Probiotics: A Billion Good Bugs

Friendly Bacteria for Your Digestive System

Our digestive system is home to more than 500 different bacterial species, which help keep our intestinal linings healthy and assist in breaking down and processing food. These beneficial organisms help regulate a healthy immune response, to keep us from getting sick, and assist in maintaining a strong immune system. These little guys, commonly referred to as probiotics , help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. That’s right! Probiotics are live bacteria with clinically-documented health benefits. Health Benefits It appears that when the digestive system is kept healthy, other body systems greatly benefit as well. Probiotics may: ·        Protect against infection ·        Enhance and boost the immune system ·        Promote and improve digestive health ·        Alleviate diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatments ·        Promote urinary and genital health ·        Assist in the management of inflammation ·        Help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance ·        Improve some types of eczema in infants and children ·        Reduce cholesterol levels ·        Decrease the risk of certain cancers Sources Curd Miso-It is made from fermented Soy.It is used in Japanese cuisine.Probiotic filled miso contains more than 160 bacteria strains.It's often used to make soup  Kefir-A fermented milk product contains a mixture of beneficial bacteria and yeasts.Similar to yogurt, this fermented dairy product is a unique combination of goat milk and fermented kefir grains. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Sauerkraut-It is fermented cabbage used in German cuisine. sauerkraut is not only extremely rich in healthy live cultures, but also aids in reducing allergy symptoms. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamins B, A, E and C. Yakult(Commercially available probiotic drink ) Probiotic powder and capsules are also available ·      Tempeh -A great substitute for meat or tofu, tempeh is a fermented, probiotic made from soy beans. A great source of vitamin B12, this vegetarian food can be sautéed, baked or eaten crumbled on salads. If prepared correctly, tempeh is also very low in salt, which makes it an ideal choice for those on a low-sodium diet. ·