The Wonders of Probiotics

Chances are you’ve heard of probiotics and their seemingly magical effect on troublesome gastrointestinal tracts. Although there have not been enough studies performed on the effects of probiotics to confirm their efficiency, there has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the use of probiotics to aid healthy digestion. So what exactly is a probiotic?

Probiotics are actually bacteria that live in our GI tract and help to keep digestive organs functioning properly by stimulating natural digestive juices and enzymes in the body. These bacteria, or microflora can also be found in fermented foods like yogurt, soy products, and juices or teas. It may seem counter intuitive to take bacteria to cure gastrointestinal issues, but probiotics are made up of productive bacteria that work with your body rather than against it.

One reason doctors often prescribe probiotics is to counteract the side effects of antibiotics. While antibiotics have been developed to fight off dangerous bacterial infections by attacking the bacterial cell, they can also kill off good bacteria in the intestines along the way. Studies show that taking probiotics can help to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects of antibiotics, such as diarrhea, which can be dangerous for those already suffering from a bacterial infection.

Probiotics are also a great way to regulate chronic gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance. Taking them won’t cure, or even fully treat these disorders, but many patients claim that increasing their probiotic intake does ease painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, gassiness, and cramping.

And for women suffering from UTIs or yeast infections, probiotics can also help to regulate the crucial microflora that are needed to ward off infections. Many women already know of yogurt as a home remedy for yeast infections, but taking probiotics in supplement pills or powders can help regulate all aspects vaginal health.

Here are some great ways to get probiotics into your diet:

• Yogurt: fermented yogurt is rich in probiotics, with over 10 billion bacteria in an 8 oz. serving, but make sure to check the ingredients and steer clear of artificial sweeteners and flavors. Goats milk and hand-made yogurts are best.
• Miso: this staple of many macrobiotic diets is made from fermented soy or rice and can be added to hot water to make a delicious soup.
• Dark chocolate: just one of the many health benefits of dark chocolate! It can contain up to four times as many bacteria as dairy products (and can also be four times as delicious).
• Kombucha: this fermented tea is packed with nutrients and good gut bacteria to keep your system healthy and energized.
• Pickles: from the common green pickle, to sauerkraut, to kimchi — pickled vegetables such as cucumber and cabbage are high in good bacteria from the fermenting process.
• Dietary Supplements: available in pill and powder forms, a supplement can often be a quick and easy way to consume helpful probiotics, just make sure to read the ingredients to know what bacteria you’re getting.

Written by Olivia Murphy