Friday, October 12, 2012

Greek Yogurt and Your Digestion


Wait... Greek Yogurt can help with my digestion? Yes!


The digestive health benefits in Greek yogurt are amazing. So much so that major universities are now starting to thoroughly study its effects. Many people have had positive results and you can find online great reviews from both doctors and people alike. In fact, there are a lot of doctors that tell their patients with bowel problems to, yep -- EAT MORE YOGURT!

Greek yogurt contains millions of live bacteria or rather probiotics that may essentially up the number of antibodies in your digestive track. This boost works at heightening your reaction to infections and that may form and are caused by bad bacteria. All yogurts are not the same however as regular yogurt has live microorganisms in it as well. The major difference between Greek yogurt vs plain yogurt is Greek yogurt is hardly processed and not treated with heat- It's almost in a raw form. This difference in processing provides yogurt lovers with maximal healthy bacteria such as acidophilus and lactobacillus. These have been said to improve intestinal well being, leading to a regularly functional colon.

Probiotics in recent times, have not fully received the proper attention or have been put through many in depth studies despite the obvious benefit on the digestive system. Regardless, many professionals in the medical field have studied reviews on probiotics and their positive effects. Due to this, they continue to prescribe products like Greek yogurt to their patients. A fun little fact: It's a healthy and natural way to improve the intestinal wall lining which can become damaged over time with poor eating habits.

Although probiotics are live bacteria normally found in the gut, consuming outside products with these bacteria can aid those who's body may not properly be producing naturally inside them. This can help to prevent inflammation as well as those ailed with the dreaded IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). These bacteria helps to digest food, create vitamins in the body, and keep our digestive tracts running smoothly! They can assist in treating symptoms of gas, bloating, or irregularity as well. The effects of this boost in live bacteria shows different results in different people however. It is something worth trying but I wouldn't recommend consuming yogurt thinking it will be a cure all. It may improve your digestion or symptoms of a gut problem, but it will not cure anything (or so some doctors say).

To help get the best out of your Greek yogurt, try eating it with other foods high in prebiotics. Incorporating these into your diet will give you great health benefits. Prebiotics help the probiotics thrive inside the body; they are nutrients that make probiotics more capable of fighting off disease. Great sources are: kiwis, oatmeal, onions, berries, bananas and other fruits, as well as legumes. Combine any of these ingredients into your daily diet along with a serving of Greek yogurt and you are almost sure to have a regular digestive system.

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