Over at Culinate, Catherine Bennett Dunster wrote an interesting article/explanation about probiotics -- live microorganisms found in foods which may have health benefits. Dunster writes that probiotics have been reported to improve intestinal health, boost immune systems and reduce lactose intolerance, but adds that there is currently minimal strong scientific evidence to support these claims.As an immune-suppressed, lactose-intolerant person with an auto-immune intestinal disease, I've tried my fair share of probiotics. Though I used to take a powdered, lemonade-flavored probiotic, VSL3, which I dissolved in water, I've switched to just trying to eat probiotic-friendly foods. My experiences are pretty much in line with Dunster's report, in that I don't notice a big difference in how I feel based on how much of these foods I consume (my doctors warned of this). Mostly, I just eat them because they taste good and I figure they can't hurt.
My favorite probiotic-containing food is Kashi Vive, a cereal for digestive health that I eat -- again -- because it tastes delicious. I have to be careful not to consume too much, though, because it's also high in fiber (which isn't great for my intestines). Many yogurts are also well-known for containing them, and some companies have even launched lines of yogurts aimed at promoting digestive health (though there has been backlash). Check out a longer list of brand-name foods containing probiotics here at The Nibble, and definitely let us know if you've had success with any of them!
Chocolate-stuffed bananas on the grill
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Beware kids' menus!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-25-2008 @ 9:24AM
jrsygir1 said...
i have been eating stoneyfield yogurt, plain although i add pineapple and grape nuts....for years....i think as far back as 1996 or earlier....before you could get it in regular stores...for me its like good medicine...it just makes me feel all around better....now dont read the next part if you dont want to be grossed out but it makes my vagina healthier...i take a lot of antibiotics and that yogurt keeps my body chemistry stable.
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2-25-2008 @ 9:27AM
micky said...
You can consider this anecdotal at best, but ever since my wife and I have started giving our 5 year old daughter the pro biotic powder that dissolves in her drinks twice a day we have noticed a marked difference in her health. She is almost 7 now and used to get pneumonia multiple times a year and have other asthma related issues as well as stomach issues and not one episode since we started the pro-bi regimen. So, I'm a believer.
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2-25-2008 @ 3:07PM
Rachael said...
I am lactose intolerant and have problems digesting wheat products. I take acidopholius pills and eat yogurt almost every day. I find it really helps me to digest dairy products and keep my digestion in check when I am stressed. I haven't tried any of the "special" digestion yogurts, I just stick to regular yogurt with active cultures.
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