Archive for the ‘culturelle’ tag
The Healing Effect of Probiotic Foods and Supplements
Probiotics are clearly distinct from other microorganisms because of the benefits they can give to the body. Also known as “friendly” or “good” bacteria, probiotics aid our body in its natural process of digestion and immunity. When given in appropriate amounts, probiotics help our body ward off bad bacteria and assists in the body’s proper absorption of the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The study and awareness on these good bacteria has been steadily increasing as more and more research is conducted to further enhance our knowledge on probiotics. Probiotics can be found in various shapes and forms, some as food supplements while some are naturally present in the food we eat like fermented milk, soy, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and some yogurt drinks.
It is recommended that a probiotic, in whatever form, be eaten regularly as part of one’s diet. Probiotics, in turn, reward our body with a variety of benefits that can improve our overall health. It plays an important part in our digestion as it helps in breaking down the nutrients that our body receives for faster absorption. Probiotics are also considered immunity builders as they help regulate our antibodies. Studies also support that probiotics, through the bacteria’s conversion of lactose into lactase enzymes helps remedy lactose intolerance among children and adults. They have also been found to help reduce inflammation as they help diminish parasites and viruses affecting our body. The benefits derived from probiotics are expanding as more and more are being added from research and clinical trials.
As science learns more on probiotics, new products are beginning to assimilate the many forms of probiotics in their product components. Many other live cultures are being integrated with our diet in the hopes of generating the same positive effects of probiotics. One such type is kefir – a live cultured dairy product created from grains. However since the probiotics for this product have been incorporated with artificial flavors and other components, the effect may not be as advantageous to the body as that of probiotics. Quite a few kefir side effects have been monitored from this product, ranging from mild to intense symptoms, further raising the question as to the benefits it gives to our body and whether it be enough to counteract some of its noted side effects such as mild to painful muscle spasm, bloating, allergies, looseness of the bowels and difficult constipation.
The positive effects of probiotics and the benefits it gives to our body has been scientifically proven, however, with so many varieties of probiotics out there, remember to read the label and consult health and medical authorities if you feel any negative effects.
