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You Ask, I Answer: Healthy Bacteria

Posted Apr 08 2010 10:05pm

Probiotic_allfloraAre there any dietary or environmental factors that kill healthy bacteria in the colon?

I know antibiotics get rid of them, but I haven’t taken those in at least a decade, so do I need probiotics?

– Katherine (last name withheld)
New York, NY

It’s important to consume probiotics regularly, since a multitude of factors can decrease the number of healthy bacteria in our colon.

Here are some examples:

  • Lack of fiber (especially soluble)
  • High intakes of refined carbohydrates
  • Aging
  • Birth control pills
  • Environmental pollutants (mercury, BPA, etc).
  • Stress

If you like to get probiotics from yogurt, be sure to look for the “Live & Active Cultures” seal somewhere on the packaging.

If you prefer probiotic supplements, buy them (and keep them!) refrigerated.

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