Natural, Probiotics

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Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that occur naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, the delicate balance of "good" cultures in the GI tract can be disturbed by factors like stress, the use of antibiotics and the Pill.

The benefits of probiotics

In recent years, the term "probiotics" have become a health buzzword as several research studies pointed to its benefits. We take a look at how it can boost your health.

Are probiotics for every child?

Some experts recommend that every child should be taking a daily dose of probiotics. Find out why they recommend this. And learn more about what to look out for.

Help for travellers' diarrhoea

For many years, doctors prescribed charcoal to travellers for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, but probiotics, or "good" bacteria, seem to be far more effective.

New uses for probiotics

Researchers have found new roles for probiotics: these "good bugs" can help in the treatment of eczema, the common cold, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Moms, invest in probiotics

As a mom, you can play a role in reducing your child's risk of asthma, allergies and eczema – simply by investing in a good probiotic supplement for yourself and your baby.

Get your daily dose of bugs

A general "unwell" feeling is a common complaint among a vast majority of people. If you want to feel good, the answer is simple: boost your daily intake of bugs.

Background: intestinal microflora

Over the last 10 years, the microbial ecology of the gut has again become a major research area. Learn more about this hot topic, which concerns you.

Table of benefits

Take a look at this list of suggested beneficial effects of probiotics in infants and children.

Probiotics and antibiotics

The more powerful an antibiotic is in wiping out ear infections, sinus infections and the like, the more likely it is to play havoc with the delicate balance of intestinal flora.

Probiotics, allergy and immunology

Several studies show marked differences in the composition of the intestinal microflora of infants with and those without allergy. Learn more about the role of probiotics.

SA oblivious to probiotics

Most South Africans are oblivious to the existence, and health benefits, of probiotics and prebiotics – despite exposure to these topics, according to a recent study.

Is it a probiotic?

When buying a probiotic-containing food or supplement, you should be asking yourself four essential questions - or else, you may be buying a sub-standard product.

Cheers to bad bacteria

Your digestive system is hardly a sexy subject, but if it's ever let you down, you'll know how key it is to your general quality of life.

What are probiotics?

Have you heard talk about "probiotics"? Here is some basic info on these exciting foods/substances that can have a positive effect on your well-being.

Probiotics: who benefits most?

Maintaining a healthy intestinal flora balance is something from which we can all benefit. But there are those who may reap a particular benefit from taking probiotics.

Diarrhoea and antibiotics

Probiotics are effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, research shows. However, the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of diarrhoea needs to be confirmed.

Reuteri boosts infant immunity

Expectant and nursing mothers taking the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri appear to have higher levels of anti-inflammatory molecules in their breast milk.

Probiotic claims investigated

Local probiotic product labels do not contain false information, contrary to research findings and media reports. In this article we bring you the full story.

Combat candida with good bacteria

Do you suffer from fatigue, digestive disturbances, sinusitis or allergies? You might suffer from an overgrowth of candida - a yeast that needs to be controlled with good bacteria.

Probiotics: food for thought?

The probiotics trade is the blue-eyed boy of the $500 billion-dollar functional food industry. But beneath the calm surface of the yoghurt tub, something is stirring. Or is it?

Good bacteria vs. bad bacteria

Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some are rather good for you. But the line could be a thin one. So, what should you know?

Safety of probiotics

Probiotics comprise bacteria that are naturally present in the human gut. These bacteria can also be found in our external environment. Probiotics are generally regarded as safe.

Diarrhoea: probiotics protect

Lactobacillus therapy is safe and effective as a treatment for acute infectious diarrhoea (including rota-virus diarrhoea) in children, researchers say.

Living bugs for athletes in action

For many athletes, fatigue is synonymous with hard training. There might be a good explanation for this, as well as a possible solution.

Quick facts about probiotics

Researchers are starting to realise that probiotics can have a major impact on our health. What should you know about the micro-organisms that live in your intestinal tract?

Pack your probiotics

Probiotics are particularly beneficial during the holiday season, when many of us take time out to visit unfamiliar destinations, where the quality of food and water may be poor.