Allyson is a Health Coach for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She is also a dedicated Spartan, novice runner and aspiring Betty Crocker. She still bleeds green, 4 years after graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics. This year she advanced from power walker to jogger to runner and completed her first 5k in the Fall. Most nights of the week you will find her in the kitchen trying out a new recipe from one of many cookbooks housed on their very own shelf. No, the cookbooks are not leather bound and the shelf is not made of rich mahogany.
Probiotics: Good for what’s bugging you
3 min read

1. Intestines: Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast) and bacteria in the Lactobacillus and Bifobacterium families are found abundantly in the colon. The names of these healthy little “bugs” are a challenge to pronounce but important to recognize, as they are the strains found in foods, either naturally or as additives.
2. Foods: Look for them in some juices and soy drinks, fermented and unfermented milk, buttermilk, some soft cheeses, miso, tempeh, kefir, kim chi, sauerkraut, and many pickles. The most well known food product is yogurt which contains the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Individuals with milk allergies should avoid foods with added probiotics as the bacteria are often grown using milk protein.
3. Supplements: These are available in capsules, tablets, powders and liquid extracts. They can be purchased at health food or natural food stores, as well as, over the counter at the pharmacy. If you are thinking of taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your doctor or dietitian. They can help you choose the product and dosage that is right for you. Also, keep in mind that as with any dietary supplement, probiotic supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs.