Probiotic drinks are a type of dietary supplement that contain living bacteria. After drinking a probiotic beverage, these bacteria will populate your gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic drinks have many purported health benefits. However, as a dietary supplement, speak with a medical professional prior to consuming any probiotic drink.
Probiotic Definitions
According to "Oral Probiotics: The Newest Way to Prevent Infection, Boost the Immune System and Flight Disease," a probiotic is a harmless bacterium that helps to protect your body from harmful bacteria. Additionally, probiotics encourage the growth of natural healthy bacteria in your gut. There are many types of probiotics including actobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifobacterium bifidum.
Probiotic Drinks Overview
Historically, you would find probiotic microorganisms used in the creation of fermented milk products such as yogurts. According to "The Probiotics Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Naural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements," actobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus were the most common probiotic bacterium used as yogurt starter cultures. Today, there are probiotics in many different types of beverages including milk, tea and fruit juice.
Health Benefits
There are several health benefits linked to the consumption of probiotic drinks, according to "Gut Insight: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Digestive Health and Well-Being." Probiotics can help to regulate your digestive system and boost your immune system. Additionally, probiotics can treat common digestive problems, such as diarrhea, bloating and an upset stomach. Further, probiotic drinks can help treat vaginal infections and can also improve general urological conditions. Moreover, probiotic bacterium produce vitamin K, various anti-microbial substances, enzymes and nutrients.
Considerations
When choosing probiotic drinks, you should consider the expected shelf life of the drink, the company that manufactures the product and the type of probiotics the beverage contains. Since probiotic drinks contain live organisms, you should never consume expired probiotic drinks. Common side effects include an upset stomach, gas and abdominal pain. If you experience these are any other side effects after consuming probiotic drinks you should discontinue use and seek the advise of a medical professional. Children and pregnant women should not consume these beverages.
References
- "The Probiotics Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Natural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements"; Gary B Huffnagle and Sarah Wernick; 2008
- "The Wonder of Probiotics: A 30-Day Plan to Boost Energy, Enhance Weight Loss, Heal GI Problems, Prevent Disease, and Slow Aging (Lynn Sonberg Books)"; John R. Taylor N.D. and Deborah Mitchell; 2007
- "Gut Insight: Probiotics and Prebiotics for Digestive Health and Well-Being"; Jo Ann Tatum Hattner and Susan Anderes; 2009
- "Oral Probiotics: The Newest Way to Prevent Infection, Boost the Immune System and Fight Disease"; Casey Adams; 2010
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