Prebiotics are needed by our microbiota to grow.The usual list of foods containing prebiotics are garlic, bananas, onions, wheat, artichoke and chicory root. Now it seems that even traditional leafy vegetables are no slackers in the prebiotic department. Researchers in South Africa looked at their effect on growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in pure cultures. […]
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Doctors Need Answers on Probiotics
Patients want answers about probiotics. Often they ask their doctors who may turn out to have few positions on probiotics or other “alternative” therapies. Medical schools, with such vast material to cover, teach science and treatment with very little time spent on prevention. Researchers at the St. Louis University School of Medicine surveyed gastroenterologists […]
Probiotics in Vaginal Infections
Most women will experience the unpleasantness of a vaginal infection from time to time. The itching, discharge and inflammation are usually caused by bacteria which displace the usual lactobacilli and change the acidity –making it a higher pH which means less acidic. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus jensenii are the dominant organisms in healthy premenopausal women; […]
Education on Probiotics Needed
As concern about health increases, probiotics present a new concept in the health arena. A new study surveyed attitudes and consumption patterns of consumers in a Brazilian city regarding products containing probiotics. While consumption was low, attitudes were positive. A questionnaire of 14 items was given to 352 individuals. Most were students or faculty with […]
Common NSAIDs Impact Bifidobacteria
Medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen are common non-steroidal pain therapies. They are also used for fevers and in higher doses to combat inflammation. Recent research from Temitayo Olumakinwa Obanla at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University explored whether these drugs interfere with viability and functionality of probiotics. The study looked at effect on […]
Kefir Is Easy To make
Kefir is less well known than many fermented products. But the number and variety of helpful bacterial and yeast strains can far outnumber those found in the more popular yogurt. In addition, it is much easier to make. Yogurt requires a few steps to kill the bacteria in milk before inoculating with yogurt culture. But […]