What about Probiotics? (November 2007)

Probiotics help stave off urinary tract infections and keep your digestive system smiling, which helps to reduce and prevent constipation, diarrhea and bloating. In a study out of Finland, women who consumed dairy products containing probiotic bacteria three or more times a week were about 80 percent less likely to be diagnosed with a UTI in last five years than those who did so less than once a week. The probiotics may hinder the growth of E. Coli in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.

Look for a brand of yogurt that contains cultures beyond the two needed for fermentation process Lactobacillus (L.) bulgaricus and Strepotococcus thermophilus. Those that have reported stomach soothing benefits include Bifidus regularis (exclusive to Dannon Activia), L.reuteri (only in Stonyfield Farm Yogurts), and L.Acidolphis (in Yoplait and several other national brands). New technology means that probiotics may be added to shelf stable products like cereal and energy bars, but be wary about claims of cultures in frozen yogurt, as probiotics may not survive the heating process very well.