What are Probiotics?

By Julia Bright


Positive health benefit if they are a regular part of the diet. Have you come across the word "probiotic," and wondered what it meant? Have you ever asked anyone, "What are probiotics?" If so, then keep reading for an explanation of exactly what probiotics are. Probiotics are microorganisms that have beneficial effects on health, particularly intestinal health. In recent years, a wealth of information has been disseminated on the health benefits of probiotics, and they are increasing in popularity as the general public learns more about them.
If you are interested in starting with probiotics, the easiest way to begin is by eating yogurt. Yogurt has been a great source of probiotics for thousands of years, although it wasn't until recently that people began to understand the source of its health benefits. The main microorganism in yogurt that gives it its health giving qualities is Lactobacillus (LB). LB is the main bacteria found in yogurt, and recent scientific research has revealed that it has very positive effects on the digestive system. In fact, regular doses of LB are often enough to smooth out any digestion related irregularities in a person's body, and help them become more able to digest difficult to digest foods like beef or cow's milk. Of course, yogurt is only a good source of LB if it has "live cultures." The term "live cultures" on labels indicates that the yogurt was not heat treated, and the bacteria in the yogurt are still alive.

One type of bacteria in yogurt partially responsible for its health enhancing qualities is Streptococcus thermophiles (ST).

this means that much of the yogurt on the market has no health benefits. In order to make sure you take advantage of the health benefits of yogurt, make sure that the yogurt you buy says, "live cultures" on the label. If yogurt simply isn't for you (and many people do not like the taste of yogurt), then you should consider trying probiotic dietary supplements. A variety of live, health promoting bacteria are available in most commercial probiotic supplements. The only way to find out which probiotic supplements are for you is to try out several different brands, and note which brand seems to improve your digestion the most. The brand that has the most positive effects is the brand you will want to stick wit
this means that much of the yogurt on the market has no health benefits. In order to make sure you take advantage of the health benefits of yogurt, make sure that the yogurt you buy says, "live cultures" on the label. If yogurt simply isn't for you (and many people do not like the taste of yogurt), then you should consider trying probiotic dietary supplements. A variety of live, health promoting bacteria are available in most commercial probiotic supplements. The only way to find out which probiotic supplements are for you is to try out several different brands, and note which brand seems to improve your digestion the most. The brand that has the most positive effects is the brand you will want to stick with long-term.

If the idea of swallowing probiotic pills does not appeal to you, you could try kefir. Kefir is similar to yogurt (it has the same beneficial probiotic bacteria), but the consistency is very different. Yogurt has a gelatinous, semi-solid consistency, while kefir is a liquid.

If the idea of swallowing probiotic pills does not appeal to you, you could try kefir. Kefir is similar to yogurt (it has the same beneficial probiotic bacteria), but the consistency is very different. Yogurt has a gelatinous, semi-solid consistency, while kefir is a liquid.

One way to get around the bitter taste of kefir if you do not like it is to try to add different fruit flavorings to the bottled kefir you purchase. If you find a winning fruit combination, then try adding moderate amounts of sugar or some other sweetener, and then see if you like the resulting taste. If you do, then kefir is probably the ideal source of probiotics for you. Whatever way you find to get regular amounts of probiotics into your diet, the key is to be consistent. If you are not consistent in eating probiotics each day, you will not derive very many health benefits from using them. Most people that experience radical improvements in digestion from the use of probiotics use probiotics consistently for three months or more.




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