By Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. Provided by: Johns Hopkins University

Eat Right, Stay Fit

Get Healthy Bugs with Yogurt By Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - Posted Fri, Jul 06, 2007, 5:44 pm PDT

Showing 16-30 of 108 Comments

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  • 16. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:45 am PDT

    Thanks for the tips!

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  • 17. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:45 am PDT

    They neglect to mention that the majority of the larger yogurt companies over process their products and the bacterial levels are quite low-and they are loaded with fillers and excess sugar. For the most benefit, stick with the natural brands. (You can taste if a yogurt has a high level of bacteria if it has a slight bitter kick to it.) If you’re lactose intolerant, you can often eat yogurt with little problem. The bacteria helps digest the lactose. Even if you are so sensitive to lactose you can’t tolerate any dairy, they make pills and liquids out of nondairy sources so you can still get all the beneficial bacteria you need.

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  • 18. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:49 am PDT

    you don't need to buy more expensive or specialty brands of yogurt (ie Dannon Activa) to get the bacteria benefits of yogurt. the main difference between the Activa and other yogurts is the strains of probotics ( bacteria) found in the yogurt. Regardless of the type of strain, it will still be beneficial to your digestive system. So you don't need to spend more money to get the benefits. For those who are lactose intolerant, you MAY be able to digest yogurt better than other forms of dairy (cheese, milk,etc) because the bacteria in yogurt have already broken down some of the lactose. Gradually add it into your diet so that your body gets used to. If you don't want to eat any dairy, you can get probiotic supplements (with various strains of bacteria) or look for foods with probiotics added to them (Kashi Vive or Garden of Life food bars). I personally would stick with the yogurt or supplements. Regardless of whatever form you choose, it's important to incorporate good bacteria back into your system, as bacteria can be killed by antibiotics or other drugs.

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  • 19. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:50 am PDT

    I fed it to my daughter when she was about 1 yr old all the time. She always had ear infections and put on antibiotics at least once a momth. Yogurt kept her from getting painful yeast infections. She is 5 now and that is one of her favorite (healthy) snacks. I have heard it also helps you lose weight.

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  • 20. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:58 am PDT

    It also helps get rid of yeast infections for women......

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  • 21. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 7:59 am PDT

    For years, yogurt has been an important part of the Mediterranean Diet. It is used at breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is well said that this kind of Diet is very healthy.

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  • 22. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 8:20 am PDT

    I just dont understand why most yogurts in the stores have so much sugar. I like the [profane]e brand at Trader Joe's. Its low sugar and low fat.

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  • 23. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 8:31 am PDT

    Thanks for the info,

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  • 24. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 8:32 am PDT

    Is this yogurt activia by Dannon? Because i would love to try it.

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  • 25. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 9:39 am PDT

    Stonyfield yogurt is all organic so all it's ingredients are natural and it's made in NH. It is the best tasting in the Northeast. They also have a new Greek yogurt called Oikos with 15grams of protein, and low sugar..perfect for people on low carb diets.

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  • 26. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 9:41 am PDT

    Yoghurt is not only great for your intestinal system, it is also great for yeast infections! Plain yoghurt without additives can cure a yeast infection in no time. It is actually recommended overseas by gynecologists. Apply yoghurt like you would the vaginal creams and pills and be surprised.

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  • 27. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 9:43 am PDT

    Most yogurts are packed with sugar!

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  • 28. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 9:43 am PDT

    All of us contain good bacteria. They are called probiotics. Not only are they good for digestive health but allergies, inflamation, and a variety of other infections. Please read "The Probiotics Revolution" by Gary Huffnagle Ph.D. He is a professor at the University of Michigan and is a leader in probiotics research. He has been featured on the CBS Early Morning show and various radio programs across the country.

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  • 29. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 9:45 am PDT

    thats very weird

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  • 30. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Jul 12, 2007, 10:02 am PDT

    All good recommendations BUT if one buys the fruit stirred in, flavored types they need to be aware of the amount of sugar in them -- as many as 48 grams -- more than some candy bars. These types of yogurts can be deadly for a diabetic or anyone who needs to watch their sugar. Some of the low fat ones use starch to bind and make it firm once the cream is removed. The article should have pointed out the difference between plain yogurt and the sugar added kind which is unhealthy for some people.

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