|
||||||
|
||||||
|
What are Probiotics and do you need them?Copyright 2005 Michael BrooksHave 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. About the author: Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com. Circulated by Article Emporium What are Probiotics and do you need them? Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks 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 bu... How To Gain Weight Until I started following a routine to eat, my gains were minimal. Once I set my eating times to a specific time during the day along with a protein boost, I could see the gains immediately. This sample program is a quick way to get your protein WAY up and generally increase your f... Why Chair Yoga Isn't Yoga just for young “hard bodies,” like you would see on the cover of a magazine? Don't you have to turn your body into a pretzel, to practice Yoga? These are, a few of the many, questions I am asked about Yoga and Chair Yoga. Any idea that Yoga is only for the fit, and ... Eye strain caused by your computer Visual problems like eyes strain may result from overusing the muscles of your eyes. If not careful, eye strain will occur in any eye muscle held in one position for a long period of time. These eye straining activities are as follows: reading, watching television, or sta... Mesothelioma Sarcoma What Is Mesothelioma Sarcoma? Between the two forms of tumors of the mesothelioma, which are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), the latter is more common and dangerous, popularly known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is characterized by its dangerous pot... 7 strategies to stop eating junk food ! FACT: Obesity accounts for 300,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Research into junk food and fast food restaurants have found that there is a direct relationship between the number of fast food restaurants located within your local area and obesity rates. The wa... A Healthy Diet Check Up...From The Neck Up If you have tried every so-called healthy diet plan on the planet and every exercise program from the latest fitness guru and repeatedly failed to achieve your weight loss goals, you probably need a “healthy diet check up...from the neck up.” There's no such thing as a hea... Your Weight Loss Problem: How-To Cure It By Watching Movies Or Reading Books! I don't know anything about you but if you're anything like me then you struggle with a weight loss problem. Your weight loss problem consists of you struggling to keep your weight down or struggling to make your weight go down. Most people who see me wouldn't believe t... The Risk of recurrence in prostate cancer Prostate cancer disease Prostate cancer - the most common form of cancer in men is Prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death. The Main risk factors include age (incidence increases in men over the age of 65 years). It is more prevalent in the western wor... Heart Rate Exercise Training Heart Rate Exercise Training is the zone which helps you to get strong and fit, while keeping a control over your Heart Rate. In the Heart Rate Training Zones, calculations are made by taking into consideration your Maximum Heart Rate and your Resting Heart Rate. Within each traini... Relieving hemorrhoids with natural remedies part I Here are a variety of natural remedies that you can use to relief from your hemorrhoids. You can try one until you find one that works for you. Remember that every person is different and you need to find the remedy that works for you. Cranberry Poultice For rel... The Need for Home First Aid Kits - Accidents can happen anywhere, even in the home. Every home, and especially those with small children, should have a home first aid kit for accidents. No one can predict who will be injured in the home. It may be an older child that must call for help. Inside every home fi... Hair cloning as a solution for hair loss One of the most exciting recent developments in the search to find new solutions for hair loss has been research investigating hair cloning. Properly known as follicle cloning or multiplication, it involves taking a sample of a person's hair follicle cells, multiplying them in a la... Some Dangers One Can Expect From Taking Extra HGH HGH (Human Growth Hormone) has become a popular supplement for those wishing to increase their body mass and strength. But as with all shortcuts in this area, there comes the natural dangers and side effects usually not listed by those selling HGH products. The number one, best way... Power Wheelchair Criticized On February 5, 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a draft on criteria for power wheelchairs and scooters coverage. These criteria will rely on clinical guidance for determining need. The new analysis begins with an assessment if the beneficiary has a ...
|
|
|||||
|
||||||