Active Yogurt and Constipation

Anyone who is looking for a natural aid to alleviate constipation should consider yogurt. Yogurt became popular in the 1970s when many people joined the health food craze that swept through the United States. Today yogurt can be purchased in most any grocery or convenience store. However, not all yogurts will alleviate constipation. Many yogurts are tainted with additives. If you are looking for a yogurt to help you with your constipation you will have to purchase one that is natural and made by using the cultures of friendly bacteria – or probiotics. When you go to purchase yogurt, take a look at the label. Look for the live bacterial cultures Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillis. If these are on the yogurt label then you can feel confident that the yogurt can help you with your constipation.

Many people enjoy eating yogurt. The fact that studies are showing that it improves gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea and the infection that causes gastric ulcers is an added bonus. The good news about yogurt is it can usually be enjoyed by people who are lactose intolerant. The probiotics that aid in constipation also help to digest the lactose that is present in the yogurt. Many people prefer to purchase plain yogurts. Most plain yogurts do not have the additives and extra sugar that health conscious people want to avoid. People can flavor their yogurts by adding preserves or fresh fruit to it. Yogurt is also a good replacement for mayonnaise and sour cream and it can be used in dressings, dips, smoothies and in desserts.

Individuals who are interested in self care understand that there is a link between their health and their diet. Microbial cultures have undergone intense scrutiny because of their ability to prevent and/or cure a host of diseases and ailments. The first clinical trials on probiotics took place in the 1930s. Researchers focused on probiotics and constipation. Probiotics were found to have significant impact on the intestinal tract and they helped to alleviate constipation. Probiotics are showing that they are a non-invasive and important means that can prevent and treat a host of diseases and ailments. In addition to alleviating constipation, probiotics have a host of other healthy benefits. It can help to relieve diarrhea, decrease diaper rash, enhance immunity, it promotes healthy bacteria in the colon, and it can reduce carcinogens in the body.

Many people question whether they should try to receive their probiotics through foods or through supplements. The choice is purely personal. Taking supplements is very convenient, especially for the individual who do not always have yogurt readily available to him or her. Another reason that people are opting for supplements is that most probiotics do not adhere permanently to the intestines. They work as they are metabolized and grow. It is important that these good bacteria are consumed daily to maintain their effectiveness. Supplements can ensure an individual that they are getting their daily dosage of probiotics into their system. Individuals who want to go the food route need to make sure the yogurt they consume has the probiotics bacteria in it. Eventually we will probably see more probiotics foods added to the marketplace such as juices, cereals, cheeses and even energy bars. Until then, always read the food labels on yogurt and purchase ones that have “live active culture” on their labels.

It may surprise many people to learn that many mainstream medical professionals are embracing probiotics. Less than 10 years ago probiotics were considered an alternative medicine. However, the research that is being done on these good bacteria is prompting many physicians to tell their patients to supplement their diets with probiotics -- especially if the patient has undergone a treatment of antibiotics. Antibiotics are necessary to kill the bad microbes that are making someone ill. However, antibiotics also kill off the good microbes. Supplementing the diet with probiotics after an antibiotic treatment can strengthen the immune system and get the good bacteria back into the gut.

If you are suffering from constipation or other gastrointestinal problems you should seriously consider the benefits of eating yogurt on a daily basis. If yogurt doesn’t turn your taste buds on then consider purchasing probiotic supplements. Using something natural to alleviate constipation will certainly be easier on your system than using harsh laxatives, stool softeners or enemas. Your constipation will not only be alleviated by probiotics, but your entire digestive tract can benefit from them.