Probiotics. Big word, very popular, sells lots, but what is it exactly?
The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as "live microorganisms which
when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". In
everyday parlance, these are beneficial gut bacteria, sometimes present in live
yoghurt (the kind your grandma used to make fresh everyday on her kitchen
counter) or more commonly in supplements. In the last couple of years these
helpful bacteria have become a darling product; it seems like you
can't have enough of them. Or can you?
I'm no supplement pusher, but in working with clients I do find probiotics to be
generally very helpful, sometimes bringing amazing results in unexpected cases. They support bowel health and function, and all of us
could use some support there. Consider taking them especially
o if you
want to maintain healthy bowels
o if you
take, or have taken, antibiotics; (then they are a MUST)
o if your
normal diet isn't great;
o at times
of illness and recovery;
o in the
case of skin problems or eruptions;
o when
suffering from constipation/diarrhea/chronic digestive problems;
o when you
travel abroad to third world countries.
In Holland you can get a great probiotic product called "Yolac Plantina" (€20.50
for 45 capsules;
€35.45 for
90 capsules). My other favourite, because it
is a superb product with 9 strains of good bacteria as opposed to the more
common 3 or 4, comes from the UK: "Probiotic Plus" by Cytoplan, +44-1684 310099,
product number 4141.
I keep probiotics on hand at all times. It's a truly useful natural remedy for
upset tummies, skin problems, feeling 'under the weather' and countless other
applications, because so much of our ill-health stems from the bowels
(naturopaths believe ALL ill-health stems from the bowels). In combination with
the immune-supporting plant echinacea (the A. Vogel brand is excellent), it can
often pick you up from niggly complaints that just won't go away.
Lastly, some food for thought for you. For the last 70 years we have been
feasting on ANTI-biotics (literally meaning: "anti-life") like there was
no tomorrow. It sure saved millions of lives, but we're now witnessing the
downsides of excess antibiotic use. And what do we all rush to take? PRO-biotic.
Perhaps we should think twice about taking ANYTHING that's ANTI-LIFE
full stop.
17-04-09
Fresh off the press:
French
dairy giant Danone has withdrawn health claim applications for its market
leading probiotic yoghurt products Activia and Actimel.
The European Food safety
Authority (EFSA) now obliges companies scientifically to prove health and
nutrition claims for their products. Such health and nutrition claims are
withdrawn for fear of the potentially devastating publicity damage that can
follow an EFSA negative opinion.
Danone said
it was
awaiting procedural guidance from the claims assessment agency and is
confident of its products, but one can only wonder about the truth behind
this statement. My opinion? If you want a probiotic, get the real thing in a
reputable shop. You don't need it bundled up with sugar, milk, dehydrated
milk powder and a whole host of other, gut-unfriendly ingredients.
© Vardit Kohn, Natural Nutritionist,
February 2009. No part of this article may be copied or reproduced without prior
written consent.
