About Probiotics and Prebiotics...
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Decided to do a little reading up on the above topic and thought I'd share my findings.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host. Common probiotics include Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
Probiotic bacteria are known to be able to help reduce the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses, assist lactose intolerant people with lactose digestion as well as enhance the immune function.
Probiotic bacteria are typically, but not always, chosen from bacteria that normally inhabit the gastrointestinal system of humans, and belong to a species that is known to be safe. These bacteria are purified, grown to large numbers, concentrated to high doses and preserved. They are provided in products in one of three basic ways:
- as a culture concentrate added to a food (usually a dairy product) at medium levels, with little or no opportunity for culture growth;
- inoculated into a milk-based food (or dietary supplement) and allowed to grow to achieve high levels in a fermented food (eg. yogurts); and
- as concentrated and dried cells packaged as dietary supplements such as powders, capsules, or tablets (eg. Lactobacillus pills from Kordel's).
PREBIOTICS
Prebiotics is a special type of fibre, like inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides, that stimulates the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, so helping to keep the digestive system healthy and strengthen the immune system.
This fibre is found naturally in some fruit and vegetables such as onions, chicory, and bananas; now food manufacturers are starting to add it to smoothies and cereals. They can also be found in asparagus, garlic, wheat, tomatoes, and Jerusalem artichokes. -
Thanks for sharing... I learn something new about food everyday!
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Well SL, you're the only one in here who's interested enough to read this thread!
So, I guess we're REALLY into food, yes? -
Originally posted by Rhonda:Well SL, you're the only one in here who's interested enough to read this thread!
So, I guess we're REALLY into food, yes? -
BTW, Kordel's sell Lactobacillus Acidophillus in capsules. These are probiotics that are good for getting rid of bloatedness in the gut region as well as encouraging the normal flora commonly found in our intestines to fluorish. They actually play a part in our digestion.
Some anaesthesia would actually cause you to feel a hugely bloated tummy. Eating the Lactobacillus capsules as prescribed should work to ease your discomfort. -
Lactobacillus Acidophillus
hmmm....yakult
.. I prefer vitagen .. is sweeter. -
There's no need to consume in large amts...rite?
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I still prefer Yakult. I like its thicker consistency and the fact that it's less sweet than Vitagen. heh.Originally posted by KumSioJui:hmmm....yakult .. I prefer vitagen .. is sweeter. -
I like to add egg yolk to vitagen ... makes me strong like a lionOriginally posted by Rhonda:I still prefer Yakult. I like its thicker consistency and the fact that it's less sweet than Vitagen. heh. 
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Originally posted by KumSioJui:I like to add egg yolk to vitagen ... makes me strong like a lion
Still, eeeeeeewwwwwww... cannot imagine how that tastes like!!!! -
Of course not! You should take just the recommended amount to make sure you have a healthy amount of the microorganisms in your gut to maintain good health.Originally posted by deathscythe99:There's no need to consume in large amts...rite?
After taking a course of antibiotics, it's good to take probiotics / prebiotics to replace the microflora that was most likely wiped out by the antibiotics.