Give me a clue about skim milk, soy, probiotics, etc., etc.

[UTUSN]

Somebody mentioned probiotics in a thread with a comment about belly fat, that sit-ups won't help with belly fat. So I am just getting started with figuring out what supplements and other such to get with. So far the googling has listed buttermilk, yogurt, onions, garlic, and then some different types of the supplements, which I don't know to pick from.

But in going for the buttermilk, I was astounded by the varieties of (are they milks?) on the shelves: Soy, Silk, non-lactose, organic, vanilla-something or other and on and on.

I am NOT lactose intolerant. I've stayed off whole milk since my hippie days when we were told that milk fat is the absolute worst, so I've been on skim for about four decades, not a big consumer.

But what in heck are all these other "milk" products, and what would fit with the probiotic deal I'm heading into? I didn't even know what "Activia" was, thinking that Jamie Lee CURTIS was just showing off her slimness and resenting her for being BORN THAT WAY.

[Yavin4]

1. You'd Be Better Served Asking Your Doctor or a Nutrionist

If you have a question about taking pictures of cats, then the Lounge is for you.

[HopeHoops]

2. Fuck milk. Got beer?

[HopeHoops]

3. Seriously though - post this in the Vegetarian, Vegan and Animal Rights group.

[ellisonz]

4. Soy milk is delicious and less fattening.

Probiotics improve intestine function, but can be quite pricey as supplements.

I take zinc to boost my immune system and a multivitamin.

[GoCubsGo]

5. There are also potential negative health issues with processed soy.

All the health benefits seen in Asian cultures from their heavy soy consumption comes from their eating fermented soy products, like tofu, miso, and tempeh. Soy milk and soy meats don't fall into that category. They are heavily processed. I have seen mixed reviews on the processed soy, and the jury is still out on whether soy milk and other processed soy foods are healthy or a detriment.

[ellisonz]

6. Everything in moderation. n/t

[GoCubsGo]

8. Yes.

I drink soy milk on occasion. But, my mom has had breast cancer twice, and I have seen studies which suggest that the phytoestrogens in processed soy can potentially contribute to breast cancer. I prefer not to chance it.

[GoCubsGo]

7. I have seen several articles that say yogurt helps with weight loss.

IIRC, it's due to the calcium and protein more than anything else. The bacteria in yogurt cultures are also beneficial for intestinal health. Personally, I don't understand what makes Activia different from any other yogurt.

BTW, here is a good web site that can help you in your quest to rid yourself of belly fat: http://www.sparkpeople.com.

They are an overall health and fitness site, and have loads and loads of information. Another helpful site is http://www.livestrong.com.

[Major Nikon]

12. Activia contains a particular set of probiotics

This really just refers to which strains of beneficial bacteria they are using. Some reportedly have more benefits than others. I'm not sure how much of this is based on real science and how much is based on hype. Almost certainly much of it is unproven pseudo-science. What probiotics will do is keep your lower digestive tract clear of unwanted bacteria and they also have the potential to bind with certain compounds believed to be carcinogenic and render those compounds harmless or at least move them out of your system. There may also be other benefits such as helping with symptoms for people who have constipation as a result of IBS.

[GoCubsGo]

13. Thank you.

I had always assumed they were put in for constipation purpose, which is why I never bothered with Activia and it's ilk, unless there were sales where I could get it for next to nothing with coupons. Most people don't have constipation if they eat enough fiber, which I do on most days. In fact, fiber binds many of those same carcinogens and clears unwanted bacteria, too. That's why I have always thought this probiotics thing was hype. I can definitely see how it might help folks with IBD, however. And, people who have gastrointestinal viruses.

[Major Nikon]

14. There are other benefits

Fiber won't necessarily move everything out of your colon. Probiotics can help with what's left inside. If you have a healthy colon and always have, the benefits may not be as great. Many people have scaring and other nooks and crannies in their colon caused by diverticulitis. Those people may see a larger benefit, but with all the ways probiotics may or may not help you, they are still a good idea even if you have a high fiber diet.

[undeterred]

9. Always watch the dates on the carton.

I am Jamie Lee Curtis intolerant.

[graywarrior]

10. Soy is not good for every day use, especially for men

Almond milk is better. Or rice milk.

I went off all of it recently due to health issues. Made a huge difference. Suddenly, I love Poland Spring water.

[tanyev]

11. This is from a book that helped me a great deal with stomach problems.

Why Doesn't My Doctor Know This? by David Dahlman

Lactobacillus: Try to find a dairy-free supplement that includes L. acidophilus, L. salivarius, L. paracasei, and L. plantarum, as well as Streptococcus thermophilus. Make sure the product you select is guaranteed by the manufacturer to provide no fewer than 15 billion combined live organisms per serving through the expiration date; do not purchase a product that claims not to need refrigeration.

Bifidobacterium: Try to find a dairy-free supplement that includes B. lactis and S. thermophilus. (The same notes about 15 billion and refrigeration also apply here.)


I take Nature's Way Primadophilus Bifidus which I get from a refrigerated case at a health food store. The capsules are 5 billion each. His dosage recommendation is deliberately high for people who are having stomach problems. I started at 3 capsules a day and have now taken that down to 1 capsule a day.

I never had classic lactose intolerance symptoms, but after reading his book I decided to try going dairy-free for a little while and I have to say I feel better than I have in a very long time, so something in dairy products was aggravating me. We use almond milk, coconut milk creamer, and I eat a soy yogurt almost every day.

[UTUSN]

15. Thanks, all. I have posted in the appropriate forum but your info here is very helpful n/t

[snagglepuss]

16. Brown rice, raw garlic, pot barley and buckwheat promote healthy gut bacteria

These are what's called resistant starches, unlike other starches such as potatos, white rice etc they resist digestion in the small intestiine so they act like a fiber rather than a starch, meaning that when they get to the large intestine they feed the good gut bacteria so these food work in concert with probiotics.

snip

More than 400 types of microorganisms are in your gastrointestinal tract. Some of these microorganisms are healthy and others are unhealthy. The healthy bacteria in your gut help to digest food, and synthesize some vitamins and essential fatty acids. Probiotics are live microbes that help to improve the balance.


http://www.rd411.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=611:probiotics-and-prebiotics&catid=100:miscellaneous-topics&Itemid=394