Probiotics - Do They Provide Health Benefits?
By: NayNay Butler
I first heard about probiotics recently when I had to take an antibiotic, and my doctor suggested I take a probiotic along with the antibiotic to help to avoid diarrhea and upset stomach. I had never heard of probiotics so I was very wary about taking it. I went home and did a little research on probiotics to consider whether I should take it or not. What I found out about probiotics was quite interesting, and I thought I should share this information.
According to WebMD.com, “Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines.” Microflora is bacteria in the intestines. For example, when we take antibiotics, the antibiotics are designed to kill the bad bacteria, but in the process it can also kill the good bacteria which is the cause for diarrhea and intestinal distress. By taking probiotics while on an antibiotic it restores the good bacteria in your intestines, therefore, reducing the chances of diarrhea and upset stomach. The good bacteria keeps the bad bacteria in check, aids in digestion, helps to absorb nutrients, and helps immune function. Probiotics can also be found in such foods as yogurt.
Probiotics has also been found to help in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Women can also benefit from the use of probiotics when experiencing symptoms from bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections caused by the use of antibiotics, spermicides and birth control pills.
In recent years, research has suggested that by taking probiotics you could decrease your cancer risk. Cancer causing carcinogens can be ingested into your gastrointestinal tract, and probiotics can aid in fighting those cancer causing agents. Probiotics can possibly be beneficial to people with lactose intolerance as well.
It seems that more research is being done on probiotics and its many health benefits as we speak. The use of probiotics in the United States has increased in recent years as more and more people become aware of the many benefits it could possibly offer. In the United States, probiotics are sold as dietary supplements.
As with anything you consider ingesting into your body, you should do your research on probiotics and speak with your doctor before deciding to take this supplement. Probiotics are a natural supplement that comes in different brands and different species of bacteria. It would be wise to discuss with your doctor the probiotic that would be best for you. Probiotics are sold in most drug stores and health food stores over the counter. I am not a medical doctor, nor do I have a medical background, but I do think you owe it to yourself to at least research and speak with your doctor about the benefits that probiotic supplements could possibly have to your overall health.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/AN00389
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml
http://www.usprobiotics.org/basics.asp#cancer
According to WebMD.com, “Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines.” Microflora is bacteria in the intestines. For example, when we take antibiotics, the antibiotics are designed to kill the bad bacteria, but in the process it can also kill the good bacteria which is the cause for diarrhea and intestinal distress. By taking probiotics while on an antibiotic it restores the good bacteria in your intestines, therefore, reducing the chances of diarrhea and upset stomach. The good bacteria keeps the bad bacteria in check, aids in digestion, helps to absorb nutrients, and helps immune function. Probiotics can also be found in such foods as yogurt.
Probiotics has also been found to help in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Women can also benefit from the use of probiotics when experiencing symptoms from bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections caused by the use of antibiotics, spermicides and birth control pills.
In recent years, research has suggested that by taking probiotics you could decrease your cancer risk. Cancer causing carcinogens can be ingested into your gastrointestinal tract, and probiotics can aid in fighting those cancer causing agents. Probiotics can possibly be beneficial to people with lactose intolerance as well.
It seems that more research is being done on probiotics and its many health benefits as we speak. The use of probiotics in the United States has increased in recent years as more and more people become aware of the many benefits it could possibly offer. In the United States, probiotics are sold as dietary supplements.
As with anything you consider ingesting into your body, you should do your research on probiotics and speak with your doctor before deciding to take this supplement. Probiotics are a natural supplement that comes in different brands and different species of bacteria. It would be wise to discuss with your doctor the probiotic that would be best for you. Probiotics are sold in most drug stores and health food stores over the counter. I am not a medical doctor, nor do I have a medical background, but I do think you owe it to yourself to at least research and speak with your doctor about the benefits that probiotic supplements could possibly have to your overall health.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/AN00389
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml
http://www.usprobiotics.org/basics.asp#cancer
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