What Are ProBiotics?

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Scientists are increasingly discovering many more benefits from consuming foods with sufficient levels of probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics are dietary supplements and live microorganisms containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts.

There is a landmark medical study conducted by experts on the front lines of hospital infection control. Hospital researchers recently made public a major study using a new, patented strain of friendly acidophilus bacterial.

Already respected by consumers for delivering results, clinical studies are now giving physicians the medical proof they require to recommend this probiotic.

Health benefits of probiotics:

Scientists are increasingly discovering many more benefits from consuming foods with sufficient levels of probiotic bacteria.

• Digestion: If the natural balance of your digestive system is upset, for example when you are traveling or under stress, you may experience stomach problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort. This in turn can affect other functions or physiological systems such as the immune system.

• Probiotic bacteria help keep the digestive system and immune system in balance, and have a positive effect on different types of diarrhea as well as constipation.

• Childhood eczema: Childhood eczema is known to be related to an imbalance in bacteria in the gut, and several scientific studies have shown that probiotic bacteria can reduce or even eliminate eczema in children.

• Other target areas: In addition, new generations of probiotic bacteria are targeted at specific problems or areas of the body. A number of probiotic products are believed to be able to lower cholesterol. Recently the market has seen the introduction of probiotic products for women’s health aiming at maintaining and restoring a healthy vaginal flora.

• Studies found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, including B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.

• Pediatric studies found that probiotics aids in a significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25% decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.

• Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture.

• Studies showed that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation among the elderly.

• Other studies showed that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduces the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer causing substances).

• Several studies found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes as well as antibodies.

Russian scientist, Eli Metchnikov, discovered nearly 100 years ago the health benefits of friendly bacteria. The word probiotic literally means “for life”, and is the opposite of the word antibiotic.