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Feeling Fit: Bacteria that Does a Body Good – The Pros of Probiotics
By Mattie Barringer
You’ve probably heard by now that probiotics are all the rage when it comes to optimal digestive health, but just what are these miracle do-gooders, anyway? More commonly known as live or active cultures, they are microorganisms similar to “friendly” bacteria found naturally in the G.I. tract. In a balanced system, friendly bacteria help the body digest food, absorb essential nutrients and support a healthy immune system. They also compete for food and shelter with other residents of your gut, i.e. pathogenic bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses that, in larger numbers, can cause digestive upset. Unfortunately, factors such as antibiotic treatment, stress, poor diet and simple aging can disturb that delicate balance by destroying friendly bacteria, which in turn allows for the bad guys to wreak havoc on your system.
While there is no definitive proof that supplementing your intake of probiotics is necessary, an increasing number of studies show promising results in the treatment of various G.I. disorders from gas, diarrhea and constipation to Candida overgrowth, Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.
As the positive evidence mounts, so too does the variety of supplements and probiotic-rich foods on the market. Finding the right supplement for you is a matter of research, trial and error. Consult with your doctor before trying anything; they might have a recommendation for your specific situation. Supplementing with food is simply a matter of taste. Probiotics are in abundance in some yogurts and other fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, buttermilk and tempeh, but for those looking for a more novel, less pungent way to consume them, the health food market is evolving to meet demand. Next time you’re at the health food store, keep an eye out for the buzzwords “probiotics”, “live cultures” and “active cultures”. You may find something that you love as much as your belly bugs do.
*Note that while probiotic consumption is considered safe for most, supplementation can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems and serious illnesses. Talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes or taking supplements.
Synergy Kombucha Tea: A tangy, effervescent “elixir” brewed in palate pleasing flavors like Gingerberry, Mystic Mango and Strawberry Serenity.
Evolve Kefir Smoothies: A smooth and creamy drinkable yogurt with 12 live and active cultures.
GoodBelly Probiotic Juice Drink: Dairy and soy-free juice containing billions of live and active probiotic cultures. Crisp, fruity, refreshing.
Vive Probiotic Digestive Wellness Cereal by Kashi: Fiber and probiotic rich cereal mix of crunchy graham twigs, lightly toasted flakes and vanilla-dipped rice crisps.
Attune Probiotic Bars: Small, but satisfying, each bar is just 90 calories of pure chocolate bliss.
