PROBIOTIC (^_^)

Probiotics are live microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) that are either the same as or similar to microorganisms found naturally in the human body and may be beneficial to health. Also referred to as “good bacteria” or “helpful bacteria,” probiotics are available to consumers in oral products such as dietary supplements and yogurts, as well as other products such as suppositories and creams. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any health claims for probiotics. This fact sheet provides a general overview of probiotics, with an emphasis on oral products, and suggests sources for additional information.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics, but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be used. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures, such as in yogurt, soy yogurt, or as dietary supplements.



What are probiotics used for?
Many people use probiotics to prevent diarrhea, gas, and cramping caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics kill "good" (beneficial) bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may lead to digestive problems. Taking probiotics may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria. This can help prevent diarrhea.

A decrease in beneficial bacteria may also lead to other infections, such as vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, and symptoms such as diarrhea from intestinal illnesses.

Probiotics may also be used to:

• Help with other causes of diarrhea.
• Help prevent infections in the digestive tract.
• Help control immune response (inflammation), as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Probiotics are being studied for benefits in colon cancer, skin infections, andirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Are probiotics safe?
Most probiotics are like what is already in a person's digestive system. Some probiotics have been used for a very long time throughout history, such as in fermented foods and cultured milk products. These don't appear to cause illness. But more study is needed on the safety of probiotics in young children, the elderly, and people who have weak immune systems.

As with any dietary supplement, be aware that probiotic supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. Tell your doctor about everything you are taking, including the specific bacteria in your probiotic supplement.

PROBIOTICS FOOD

Dairy Products
Yogurt is the most widely available probiotic food. To make sure your yogurt contains live bacteria, purchase only those products that clearly state the presence of live and active cultures. Other probiotic dairy products include yogurt drinks such as kefir, Stonyfield Farms bottled smoothies and certain brands of butter and sour cream, which are labeled "cultured." If you do not eat dairy, look for vegan substitutes containing live cultures. These include products made from soy, rice or coconut milk.


Pickled Vegetables
Raw kim chi, a spicy fermented-vegetable condiment indispensable to Korean cuisine, is a rich source of live bacteria. Look also for raw sauerkraut or pickled beets, carrots or other vegetables. To ensure the product contains live bacteria, choose products that have not been pasteurized; generally, a product that is labeled raw has not been pasteurized. If you are unsure about a product, contact the manufacturer. You can also make your own pickled or fermented vegetables.


Kombucha
For a quick probiotic boost, try kombucha, a fermented health drink made from tea, sugar and live cultures. Kombucha is widely available in health-food stores and urban grocery stores. These drinks, which can taste a little like vinegar water, are low in calories and naturally bubbly.


Hummus
Wildwood Organics makes a probiotic hummus available in Indian, Cayenne and Raspberry Chipotle. Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip and sandwich spread made from chickpeas and a sesame-seed paste called tahini.


Nutrition Bars
Nutrition bars increasingly contain green and living foods in addition to vitamins and minerals. Look for bacteria-rich energy bars from Macro Green, Nature's Plus and other manufacturers of health foods. These products are available at natural markets and online.


Miso
Miso, a fermented bean or rice paste popular in Japan, is rich in probiotics. Use miso to flavor soups, stew, rice or pasta. Do not cook with it, however, or you will kill the beneficial bacteria; add it at the end instead. You can also use miso as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.


Salad Dressing
Zukay Live Foods has a line of raw, probiotic salad dressings. Flavors include cucumber mint, basil with onion and tomato Provencal. The company also makes probiotic salsa and relish as well as several bacteria-rich drinks.

Example of Probiotic drinks

For Muslim,make sure you take HALAL probiotic souce...!!!