There has been a lot in the media about the benefits of yogurt. Yogurt contains the bacteria lactobacilli, streptococcus thermophilus and bifidobacteria. These are otherwise known as probiotics. Understanding the benefits requires taking a look at how yogurt is made and what exact problems can benefit from probiotics.
The Making of Yogurt
Experts at the Mayo Clinic describe the making of yogurt by adding cultures of certain bacteria to milk. These cultures, otherwise known as microorganisms, create lactic acid out of milk. The lactic acid causes milk to form a soft curd and is well known for the tart taste it gives yogurt.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria that are found in the large intestine. A variety of these cultures, or probiotics, are used when making yogurt and have been shown to provide many health benefits. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are two of the good bacteria used in yogurt that has shown the most benefits.
Irritable Bowl Syndrome Benefits
Some research has shown benefits with Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) including a decrease in gas, pain and bloating. John's Hopkins Medicine reported that in a randomized, controlled study, 267 people with constipation-predominant IBS who ate probiotic yogurt (two 4-oz servings a day) reported less discomfort and bloating and more frequent bowel movements after three and six weeks than those who ate a yogurt that had been heat-treated to kill all helpful bacteria.
Addtional Benefits
In addition to irritable bowl syndrome, studies have found that probiotics may improve nutrient availability for B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. Lactose intolerance has also been shown to improve with probiotics and active bacteria culture. The immune system may also be supported by probiotics because they regulate lymphocytes and antibodies.
Bottom Line
Probiotics is still an area that requires more medical research. But while the research continues, for most people, it can't hurt to try a probiotic yogurt for regulating the digestive tract. It is generally regarded as safe and can be inexpensive when adding yogurt into the diet. However, not all yogurt is created equal so be sure to read the labels of your yogurt and look for statements on whether or not the product contains probiotics.
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