Text Box: What Are Probiotics??? This mysterious word is appearing quite often in the news and magazines lately. Probiotics are, simply put, good bacteria. Our digestive system needs a balance of healthy bacteria to function properly. Antibiotics, illness and a number of other factors can disrupt this balance. By including certain foods in our diet, we can keep the balance where it should be for good health. These foods include: Yogurt – real yogurt with ‘live cultures’ (not frozen like ice cream!) Kefir – is a fermented milk drink Tempeh - is a fermented food made from whole soybeans Miso - is a thick paste made by fermenting soybeans with sea salt Kim chi – a Korean fermented cabbage dish Sauerkraut – raw, cultured versions Other fermented foods (such as acidopholous milk, vinegar, cider [would have to be unpasteurized so avoid if your blood counts are low], beer, wine…..) Another term you may hear is prebiotics. Prebiotics are the foods that friendly bacteria like to eat. These foods include: Oatmeal Flax seeds Barley and other whole grains Greens (dark green leafies like dandelion, kale, collards, chard) Berries and other fruits Legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, etc.) Try to include probiotic foods in your diet at least 3-4 times per week. Even a few spoonfuls of yogurt will add plenty of good bacteria to your diet. Try to eat prebiotic foods everyday. These are the same foods that help us decrease risk of cancer (and recurrence), heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. Plus, your digestion will feel so much better! Go to www.cancernutritioninfo.com for recipes that use kefir, tempeh and miso as well as the other foods listed here. Probiotic supplements are also available. Neither the FDA nor any other federal or state agency routinely tests probiotics for quality prior to sale. If you decide to try a supplement rather than food, contact me. I have an article on what to consider when purchasing. There is concern that severely immune-compromised individuals may have adverse reactions to probiotic supplements so check with your doctor or nurse about your blood counts. You know my advice is to try food first! You’ve got to eat anyhow!! Eat well! Lynne