Take two yogurts and
call me in the morni ng
By Angela Pirisi
FRANCE FREEMAN
PROBIOTICS ARE “FRIENDLY” bacteria ulcerative colitis. Now Perdue and her col-
that naturally inhabit the gut by the billions, leagues at McMaster University have found
and they’re also found in some foods contain- that stress allows bacteria to escape the gut
ing lactic acid, particularly yogurt and fer- through a weakened lining of the GI tract, strains (L. rhamnosus GR- 1 and L. fermentum
mented dairy drinks, which can help boost the causing inflammation and alarming the RC- 14) can help stave off recurrent episodes
body’s supply of these beneficial micro-organ- immune system. Using a powdered extract of yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis and uri-
isms. It sounds counterintuitive to invite bacte- combination of two Lactobacillus strains (L. nary tract infections.
ria into one’s life, but these good bugs form a helveticus and L. rhamnosus) countered this Cholesterol. Preliminary findings from
neighbourhood watchsystem withinthatkeeps effect, helping to repair the lining and pre- Japanese researchers demonstrated that con-
the bad bugs that cause pain and infection in venting bacterial trespassing. suming a low-fat yogurt drink containing
check, so they don’t organize a coup. Ear infections. A Swedish study published Bifidobacterium longum strain BL1 for a
Scientific evidence supporting the health in the British Medical Journal in 2001 found month reduced serum total cholesterol in
benefits of probiotics has caused them to start that administering a probiotic (alpha-strepto- people with moderately high cholesterol.
gaining the commonsense health status of “an coccus bacteria) in a nasal spray reduced the Allergies. Finnish scientists have found that
apple a day” and rivalling the popularity of incidence of common ear infections (otitis babies who received L. rhamnosus GG from
antioxidants. And international research media) in children by 42 per cent. birth to 6 months were less likely to develop
efforts are under way to see ifprobioticscould Diarrhea. One of the more well-touted eczema, and that the probiotic’s protective
be a viable alternative to antibiotics, or at least benefits of probiotics is to combat diarrhea effects were long term. Other research has
bolster their ability to work. associated with antibiotic use or travel, but shown that the same probiotic strain can reduce
Different types and strains of probiotics scientific evidence is strongest for its efficacy the risk of allergy to cow’s milk in babies. C
tout specific benefits, many of which are only in treating children. Lactobacillus probiotic
starting to be explored and understood. therapy shortens the duration of acute diar- Angela Pirisi is a Toronto-based writer who
Research has shown that certain types can rhea in children by approximately one day, regularly covers health and psychology issues
help optimize the functioning of the body’s according to studies. for a variety of publications.
immune system, while others improve bodily Yeast and bladder infections. Findings
functions,suchasdigestion. from the University of Western Ontario,
“It’s essential that they be alive,” explains London, suggest that two specific Lactobacillus The Costco Connection
Mary H. Perdue, Ph.D., a probiotics researcher Costco members will find CoQ10, cold pre-
at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. vention medication, such as Cold FX, and
“Many products, including yogurt, may have vitamins on costco.ca, and these items, as
used probiotics for fermentation, but they are well as yogurt and spices, at their local
no longer alive. Look for evidence of living Costco warehouse.
microbes on the label.”
Scientists are examining the benefits of
probiotics on several health issues, including:
Gastrointestinal (GI) stress. Mental stress
has long been linked to GI symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and Cold and flu
activity, so consider them as a source, in prevention
addition to fruits and vegetables,” says
Barl. Using fresh instead of dried forms
seems to maximize their antioxidant
activity. Moreover, you can use herbs for seniors
and spices to replace salt, sugar,
fat and artificial flavours in meals. CANADIAN SENIORS NEED more than a
Reduce heart-disease risk flu shot to keep winter illness bugs away.
with garlic. Garlic boasts multi- Several studies over the last 40 years confirm
ple medicinal properties, a much- that the flu vaccine is effective for only 28 to
touted one being cholesterol
50 per cent of people 65 and older, depending
reduction. It can help to modestly on circumstances. As a result, 90 per cent of
lower cholesterol ( 4 to 6 per cent on the deaths caused by flu complications occur
average) if you’re trying to manage it among seniors.
through diet and exercise. Garlic can also “It is true that the flu vaccine is not as
help to lower blood pressure, prevent dan- effective in seniors as we would like,” says
gerous blood clots and improve blood Costco member Dr. Jacqueline Shan of
flow, which can help to prevent heart Edmonton, a cold and flu expert with doctor-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 ates in pharmacology and physiology.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
