Probiotics—Health Benefits

By: Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:20:38
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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.

Most doctors and other health professionals still fail to recommend probiotics to their patients. The reason for this can be that most products sold today do not have any real evidence that they work. Western medicine is based on what is known as evidence-based medicine. Medical doctors typically only use therapies with a scientific history of, usually pharmaceutically generated beneficial effects (and yes, despite side-effects). They also only have faith in products evaluated by pharmaceutical companies.

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 called CL1285®. This probiotic sold in health food stores for nearly ten years is making waves in the medical community.

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:

Most probiotics on the market today promote "general well-being," but 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.

• Some 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.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Author, Hypnotherapist and Inspirational Leader specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Article source: Expert Articles

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