Given the buzz about probiotics, most people are asking if they’re really as good as they are made out to be. The answer is a strong YES, especially when it comes to pregnant women and breastfeeding moms and their breastfed children have fewer infections and days of diarrhea of Mom is taking probiotics. And almost weekly, new information comes out demonstrating how these friendly bacteria that live in our guts are essential for good health. What do these beneficial bugs do? (There are trillions of them, outnumbering the cells in our body 10 to 1). They help prevent colitis-related colon cancer, protect you from food poisoning, strengthen the immune system, ward off allergies and colds, ease eczema, stop diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, protect against heart attacks, increase longevity and may even decrease depression and other mood related disorders.
In addition, probiotics aid digestion by breaking down sugars-called polysaccharides- and amino acids in proteins. Some of the bacteria even produce vitamins and act as anti-inflammatories, reducing the risk of everything from arthritis to clogged arteries. So here’s the gen about eating probiotic-rich foods and taking supplements.
Healthy gut bacteria even if you take supplements and eat yoghurt depend on your overall diet to supply what they need to thrive. That includes plenty of fibre from veggies , 100 per cent whole grains and fruit, and a well-balanced mix of vitamins and other nutrients. Too many of one (like the B Vitamin choline) can keep the bugs from doing their good work.
King Features Syndicate,
Thanks,
The Hindu, Well Being,
07/04/2013
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