Lately, there has been a lot of interest in probiotics. It seems like you can’t turn on the TV for a minute without seeing an ad for some form of probiotics. They come in pill form; and regular fermented dairy products, and with a seemingly endless list of probiotics brands. But there is one trend that has been on the rise lately-probiotic yogurt. These are yogurts that have 1 or more special strains of probiotic bacteria added for a specific health benefit. But is it worth it? Are the health benefits proven? Let’s take a look…
A Brief History
Lactobacillus acidophilus was first discovered in the late 1800′s by a German gastroenterologist named Ismar Isidor Boas. By the early 1900′s, it was found to have a beneficial effect on several aspects of health. It was shown to improve lactose intolerance; as well as increasing immunity, reducing allergies, and relieving minor gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation. The research has continued to this day, and results have been very encouraging.
Benefits of Probiotics
- Reduced occurrence of allergies
- Improved resistance to harmful organisms
- Increase in immune function
- Improved absorption of vitamins and minerals
- Relief of minor gastrointestinal distress
- Lowers occurrence of eczema in children
To understand the benefits of probiotics and yogurt, we have to understand why they are there in the first place. The human intestinal tract is sterile when we are born. But it is soon colonized by many organisms. Most of these organisms are harmless, even beneficial to human health. Some would say that they are essential.
Along with the benefits mentioned above, the main function of this probiotic bacteria is simply to take up space so that harmful organisms do not have room to grow. The most common among these are C.diff and Candida albicans. These can be very dangerous. And probiotics for infants have been shown to reduce the incidence of eczema.
These beneficial probiotic bacteria can be killed off for many reasons. But the most common include stress, poor diet, and antibiotic use. Even 1 course of antibiotics can wipe out all of the beneficial bacteria in your colon. This results in a state known as intestinal dysbiosis. The harmful organisms can grow unimpeded, and it can turn into a vicious cycle.
A University of Nebraska study showed a 61% decrease of E. coli in cattle after supplementing the feedstock with lactobacillus acidophilus.
There is a chance of side effects. But probiotics side effects are usually mild and can include gas and abdominal discomfort.
Probiotic Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt
In reality, most yogurt is probiotic yogurt, because most yogurt does contain live bacteria. This is how it was originally discovered. But certain yogurt probiotics have additional or specific strains added to them for specific health benefits. Dannon (Activia), Stonyfield, and Yoplait are the most popular probiotic yogurt brands. But there are many other good ones as well.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is contained in most yogurts. Probiotics benefits were first discovered while researching this strain. Some of the specialty brands contain other species of lactobacillus including lactobacillus reuteri, gasseri, casei, paracasei, plantarum. Many also contain bifidobacteria. The specialty brands will also have more live bugs.
Many of these probiotic strains have been studied and appear to have varying degrees of health benefits. But the research is just starting to scratch the surface. There are endless amounts of strains to be studied, and the research can be expensive.
Conclusion
So is probiotic yogurt something you should include in your diet? In my opinion, the answer is yes. Which type you choose is up to you. Any fermented dairy product with live bacteria will have benefits. But the specialty; and health food store quality brands will generally give you more live bugs. The important thing is that you take action. After all, our health is our responsibility, and ours alone. And nobody is going to do it for us.
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