HEALTH - PROBIOTICS

The world, including our bodies is full of live microorganisms. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms inhabit every normal bowel and imbalances lead to many health problems. This balancing act is often thrown “off kilter” by:

1. antibiotics which kill “friendly” bacteria along with “unfriendly” bacteria.
2. the presence of "unfriendly" bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites.
3. using spermicides and birth control pills which alter vaginal microflora.

“Probiotics” are live bacteria similar to those naturally found in our bodies. It has been discovered that regular consumption of “probiotics” is helpful in maintaining the natural ecosystem within our bodies. Consequently, ‘Americans' spending on probiotic supplements has nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003.’
There are “probiotics” which date back to ancient times, such as fermented food - beans and vegetables, cultured dairy products - cheese, yogurt and kefir, and formented tea – Kombucha.

Rather than causing disease, if properly prepared, the “friendly bacteria” in these supplements and foods are vital to helping the following health problems:
o Circulatory
o Cholesterol
o Blood Pressure
o Dermal
o Skin infections
o Gastrointestinal
o Diarrhea and Constipation
o Colon Cancer
o Lactose intolerance
o Imbalance of organisms after antibiotic therapy.
o Digestion & nutrient absorption
o Harmful bacterial growth
o Irritable bowel syndrome (Colitis and Chron’s Diease)
o Tooth decay and periodontal disease
o Respiratory
o Infections
o Allergies
o Urogenital
o Bacterial Vaginosis
o Yeast Infection

While I’d enjoy visiting about the other options sometime, since we’ve been duped by many commercial producers, we must know what to look for when purchasing yogurt. Referring to the living organisms which convert milk to yogurt during fermentation, if the label doesn’t read, “Live and Active Cultures” return it to the shelf! BEWARE! Although many containers read, “Cultured Yogurt”, the organisms are killed during post-fermentation heating and have little to no health benefits. Not only can home-making yogurt be an effective alternative; it is simple, fun and much less expensive!

• Heat milk to 100 degrees – (Because there are concerns about the affects of processed milk on live and active cultures, I always use raw milk)
• Add 1/3 cup dry organic powdered milk
• Add 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt with active cultures (If organic yogurt is unavailable, use ACTIVA by Dannon.)
• Stir until well mixed.
• Pour into a wide-mouthed thermos (making it easier to remove yogurt after it forms)
• Wrap sealed thermos in a heavy towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot overnight.

*Note – Flavored yogurt will not produce active yogurt!
** “Warm place” options:
1. Fire-place hearth
2. Hot air register
3. Sunshine
4. Heating pad
5. Oven pilot light (using covered dish instead of thermos)
6. Uncovered Crock-pot filled with 100 degree water set on low will usually maintain 100 degrees (use pint jars instead of thermos).
Temperatures too low or high will kill the bacteria!
*** Starter:
• Freeze store-bought yogurt in an ice cube tray. A standard ice cube is 2 Tbsp.
• When the store-bought cubes are gone, start freezing your home-made yogurt.
• While freezing yogurt kills a certain percentage of bacteria, enough survive to get a culture if used within one month.
• Over time, saved yogurt will lose its bacterial potency. Occasionally purchase new yogurt for a fresh starter.

Enjoying your fresh yogurt by:
• Adding Fruit
• Covering cereal
• Replacing Mayonnaise, Whipped Topping and Sour Cream
• Making Smoothies


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

DISCLAIMER:

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This is best left to the Creator of the universe. In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted. The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.