Not All Bacteria Is Bad For You.
I have created this lens to help spread the word about friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics. I take a probiotic supplement on a regular basis to help combat chronic digestive problems and Candida overgrowth that have plagued me for years.
Although there is skepticism about whether probiotics can cure certain illnesses, I can honestly say that they have helped reduce and rid me of chronic gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and irritable bowel symptoms.
Traditional medicine and various acid blockers and motility medications failed to cure or reduce my chronic acid reflux symptoms. In fact, my heartburn pain worsened on the medications. It wasn't until I researched, learned about probiotics, and started taking a supplement on a daily basis, that I started to find relief.
If you are suffering from heartburn or bowel troubles it's important to see your doctor before trying alternative treatments.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics is a Greek word meaning "for life".
Various bacteria & yeasts used as probiotics:
Bifidobacterium
Lactobacillus
Lactococcus
Saccharomyces
Streptococcus thermophilus
Enterococcus
What Do Probiotics Do?
More Information About Friendly Bacteria
Articles & Research
- CBC Marketplace: Probiotics
- CBC Marketplace looks at when eating bacteria is good for you.
- What are Probiotics?
- "Inside each of us live vast numbers of beneficial bacteria which we need to have to stay in good health. Our gastrointestinal tract is home to more than 400 different species of bacteria weighing one and a half kilograms. This is a large quantity of working bacteria which perform very important functions in our body - from the mouth all the way down to the rectum. We live in harmony with them and they provide us with an excellent service if they are given a reasonable diet and kept in good health."
- Probiotics
- "Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and yeasts, that may beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora. The dietary use of live microorganisms has a long history."
- Prebiotics
- "Prebiotics are defined as nondigestible food ingredients that may beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or the activity of a limited number of bacteria in the colon."
What People Are Saying About Probiotics
The latest Google Blog posts
- culturelle probiotics and wags probiotic yogurt chews ...
- I found culturelle probiotics and wags brand probiotics on clearance. The culturelle was 5.74 and th...
- Probiotics?? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum ...
- For those of you taking Probiotics, what brand do you purchase and where do you purchase them at? I...
- Probiotics may be useful in preventing festive indigestion
- Taking a supplement containing prebiotics and probiotics regularly may be useful in preventing sympt...
- » Probiotics can help with your yeast infections | ArticlesBase ...
- Eating probiotics every day ensures you have a healthy intestinal system and the surrounding inside...
Probiotic Pearls, Capsules & Kefir / Yogurt Maker Kit
Enzymatic Therapy Acidophilus Pearls (90 Pearls)
Amazon Price: $21.88 (as of 12/22/2009) 
Usually ships in 24 hours
Babys Only Organic Probiotic Bifidobacterium & Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) Supplements
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Natrol BioBeads Probiotic Acidophilus Complex, Dietary Supplement, Beads, Value Size , 90 beads
Amazon Price: $43.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Kefir Maker/Yogurt Maker (Electric Heater Appliance) Yogurmet Brand: Yogourmet
Amazon Price: $66.49 (as of 12/22/2009)
Usually ships in 4-5 business days
Kefir
Starters & Drink
[Beatrice Trum Hunter's FACT/BOOK on Yogurt, Kefir & Other Milk Cultures [1973] ISBN: 87983-033-175]
Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your "inner ecosystem." More nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins."
LowFat Plain Kefir 32fl.oz.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Original Plain Kefir 32fl.oz.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Kefir Starter Culture (Two 5gram packets (1/3 ounce total) Makes a total of 2 Litres (2.1Quarts) + Intructions Brand: Yogurt Plus
Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
2 PACK - Kefir PLUS Culture Starters
Amazon Price: $44.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Books About Probiotics
The Probiotic Solution: Nature's Best-Kept Secret for Radiant Health
Amazon Price: $24.00 (as of 12/22/2009)
Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health
Amazon Price: $23.50 (as of 12/22/2009)
Cultivate Health From Within: Dr. Shahani's Guide To Probiotics
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 12/22/2009)
Probiotics: Nature's Internal Healers
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/22/2009)
Gut Help: Guide to Breaking Free of IBD and IBS
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Books About Kefir & Yogurt
Learn How To Make Them Yourself
Kefir Rediscovered!: The Nutritional Benefits of an Ancient Healing Food (Kaufmann Food Series)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Making your own cheese and yogurt
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
![Yogurt and Cheese: Make Your Own [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/211C2YSTZSL._SL75_.jpg)
Yogurt and Cheese: Make Your Own [VHS]
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Handle With Care - Storage & Handling of Probiotics
Probiotic supplements should be refrigerated (40 degrees F) to maintain the viability of the microorganisms. They should be refrigerated even before the bottle is opened in the same way yogurt, cheese and other refrigerated cultures need to be stored. If not refrigerated and stored properly, probiotic supplements may spoil and lose potency.
There are some new probiotic "pearl" supplements available that claim they don't need to be refrigerated.
New Guestbook
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Reply
- AJ2000 AJ2000 Jul 4, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
- I believe probiotics are helpful, especially if taken with prebiotics and digestive enzymes. But its also important to eat a healthy diet with lots of greens/veggies and fruits. And avoid things like white breads and pastas. Also consider a good omega oil supplement. My naturopath recommended Nutrasea to me because it converts to the omega 3 more efficiently than those made from nuts and hemp.
Great lens!
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- GoodBug GoodBug Nov 6, 2008 @ 12:47 am
- Good to see you getting the word out on probiotics. You might like to consider adding Gary Huffnagle's book The Probiotics Revolution to your books. It's very good.
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- John8945 John8945 Mar 11, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
- Interesting lens, you really put a lot of work into it. Really a good amount of information about probiotics and how they can be used. I've been interested in acidophilus for some time and I also do research on yeast infections. I've put together Acidophilus Yeast Infection dot com, you might find the site interesting.
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- Jamie123 Jamie123 Mar 11, 2008 @ 10:43 am
- Interesting Lens, you can tell you've put a lot of work into it. I've made a lens and website about acidophilus that you may find interesting: Acidophilus Yeast Infection. Thanks!
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- pnisbet pnisbet Feb 27, 2008 @ 3:55 am
- Great lens: lots of useful information.
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- John8945 John8945 Feb 16, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
- Interesting lens on Probiotics. Gastrointestinal health is really dependent upon these microorganisms. Check out my Acidophilus Yeast Infection site, it has some interesting info.
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Reply
- John8945 John8945 Jan 29, 2008 @ 10:43 am
- Interesting Lens, you really did an excellent job. It is similar to this website: Acidophilus Yeast Infection.
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- krisManuel krisManuel Dec 13, 2007 @ 9:51 pm
- Hey there, great lens! I learned a lot. 5-stars from me :)
If you have time, stop by my lens Your Health and Freedom. Thanks and Happy Holidays!
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Reply
- Rossman Rossman Aug 1, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
- Most people are completely misinformed about the true role of bacteria in our bodies. This is a good start to breaking the misconception. Five-Star
Food Allergy Advice
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Reply
- OrganicSkin OrganicSkin Jul 15, 2007 @ 5:14 am
- I would love you to join my newly formed group about probiotics,
http://www.squidoo.com/groups/Probiotics
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by Savvyology
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