Dermatologic Therapy)(bifidobacteria and lactobacillus): An article from: Skin & Allergy News $5.95 This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on November 1, 2003. The length of the article is 520 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation D… |
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Probiotics protect against childhood atopic eczema: 4-year follow-up.(Clinical Rounds): An article from: Pediatric News $5.95 This digital document is an article from Pediatric News, published by International Medical News Group on August 1, 2003. The length of the article is 957 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation DetailsT… |
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Probiotics Cut Atopic Eczema in Infants by Half.: An article from: Skin & Allergy News $5.95 This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on October 1, 2001. The length of the article is 599 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation De… |
