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Natural BalanceFAQs about Probiotics

What are probiotics?
The Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization define probiotics as live micro-organisms that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Is there adequate research to support the health benefits of probiotics?
Yes. Numerous studies published in peer-reviewed journals validate the digestive and immune health benefits of L. rhamnosus. The level of rhamnosus cultures in our yogurt corresponds to research levels studied.

How do probiotics work?
Probiotics are friendly visitors in the gastrointestinal tract or gut. They can survive the tough acid conditions of the stomach and digestion of food with greater chance to successfully colonize in the intestines. Many different bacteria reside in the gut. Their balance is influenced by the presence of probiotic bacteria. These beneficial bacteria enhance the immune defenses of our body and help support other functions of the digestive system. Regular consumption of foods that contain probiotics can maintain the balance of the intestinal microflora, which can have a wide range of beneficial effects.

Can I eat yogurt if I’m lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance is very individual, but many people who are lactose intolerant can eat yogurt. The probiotic cultures in yogurt break down lactose, and yogurts are known to have only half the amount of lactose found in regular milk. This can be enough to prevent associated symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Can I eat too many probiotics?
You cannot overdose on probiotics. Eat as many probiotic products as you like as part of a varied diet.

Should I eat probiotics when I’m on an antibiotic?
Antibiotics destroy disease-causing bacteria as well as beneficial bacteria. This can lead to intestinal upset or weakened immunity. Consuming a daily Stonyfield Farm yogurt, with its exclusive blend of natural probiotic cultures, during your antibiotic treatment and for one to two weeks afterward, ensures the maintenance and replenishment of friendly bacteria in your intestine. Experts often recommend the consumption of yogurt to those taking antibiotics.

How can probiotics enhance my immune system?
Your digestive system is your body’s largest, most important immune system organ. It’s responsible for a major portion of your body’s immune defenses. Picture your beneficial bacteria holding hands and preventing pathogenic bacteria from crossing into the bloodstream. The digestive tract is the body’s natural first line of defense against harmful invaders.

Is it safe for infants and toddlers to consume probiotics?
Scientific studies have been done with babies as young as two days old and have demonstrated that probiotics are safe and beneficial to health. In a recently published study, infants receiving L. rhamnosus from in utero to two years old had significantly lower incidence of eczema with a noted decreased severity.

Can the mature adult benefit from probiotics?
As we age, our intestinal microflora decreases and our immune system can decline. Probiotics can help to offset or slow this process. Clinical studies – studies in which subjects consumed the same amount of L. rhamnosus found in one serving of Stonyfield Farm yogurt – showed significant improvement in immune parameters known to decline in mature adults.

 

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