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In
the 1950's a probiotic product was licensed by the
USDA as a drug for the treatment of scour (E. coli
infection) among pigs. In the 1970's Dr. S.K. Dash,
uncovered the fact that this probiotic was 97%
effective in combating E. coli infection in pigs as
did the antibiotic Neomycin Sulfate. So what happened
to the great probiotic product? The big pharmaceutical
companies used millions of dollars in research,
development, marketing and promotion and took over the
market with antibiotics - the miracle drug of the
time. Probiotic firms lacked funds to compete with the
big drug firms in research, development, marketing and
promotion, and lost the battle against antibiotic
manufacturers. Dr. Dash, in the 1970's rediscovered
probiotics and later manufactured and marketed several
probiotic products for human and animal uses. While
working for the government, Dr. Dash also introduced
the quality control standards for probiotics, which
are now used by the industry.
Probiotic products are now available in different
formulations with Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis,
Enterococcus faecium and others with or without
prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The most
common probiotic products are Lactobacillus
acidophilus and Bifidus longum with FOS, and Bifidus
infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus with FOS.
The major benefits that probiotic product offer:
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Digest foods and alleviate digestive disorders.
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Enhance synthesis of B vitamins and improve
absorption of calcium.
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Protect against E. coli infection.
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Improve lactose tolerance and digestibility of milk
products.
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Reduce vaginal infection and yeast infections.
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Improve immune function.
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Promote anticarcinogenic activity.
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Help prevent peptic ulcer caused by H. pylori.
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Prevents acne.
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Reduces cholesterol.
Research shows that seventy percent of women and forty
percent of men have yeast infections to some degree as
a result of heavy use of antibiotics, cortisone's and
poor eating habits. Studies at Minneapolis V.A.
Hospital show the average person in their current life
style hardly have any friendly bacteria in their
intestines. Supplementation of certain probiotics
shows the presence of these probiotics in the
intestine in great numbers. It is apparent that a
polluted environment, processed food, chlorinated
water and heavy use of antibiotics and other
medications can destroy the friendly microflora (probiotics),
thus making the body susceptible to yeast infection
and other diseases.
Those familiar with the benefits of probiotics often
consume yogurt, a long-recognized source of friendly
bacteria. Unfortunately, commercial yogurt often lack
the probiotic. Even the commercial yogurt fortified
with Lactobacillus acidophilus and sitting on the
shelf for several days does not have viable probiotics
as they tend to produce bacteria-killing acids. For
this reason, fresh, homemade yogurt can be a reliable
source of probiotic(s). However, it often fails to
provide sufficient amounts for its intended purpose.
As yogurt and other foods do not supply the needed
probiotics, supplementation of probiotics on a daily
basis is highly recommended. Probiotic capsules,
tablets or powder supplying 2 to 5 billions live
organisms should be taken daily for maintenance, and
higher quantities are recommended following antibiotic
therapy or under conditions of yeast infection, ulcer,
cholesterol, digestive disorders and acne.
All probiotic products are not the same. The name
Acidophilus or probiotic does not mean anything unless
the probiotic product:
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Contains the right strain(s)
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Is viable
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Remains stable and viable for a long period
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Has ability to survive in the intestine
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Produces beneficial effects in the intestine
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Probiotics products sitting on the shelf (without
refrigeration) lose potency first. For this reason,
refrigerated, viable probiotic products are
recommended
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Non-dairy probiotic products are recommeded by
health professionals for persons allergic to dairy
products and for persons with yeast infection.
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Nitrogen-flushed packaging of probiotics enhances
the keeping quality of the probiotics.
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Fortification of probiotics with prebiotic
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) enhances the value of
probiotics selectively and enhances their growth in
the gut.
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The consumer should read current scientific
literature on probiotics products, which are
refrigerated, viable and non-dairy, and contain
superior strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Bifidobacterium longum and with prebiotic
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
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