Probiotics…Remember them?

I always heard of the word antibiotics. I rarely or in fact, never heard of probiotics. Maybe I have but don’t remember. Anyway, reading this article I have new insight on the live microorganisms that benefit and are beneficial to their human host, probiotics.

http://nitsfitnessmantra.blogspot.com/2014/03/probiotics-your-healthiest-friend.html

Jeannie Gazzaniga-Molooo, who is a registered dietitian says, “Probiotics seems to enhance the intestinal flora and promote a healthier gut environment.” Some foods such as yogurt and other dairy products have probiotics naturally but probiotics have been added to other foods like juice and cookies.  Adding microbes to foods sounds kind of crazy if you put it like that, but adding “beneficial” microbes can have a whole other meaning. According to Dana Kilroy, who is the author of this article, some studies suggest that probiotics can possibly help prevent vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Probiotics may also reduce the severity of colds and flu and may prevent eczema in children. According to Kilroy, a 2009 study published in Pediatrics, compared two groups of kids ages 3 to 5. The groups drank milk with either Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium animalis or plain milk twice a day. The study found that the kids who drank the “probiotics-infused milk ultimately got half as many fevers and fewer runny noses than the kids who drank plain milk.” A key thing to note that I felt was interesting was that the U.S Food and Drug Administration have not approved any health claims for probiotics.

I really like the way this authors’ article is organized. To me it seems clear with great detail, but not too much to the point where when you read it, it becomes confusing. The dietitians’ insight in this article also lets the reader know that these facts or statements are pretty reliable. It seems to me that Kilroy wrote an article that was unbiased and straight to the point; probiotics have been seen to actually help and benefit people! One of the rhetorical elements I felt Kilroy used extremely well was ethos. The authors’ writing seemed backed up with claims from people with experience of probiotics and scientific facts. Only one question actually arises from my view; if you are exposed to too much probiotics, can it be harmful? This is a question I definitely want to get the answer too!

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-probiotics-primer-20121006,0,6432911.story#axzz309UGvUlS