Of all probiotics, the best know is “lactobacillus.” These can be found in cultured dairy foods like yogurts and buttermilk, and can be found in pill form. If you get your probiotics from yogurt, I recommend you choose plain yogurt. Yogurt that is processed with fruit, sometimes doesn’t contain live probiotics. You can add fruit to plan yogurt though.
Another probiotic, “bididobacterium,” also helps replace intestinal “flora,” or friendly bacteria. In addition to boosting the immune system and aiding digestion, studies have shown probiotics helpful in the treatment of Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Probiotics are also helpful in prevention and treatment of acute diarrhea, even in children. The Journal of Pediatrics reported improvement of children’s diarrhea symptoms caused by antibiotics.
One Swedish study showed promise that probiotics could strengthen the immune system, help prevent colorectal cancer, and even help fight carcinogens. Probiotics are a great addition to your diet and nutritional supplement regimen, but don’t start then without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor can tell you if this is right for you or contraindicated.
Also, I don’t recommend giving probiotics to children under the age of three. Diet or exercise question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org.
David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and personal trainer for 26 years.
He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for thee S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, USC-Spartanburg baseball team, Converse college equestrian team, lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, and taught four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.