Although you may tend to think of bacteria as being harmful to health, there are many naturally occurring bacteria which are beneficial to your digestive system. Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria added to certain foods, particularly yogurts, and most often come from either Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium bacteria genera. Within each bacteria group there are different species, and within each species there are different strains, or varieties.
Yogurt Types
All yogurts contain Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which act as the starter culture that creates yogurt, but some manufacturers have begun adding extra probiotic strains. Dannon Activia yogurt was the first to advertise the addition of probiotics, and includes Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010, which Dannon has trademarked as "Bifidus regularis." Other brands that offer probiotic-enhanced yogurts include Stonyfield Farm yogurt, Horizon Organic yogurt and Yo-Plus from Yoplait.
Probiotic Yogurt for Constipation
The Johns Hopkins Health Alerts website cites two studies that showed evidence of the efficacy of probiotics in helping to treat constipation. In the first study, a comparison of women eating normal yogurt with women eating B. animalis DN-173 010-treated yogurt, the group eating the probiotic yogurt had a significantly shortened intestinal transit time. The second study revealed an improvement in symptoms of bloating and constipation for a group of patients who for several weeks ate two 4-oz. daily servings of Activia yogurt -- which contains B. animalis DN-173 010 -- as compared to a group who ate yogurt from which the bacteria was removed.
Other Health Benefits
Whether in foods such as yogurt or in supplements, probiotics require further research, states the MayoClinic.com website. Probiotics do show promise, however, as a way to help those suffering diarrhea, particularly when it is caused by antibiotic use. They may also help to treat and prevent urinary tract and intestinal infections, calm irritable bowel syndrome and reduce recurrence rates for bladder cancer patients. Probiotics may even act to prevent or reduce the severity of cold or flu symptoms.
Labeling
Look for the statement "live and active cultures" on labels when choosing a probiotic yogurt. In guidelines published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, probiotics are defined as "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." These guidelines recommend that manufacturers label probiotic yogurt with the genus, species and strain designation; health claims; and the suggested serving size necessary to receive an effective dose of probiotics to meet the health claims.
Considerations
Yogurts containing probiotics should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatment of symptoms such as stomach upset or diarrhea. The side effects of probiotics tend to be mild digestive complaints such as excess gas. However, probiotics can be potentially harmful for certain people and should not be used as complementary or alternative medicine without first consulting with your doctor. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine warns that the effects achieved by one particular strain of probiotic bacteria may not be the same as those of other types. (See References 4)
References
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: The Promise Of Probiotic Yogurt
- MayoClinic.com: Consumer Health - Is It Important To Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?
- World Health Organization: Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
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