Lactobacilla... what?
Bite This: The term "probiotics" was first introduced in 1953 by Werner Kollath and probiotics were defined as microbially derived factors that stimulate the growth of other microorganisms.
Spending the last 6 years working with oncology patients, many of them have inquired about the health benefits of yogurt for aiding in digestion and possibly helping their immune system. In the onocology population this has been widely debated due to the already compromised immune system as a result of chemotherapy. The thought is that immunocompromised patients should not ingest any bacteria whether it be bad or good bacteria. What's the real answer?
Probiotics such as lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are commonly found in foods such as yogurt, miso, temph, and some cottage cheese and other "health" cereals and beverages. When you see the term "live active cultures" on yogurt, it is referring to these microorganisms.
Probiotics are more famously known for their ability to help regulate the GI system. They have been shown to help restore the gut flora and help reduce the effects of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Probiotics have also had encouraging results in prevening colon cancer, promoting periodontal health, reducing inflammation, reducing lactose intolerance and enhancing the immune system.
For cancer patients, the question remains if there is more harm than good for ingesting probiotics when the immune system is compromised. Some hospitals allow their oncology patients to consume yogurt, while others do not. Some studies have shown that consuming pasteurized yogurt containing probiotics is beneficial for chemotherapy induced diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements, however, may cause lactobacillus bacteremia in immunocompromised patients. Overall, for people with healthy immune systems adding probiotics to the diet may be very beneficial.
Sound bite: Try eating yogurt containing live active cultures every day this week and see if you notice a difference with your GI tract. I personally prefer plain Greek yogurt with natural sweetener and cinnamon. Or try adding plain Greek yogurt to oatmeal or dry cereal in the morning, a smoothie for an afternoon snack or in casseroles in place of sour cream.
Dill Sauce Recipe
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp prepared horseradish
3/4 tsp dill weed
1/4 tsp garlic salt
Combine ingredients until smooth. Place a dollop of dip on salmon or other grilled fish.
Spending the last 6 years working with oncology patients, many of them have inquired about the health benefits of yogurt for aiding in digestion and possibly helping their immune system. In the onocology population this has been widely debated due to the already compromised immune system as a result of chemotherapy. The thought is that immunocompromised patients should not ingest any bacteria whether it be bad or good bacteria. What's the real answer?
Probiotics such as lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are commonly found in foods such as yogurt, miso, temph, and some cottage cheese and other "health" cereals and beverages. When you see the term "live active cultures" on yogurt, it is referring to these microorganisms.
Probiotics are more famously known for their ability to help regulate the GI system. They have been shown to help restore the gut flora and help reduce the effects of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Probiotics have also had encouraging results in prevening colon cancer, promoting periodontal health, reducing inflammation, reducing lactose intolerance and enhancing the immune system.
For cancer patients, the question remains if there is more harm than good for ingesting probiotics when the immune system is compromised. Some hospitals allow their oncology patients to consume yogurt, while others do not. Some studies have shown that consuming pasteurized yogurt containing probiotics is beneficial for chemotherapy induced diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements, however, may cause lactobacillus bacteremia in immunocompromised patients. Overall, for people with healthy immune systems adding probiotics to the diet may be very beneficial.
Sound bite: Try eating yogurt containing live active cultures every day this week and see if you notice a difference with your GI tract. I personally prefer plain Greek yogurt with natural sweetener and cinnamon. Or try adding plain Greek yogurt to oatmeal or dry cereal in the morning, a smoothie for an afternoon snack or in casseroles in place of sour cream.
Dill Sauce Recipe
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp prepared horseradish
3/4 tsp dill weed
1/4 tsp garlic salt
Combine ingredients until smooth. Place a dollop of dip on salmon or other grilled fish.
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