Probiotics

The following is from mayoclinic.com, I was curious if there is anybody out there that takes supplements with these in them and if they feel they've helped.

Question
Probiotics: What are they?What exactly are probiotics? What health benefits do they offer?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Your body contains billions of bacteria and other microorganisms. The term "probiotics" refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. Although you don't need probiotics to be healthy, these microorganisms may provide some of the same health benefits that the bacteria already existing in your body do — such as assisting with digestion and helping protect against harmful bacteria.

In addition to supplements, probiotics can be found in such foods as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, and some juices and soy drinks. Dannon's Activia yogurt, for instance, is an example of a probiotic food.

There is a growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness. There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:

Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
Prevent eczema in children
Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. A small 2005 study in Sweden, for instance, found that a group of employees who were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who were not given the probiotic.

More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of probiotics. As with any dietary or herbal supplement, consult your doctor before starting any new treatment.

I started taking the yakult about a week ago, I feel no difference. I don't think I will be continuing to spend the money on it. I was hopeing it would help the constipation, but saddly no..... I have 4 more containers left and I will take them , but I won't be buying any more. :noway:

I've been taking Magnesium and it's helped with constipation.