Probiotics
5 Facts About This "Good" Bacteria Probiotics are your intestine's good bacteria. Here are some important facts about using them to maintain a healthy gut, and where to find them. * What are they? The long and short of it: good bacteria. Your digestive system is home to lots of bacteria, some good and some bad. A healthy "gut flora," as this assemblage of microbes is called, contributes to healthy immune and digestive systems. When there's an imbalance between good and bad bacteria, you may become vulnerable to infections, including yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Diarrhea is also a common symptom when the delicate balance is lost between the two kinds of bacteria. * So, how do we maintain this delicate bacteria balance? Protect yourself from possible pathogens (think E. coli, Salmonella) by practicing safe food handling habits, such as keeping raw foods separate from cooked foods when you're in the kitchen. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and after using the bathroom. Eat a variety of nutritious foods. And until there's harder evidence about the effectiveness and safety of probiotic supplements, it's best to keep your belly bacteria in balance by making probiotic food choices. * What foods contain this good bacteria? More and more food manufacturers are offering consumers probiotic-fortified products. A trip down the dairy aisle at your grocery store will reveal yogurts, soft cheeses, and cottage cheeses labeled as probiotic. The probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are two of the more common ingredients. Miso soup, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and other fermented foods may also be a source of some probiotic cultures. * Will eating foods containing this good bacteria really help me? Though every little bit helps the balance of good and bad intestinal bacteria, it's important to note that most food products do not provide a therapeutic dose of probiotics. Think of eating these good bacteria as a preventive measure, rather than as a treatment. These bacteria aren't necessary to stay healthy, but they may protect against some harmful bacteria and help with digestion. It's always wise to consult your doctor if you're considering taking probiotic supplements. Some supplements can interfere with certain medications and are not always safe for everyone. * What are some of the potentially promising uses of probiotics? o If you've been on a course of antibiotics, these good bacteria can help to replenish some of the good bacteria that may have been killed off by your medication. o Lactobacillus acidophilus shows promise as a way to control vaginal and urinary tract infections in women. o Bifidobacterium may play a role in preventing the development of allergies. o The healthy "flowering" of gut bacteria may provide protection from conditions including colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. o Probiotic supplements may help to reduce inflammation caused by Crohn's disease. o Probiotic drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri were found to soothe colicky babies. o Yogurt may help to relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance. So, now that you're a little more educated on the subject, how do you get more probiotics into your diet. Here's a recipe that's a hit in our family; Greek ~ Style Chicken Salad
And we love using fresh herbs such as oregano to give our meals a big flavor boost. Ingredients; * Dressing * 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar * 2 teaspoons oregano, finely chopped * 2 small cloves garlic, minced * sea salt * freshground black pepper * Salad * 1 bag (5 ounces) salad greens * 2 cooked rotisserie chicken breasts, skinned and cut into chunks * 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved * 3 english cucumbers, peeled and sliced * 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced * 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced * 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled * 4 whole wheat pitas (8" each) Directions; 1.To make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. 2.To make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onion, and feta. Add the dressing and toss gently to combine. 3.Wrap the pitas in a paper towel, warm them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds and serve with the salad. Nutritional Facts Per Serving Calories 279.2 CAL Fat 8.9 G Saturated Fat 2.7 G Cholesterol 37.3 MG Sodium 669.9 MG Carbs 32.9 G Total Sugras 5.6 G Dirteary Fiber 4.8 G Protein 17.7 G 
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