Probiotic FAQ

17-Feb-2010

Are you new to the world of all-natural food and probiotics? For some of us, all the science involved can be intimidating, but knowing is the first step to improvement. This FAQ is for anyone interested in learning more about the 'friendly bacteria' that live in our bodies.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics the common term for a family of bacteria (lactobacillus), that is extremely beneficial to human health. They live in the intestinal tract, and not only help us to properly digest and absorb nutrients that are key to our survival, but also manufacture B vitamins, produce substances that inhibit harmful (or pathogenic) bacteria, and strengthen our immune system. They were found in abundance before refrigeration and mass production, but are sadly missing from foods now due to processing techniques. Many of the products Delightful Health carries contain friendly bacteria; these foods and supplements are designed to replenish your body with these organisms.

How are probiotics connected to cultured foods?

Cultured foods contain these friendly bacteria and used to be eaten daily. Before probiotic supplements we consumed our friendly bacteria in our foods.

What are some traditional cultured foods?

Kimchi (Korea)
Kefir (Russia)
Raw sauerkraut (cultured veggies), Germany
Yogurt (Greece, India)
Miso (Japan)
Natto (Japan)

What does the term ‘Intestinal Flora’ mean?

The intestinal flora is a commonly used metaphor that describes the bacteria living in our intestines. Everyone lives with this intestinal flora without it, we’d die. People whose intestinal flora lacks certain bacteria (such as those found in cultured foods), often suffer from Candida, weak immune systems, poor sleep patterns, and many other ailments (both physical and emotional).

What makes our Intestinal Flora Unhealthy?

Factors that disrupt the balance of your Intestinal Flora include:

Antibiotic Medications
Inorganic Antibiotic residues in meat and dairy products
Chlorinated and Fluorinated water
Continual Stress
Diets high in sugar and simple carbohydrates (like fast food)
Estrogen Replacement
Exposure to Radiation (CAT Scans, excessive medical X-Rays)
Oral Contraceptives
Parasites
Poor Digestion / Constipation
Toxic Chemical Intake (such as Steroids)

Do cultured foods make a good weight loss program?

Probiotics are recommended for helping you lose weight because they aid the body in the digestion process, and they do help reduce your cravings for sugar.

Can Probiotics fit into an active lifestyle?

Probiotics are actually recommended by many sports trainers because they reduce muscle inflammation and help athletes, process carbohydrates more efficiently.

How difficult are cultured foods to prepare, and do they taste good?

These foods come in so many forms they can accommodate nearly any taste; yogurt is a great example of a cultured food that millions of people enjoy every day. If you have children, you can make some sweet tasting probiotic snacks, and working with cultured foods can range from the simple to the complex, depending on your skill level.

What are the physical benefits of probiotics?