Stomach acid breaks down foodstuffs which pass through the body via the blood system so how can live culture such as acidophulus and lactobacilious make it past the stomach and reach the intestine to do good in the bowels?
2007-02-12 16:50:48 · 5 answers · asked by lit.spirit 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
These health products claiming improved resilience to illness using these live cultures are a complete farce.
As you yourself logically reasoned the bacteria in these yogurt/drinks can not possibly survive the acidic conditions in your stomach. There was an article in the Daily Telegraph where the specialist GP said exactly the same. Unfortunately I cannot find this article. So I spoke to a Dr friend who confirmed what the article said
So why do people swear they feel better. The power of the
placebo.
This article talks about these yogurt drinks. Apparently some bacteria reach our gut and some bacteria are acid resistant. However the article does not seem very conclusive. Lots of doubts and questions unanswered.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2005/03/08/hprob08.xml&page=2
2007-02-12 19:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by Paul H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not be sure how does it works but it was proven by researchers that live culture bacteria in yogurt does help in our intestine systems. My educated guess is that some bacteria is immune to stomach acid & since bacteria is so small it can't be broken down or just melt it to nothing by stomach acid.
2007-02-12 17:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by briggs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the rub - very little of it does get through which is why it is often better to use supplements if you suspect you have a bowel bacteria imbalance as they have a much greater chance of getting through the stomach acid. The best way to ensure a healthy balance of bacteria in your bowel is actualy to eat loads of vegetables and things like Goji berries which encourage your gut to produce its own good bacteria..
2007-02-12 20:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by LillyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way any bacteria could pass through our digestive system, so it is all about money making.
2007-02-13 23:30:19 · answer #4 · answered by Slayk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question & i havent got a clue?
thats why i dont bother eating that c r a p & dont listen to the adds!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-02-12 17:08:38 · answer #5 · answered by witheringtonkeith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋