Probiotics FAQs

It should be the goal of every individual to have a healthy body. A healthy body means more energy throughout the day and it keeps you from feeling run down. But in order to have a healthy body, you have to make sure that your internal organ systems are functioning properly. Even something as simple as lactose intolerance can throw off your day and how you feel but there is a way to help that. The use of probiotics is growing daily. More and more people want to feel healthy and know that their body is functioning properly. If you are not familiar with the use of a probiotic, then this article is for you.

Where are probiotics found?

A probiotic can be found in many different foods. It really depends on what food you are eating. Lactic acid bacteria have been used for years and you can find it in yogurt and other milk products. Bifidobacterium is another bacterium that is found in probiotic food sources and supplements. If you are not able to digest lactose products, which are where most probiotic supplements are added, you can take them in the form of supplements. You can buy Escherichia coli M-17 from BioBalance in their ProBactrix supplement. But going back to the most naturally occurring probiotic, you can find that in yogurt and some milk. Just look to see that there are active cultures in it. In your body probiotics are found in the small intestine.

What are some different types of probiotics?

The most common strains are the Lactobacillus acidophilus strains that you find in milk products. But you can also find supplements that have Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12, or you can have Escherichia coli M-17 or Nissle 1917. They all are manufactured and produced in a supplement form.

Can you have an adverse reaction to probiotics?

There are certain specific situations where the use of probiotics could be harmful. There was a therapeutic clinical trial performed on patients that had acute pancreatitis. The trial did show an increased death rate. But the World Health Organization does consider the probiotics useful and does even recommend them to most patients. As with any natural supplement or new diet, you should check with your doctor before beginning. He or she can advise you on whether or not it is safe for you to take.

Are there any studies that show the benefits of using probiotics?

There have been countless studies that do show that there is a definite benefit from having a diet that is high in probiotics. There is less of an occurrence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, lower blood pressure and even lower cholesterol. When the intestines are able to do their job properly, the rest of the body benefits.

More about probiotics

Friendly Bacteria

According to Jeffrey I. Gordon, director of the Center for Genome Sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine, there are trillions upon trillions of microbes within our bodies of more than 1,000 different species. Of this "bacterial nation," most are friendly bacteria residing in our guts functioning like an internal organ, which helps us to digest, make vitamins, keep bad bacteria out of our systems and strengthen our immune system.

Probiotic Supplement

Diarrhea is a disgusting, unpleasant surprise. Maybe it was that spicy taco you ate or the lavish steak that flushed right through your system. Perhaps the antibiotics you're on or the stress you've been under at work have contributed to this unfortunate activity in your bowels.

Probiotic Supplements

"If you're healthy and are not planning to take antibiotics, go into the hospital, or maybe take a trip out of the country, then there is no benefit from taking probiotics," said Lynne McFarland, a microbiologist at the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System and coauthor of "The Power of Probiotics." Probiotic supplements can be found in food, powders and capsules around the world and are believed to contribute to healthy immune and digestive systems. Even so, not all Americans are convinced there are any benefits.