Probiotics
What You Should Know About Them
Probiotics are naturally-occurring live micro-organisms (bacteria and yeast) that can be found within the human body. Most commonly, they are found within the gut and skin. These tiny organisms help to maintain a balance of the microflora in the digestive tract.
Probiotics are considered to be "friendly" bacteria and are vital to proper development and health of the immune system at the gut level. This can be especially important for patients that are taking antibiotics, which kill the existing "good" bacteria in the gut. Once the gut has been depleted of the "good" stuff, problems such as diarrhea will begin to occur because the balance has been offset. Adding probiotics back into the patient will help to re-establish that balance and bring an end to the discomfort of diarrhea. Probiotics can also restore the proper balance of bacteria and "crowd" out disease-causing bacteria.
proper development and health of the immune system at the gut level. This can be especially important for patients that are taking antibiotics, which kill the existing "good" bacteria in the gut. Once the gut has been depleted of the "good" stuff, problems such as diarrhea will begin to occur because the balance has been offset. Adding probiotics back into the patient will help to re-establish that balance and bring an end to the discomfort of diarrhea. Probiotics can also restore the proper balance of bacteria and "crowd" out disease-causing bacteria.
For those that are sensitive to dairy products, probiotics have the effect of easing those symptoms. Other uses that have shown encouraging evidence of success are:
Some probiotics are added to food, and some naturally occur. Most foods that have probiotics added to them will list that on the label. A few of the "live culture" foods are fresh yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, and fresh sauerkraut.
Probiotics are also ingested as supplements in capsules, powder, and liquid form. Most probiotics must be refrigerated to maintain their potency. They also have a shelf life, and will expire after a certain amount of time. Because probiotics are already a component of the digestive system, they are considered to be safe.
There are different types of probiotics, and not all yogurts, pickles, and krauts contain probiotics. Consult your doctor to find out which one is best for you.
Probiotics are considered to be "friendly" bacteria and are vital to proper development and health of the immune system at the gut level. This can be especially important for patients that are taking antibiotics, which kill the existing "good" bacteria in the gut. Once the gut has been depleted of the "good" stuff, problems such as diarrhea will begin to occur because the balance has been offset. Adding probiotics back into the patient will help to re-establish that balance and bring an end to the discomfort of diarrhea. Probiotics can also restore the proper balance of bacteria and "crowd" out disease-causing bacteria.
proper development and health of the immune system at the gut level. This can be especially important for patients that are taking antibiotics, which kill the existing "good" bacteria in the gut. Once the gut has been depleted of the "good" stuff, problems such as diarrhea will begin to occur because the balance has been offset. Adding probiotics back into the patient will help to re-establish that balance and bring an end to the discomfort of diarrhea. Probiotics can also restore the proper balance of bacteria and "crowd" out disease-causing bacteria.
For those that are sensitive to dairy products, probiotics have the effect of easing those symptoms. Other uses that have shown encouraging evidence of success are:
- Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract
- Prevent and treat infections of the female genital tract
- To prevent and manage atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children.
Some probiotics are added to food, and some naturally occur. Most foods that have probiotics added to them will list that on the label. A few of the "live culture" foods are fresh yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, and fresh sauerkraut.
Probiotics are also ingested as supplements in capsules, powder, and liquid form. Most probiotics must be refrigerated to maintain their potency. They also have a shelf life, and will expire after a certain amount of time. Because probiotics are already a component of the digestive system, they are considered to be safe.
There are different types of probiotics, and not all yogurts, pickles, and krauts contain probiotics. Consult your doctor to find out which one is best for you.