Wondering about Probiotics?
Are you or were you recently on antibiotics? Wondering if all the hype about replacing your good bacteria (that you may have lost on the antibiotics) with probiotics is worth a look?
I am wondering the same, having been on antibiotics recently. Those in my life who are very alternative medicine conscious have suggested that I take probiotics after finishing my antibiotic treatment. I decided to do some more research on the issue. Of course, you should all consult with your trusted healthcare praticitioners on such issues, before taking anything yourselves.
I have learned some interesting points from various sources online, and through the library Health & Wellness Resouce Center and Natural Standard databases. You can access these and other health databases from the library website under Articles & Online Research – Health & Medicine.
- Accoding to WebMD probiotics are bacteria which help keep the natural balance of organisms in your intestines
- as we all know, probiotics can be taken in food form (yogurt) and dietary supplements
- some other food forms are: cheese, kefir, pickles, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, buttermilk
- some health benefits include helping with digestion and protecting against harmful bacteria
- research has shown that those who are having diarrhea problems, (especially after antibiotics) yeast, urinary tract infections, irritable bowl syndrome, are most helped by probiotics
- more research is needed, but there is evidence that probiotics may also help with speeding the treatment of intestinal infections, help with eczema in children, prevent or lessen the severity of colds/flu
- not all probiotic supplements are created equal, nor are they cheap, so be sure to ask your doctor for directions
- future research on probiotics include the use of it for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer prevention and more
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