Probiotics or “good bacteria”, continue to rise in prominence in both supplementation and in functional foods. The two genuses of these beneficial organisms are the well known L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Acidophilus tend to occupy the small intestine, while the Bifido reside in the larger intestine.
The benefits of Acidophilus intake has been known for many, many years but just in the last decade were these microorganisms directly associated with such health issues such as:
Antibiotic Therapy; Taken after a protocol of antibiotics is finished can help restore small intestinal flora and greatly reduce antibiotic induced diarrhea.
Cancer; Acidophilus can reduce DNA damage in colon cells, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Colds and Flu; Supplements containing both Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria have shown the ability to reduce the cases of cold and flu up to 50%.
Eczema; Both of these Probiotics were found to prevent eczema in infants who were at high risk for allergies.
Elevated Cholesterol; Acidophilus containing yogurt can knock 2 or 3 points of your cholesterol levels.
Enhanced Immunity; By doubling their phagocytic index, subjects in a recent study showed how probiotic intake helps a body fight off disease and parasitic illness.
Infantile Diarrhea; Acidophilus plus rehydration therapy substantially speed up recovery by infants.
Lactose Intolerance: Improved lactose digestion, has been proven in improved symptoms and a decrease of hydrogen in the breath.
Vaginal Candiasis; Acidophilus therapy has been reported to support prevention and treatment of infections.
The benefits of Bifidobacteria intake have, in the last 10 years, have begun to be better known and have proven to enhance the recovery with Acidophilus in all these instances in the lower colon and to eliminate hyrogen gas and its corresponding flatulence.
The more probiotic research increases, the more strains of these beneficial microorganisms are discovered and the extent they benefit our health. One thing is for certain, our world and our lifestyles can destory this important line of defense.