Probiotic yogurt can prevent diarrhea, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and infection, aid lactose digestion, and protect the immune system. Studies on its benefits for allergies, lowering cholesterol, and preventing colon cancer have mixed results. More research is needed.
Probiotics refer to live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, can provide health benefits to people. They are commonly incorporated into yogurt and other food products. Consuming probiotic yogurt has several benefits, according to many users, studies, and marketers. These benefits include the prevention of diarrhea, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and infection. They can also help in the malabsorption of lactose and the reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
There are cases where, along with the prescription of antibiotics, probiotic yogurt is also given to prevent diarrhea that these medications can cause. Since antibiotics are capable of killing bacteria that cause infection, they can also kill friendly bacteria in the body. This frequently leads to the multiplication of harmful bacteria in the intestines and therefore diarrhea. Probiotic yogurt may also be helpful in treating diarrhea in some children. In clinical trials, children with fever and diarrhea have shown improvement after consuming probiotic products.
Several studies have explored the benefits of probiotic yogurt in the treatment and prevention of asthma and allergies. However, the results of these studies showed mixed results. Some revealed reduced allergic symptoms and inflammation in the majority of study participants. Another researcher found that probiotic yogurt made no difference.
Irritable bowel syndrome is an uncomfortable condition in which affected individuals suffer from bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. One study found that IBS patients with constipation experienced less bloating and uncomfortable symptoms after eating probiotic yogurt. They also reported an improvement in bowel movement frequency.
The immune system can also benefit from probiotics. The presence of these microorganisms in good numbers in the intestines, stomach, and reproductive organs often protects the body from the growth of harmful organisms that can cause infection. For example, the absence of lactobacilli in the vagina can promote the growth of yeast and other bacteria. The microorganisms used in probiotic yogurt are also considered effective in protecting the stomach against Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium is known to cause ulcers and stomach cancer.
Lactose intolerance or lactose malabsorption is a condition characterized by stomach gas and diarrhea after drinking milk and other dairy products. This is often due to the absence of an enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Eating probiotic yogurt is said to aid lactose digestion.
Other health benefits of probiotic foods may include lowering blood cholesterol and preventing colon cancer. However, studies have not proven these claims. Many health experts believe that additional studies on a larger scale are needed before these food products can be recommended for regular consumption.
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