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Longevity has been associated with regular yoghurt consumption. It’s worth knowing whether this is a myth or can be backed by sound based studies. It seems there is truth and what needs attention is the quality of the yoghurt.  Basically yoghurt is fermented milk. The milk is altered by acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria ‘eat’ or feed on sugars. In milk, the simple sugar known as lactose is converted into lactic acid. Bacteria don’t only feed on lactose, milk sugar, but also alter other sugars and foods. When we over eat protein we supply more ‘food’ for the bacteria that oppose the acid-producing bacteria. Bacteria types build up an environment in the colon as they eat and ferment food, which favour their growth. It does help to support the acid-producing bacteria by giving them what they need to thrive. By eating high protein foods more we support the harmful and less desirable bacteria in our colon yet by eating higher carbohydrate foods with balanced protein intakes we support a health colon bacterial population. After a course of antibiotics it’s a healthy policy to supply what was destroyed by taking in direct sources of highly populated live acid-producing bacteria supplements. Antibiotics means against life and a general term to cover bacteria supplements is probiotics meaning pro life. It’s worth realising that our colon houses various and numerous types of bacteria that all have their place to different degrees! A probiotic often states it has so many billions of live bacteria to re-establish or improve bacterial conditions in our colon. We need to know that it’s a viable statement. This is why regulation of contents needs rigorous attention and checking to protect the consumers from misguided claims.  As bacteria are in vast numbers due to their extremely minor size, we need those billions in dosages! Yoghurts should be ideally plain, low-fat and with a guarantee of healthy live cultures or live bacteria. Processing of milk ensures it’s safe from harmful pathogens, such as the tuberculosis bacteria, before acid-producing bacteria are added. Food poisoning is often due to poor hygienic practices in the preparation of animal foods. It’s imperative to wash all contact services and hands, while cooking raw animal products thoroughly to evade consumption of those pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria that live in yoghurt have been shown to improve immune functions! That means it may protect against auto-immune diseases, and colds and flu from viruses. We know the history of live plain yoghurt that seems to have prolonged life in some areas of the world. The lesson to us is not to mess around with a sound policy. Adding flavours via flavourants and mixing in other odd preservatives and colourants isn’t the best for health. Mucking about with something that’s healthy and natural alters it. Ensure you’re aware of what you actually are feeding yourself by checking labels, made hopefully by a quality guaranteed manufacturer of the product. Anastacia Sampson D.N. Med |