Probiotic yogurts are fermented dairy products with live active cultures. Not all yogurts are probiotic. Look for an indication on the label that specifically states, "live active cultures." Probiotiotics are bacteria that provide many health benefits. Yogurt is made from bacterial fermentation that produces lactic acid. Eating yogurt can help balance or restore the amount of friendly bacteria in your system.
Digestive Aid
Probiotic yogurts are an effective digestive aid. Probiotic yogurts contain beneficial bacteria that improve lactose digestion and can rid you of lactose intolerance symptoms, according to a study published in the February 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." In addition, probiotic yogurt helps keep your gastrointestinal tract in balance, alleviating diarrhea from some causes. Taking antibiotics tends to kill off healthy intestinal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea. Eating probiotic yogurt returns the healthy bacteria to your digestive tract, returning your system to normal.
Disease Treatment
Probiotic yogurt is also effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, IBS. A pilot study headed by D. Guyonnet published in the 2009 issue of "Journal of Digestive Diseases" found eating foods containing probiotics eased digestive discomfort. Eating a daily dose of probiotic yogurt prevents and eases gastrointestinal diseases caused by micro-organisms. A 2005 study published in "Journal of Internal Medicine" found probiotics effective in treating gastrointestinal infections from Helicobacter pylori, rotavirus diarrhea and clostridium difficile-induced diarrhea. Eating probiotics in yogurt also can prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and eczema in children, and can reduce bladder cancer recurrence.
Immune System Booster
Probiotic microbes in your gastrointestinal track help regulate the immune system. Eating probiotic yogurt stimulates your immune system, helping to protect you against disease and infection. Probiotics also reduce your chances of getting colds and flu, according to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., clinical nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic.
Metabolic Booster
Eating probiotic yogurt may help you keep the fat off and your metabolism functioning at a normal rate, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Probiotics play a role in the body's metabolic rate. This was first noted when sick cows given antibiotics gained weight. This led ranchers to feed their livestock low-dose antibiotics in feed to change the metabolism in the animals, which resulted in weight gain and improved ability to retain fat. Probiotic yogurt will provide your body with the needed bacteria to boost the metabolism and keep your body burning fat instead of storing fat.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Is it Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet? Katherine Zeratsky, 2010
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Probiotics-Compensation for Lactase Insufficiency; Michael de Vrese; 2001
- PubMed: Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Diseases; A. Sullivan; 2005
- PubMed: Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium Lactis DN-173 010 Improved Self-Reported Digestive Comfort Amongst a General Population of Adults; D. Guyonnet; 2009
- University of Michigan Health System: Probiotic Microbes Could be a Key to Good Health; 2006
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