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Probiotic yogurt or live yogurt as it is also known, has been consumed in many different cuisines around the world since ancient times. Nomadic herdsmen are believed to be the first consumers of probiotic yogurt, begining the tradition approximately 9,000 years ago when man first began keeping animals. Originally, the fermentation of milk to produce yogurt is thought to have occurred naturally by wild bacteria and quite by accident. However, the herdsmen soon learned to culture the milk themselves, making their own probiotic yogurt.The milk is most commonly from cows though probiotic yogurts made from goat, sheep or even water buffalo milk are also available. Likewise probiotic yogurts made using soy milk are becoming increasingly popular.Go try some – see what it could do for you!There are some wonderful and simple recipes for making cold yogurt sauces, as well as other probiotic foods in Sally Fallon’s excellent book, Nourishing Traditions and also Wild Fermentation by Sandor Elliz Katz.You can also use a commercial yogurt starter instead of commerical plain yogurt.

Today probiotic yogurt is still consumed by many different cultures worldwide. In the United States, live yogurt is the most popular probiotic food. Over recent years, as Americans have begun to recognise the benefits of probiotic foods, US consumption of probiotic yogurt has increased. Although on the rise however, US consumption of live yogurt is considerably lower than that in either Europe or the Middle East.Live yogurts are usually made from animal milks to which the following probiotic bacteria are added:

Health Benefits of Probiotic YogurtAs well as being very nutritious – yogurt contains calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein – various research studies have concluded that yogurt is beneficial to health. While more research is needed, eating probiotic yogurt on a regular basis is thought to provide the following health benefits:

Improved immune ability to resist and recover from infection¹.Prevention of vaginal yeast and bacterial infections².Lowering of LDL “bad” cholesterol whilst raisng HDL “good” cholesterol levels³.Reduction of blood pressure⁴.Improvement in gastrointestinal conditions such as antibiotic-induced diarrhea⁵, constipation⁶,lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, and helicobacter pylori infection and treatment efficacy^7,8.

Uses of Probiotic YogurtIf you’re like most people, you probably eat your yogurt as a dessert. However there are numerous other ways to enjoy yogurt. One super easy way of including probiotic yogurt in your daily diet is simply by replacing your usual yogurt with a probiotic one. Other easy ways to include probiotic yogurt in your diet include:

On your morning breakfast cereal as a replacement for milk.As a snack with fresh fruit.Use it in place of milk in your smoothies.Mixed with cucumber, garlic and/or lemon and eaten as a cold savory sauce or dip.

Buying Probiotic YogurtProbiotic yogurt can be purchased in most grocery stores. It is available in many different forms including regular, low fat to fat-free, chilled or frozen, flavored and unflavored. Additionally and increasingly you can also buy probiotic yogurt in tubes, which can be squeezed into your mouth. Be wary though, not all of these products as as wholesome and healthy as they appear!Sorting through all the probiotic yogurt options to find one that will deliver the health benefits of probiotics can seem a daunting task but, armed with a little information, you will be able to do this in minutes. Let us show you how to choose a quality probiotic yogurt.Check the Label for Probiotic or Live BacteriaAll probiotic yogurt, or live yogurt as it is also sold, contains live probiotic bacteria. To determine whether the probiotic yogurt you are looking at is live, look on the label for the words “contains live/active/probiotic” cultures. Only those with words to this effect on the label will contain live probiotics. Watch out for products stating “made with live/active/probiotic cultures”. Such products are likely to have undergone heat-treatment (pasteurization), which kills live bacteria.All probiotic yogurts are made using bacteria from the Lactobaccillus family along with Streptococcus thermophilus. Some probiotic yogurts also contain other strains of live bacteria. Ingesting a large variety of probiotic bacteria potentially increases the health benefits of the product, so the more probiotic species and strains your yogurt contains, the better!Look Out for Added SugarIf you’re like most people you probably prefer your yogurt sweet. Indeed in the United States, most of the yogurt purchased is sweetened with refined or processed sugar. Probiotic yogurt is available though without sugar – look for the “natural”, “plain” and “unsweetened” options. Without the processed and refined sugar, which raises insulin levels, supresses immunity and encourages unhelpful digestive flora, these natural probiotic yogurts are healthier than their sweetened counterparts. Be kind to yourself and try an unsweetened probiotic yogurt.A natural probiotic yogurt will of course taste sour in comparison to a sweetened. To make your transition to plain yogurt easier why not try initially:

Mixing half your usual sweetened yogurt with half a natural probiotic yogurt.Eating your natural probiotic yogurt as a savory dip.Adding honey or a fresh fruit to your natural yogurt.

Choose a Chilled YogurtAlways choose a chilled yogurt as opposed to a frozen one. Beneficial bacteria can survive freezing but frozen yogurt contains far fewer probiotic bacteria than a chilled yogurt. Frozen yogurts also often contain a great deal of sugar. Choose chilled probiotic yogurt over frozen probiotic yogurt every time!Making Probiotic YogurtOf course you can also make your own probiotic yogurt really easily. This way you can ensure your home-made yogurt is completely natural and contains no unneccessary additives. You can also ferment your yogurt for longer periods to ensure that your end product is almost lactose free. Such long fermenting periods produce home-made yogurts especially suitable for people with lactose intolerance, producing a product that much is lower in lactose and thus easier on digestion than commerical yogurts.To make your own yogurt you typically need:

Shallow oven-proof container with lid.Thermometer1 US quart or 1 liter milk. Use either whole milk (3.5% fat), reduced-fat milk(2%) or semi-skimmed milk (1.8% fat).Yogurt starter

Yogurt RecipeTo make your own delicious yogurt:

Heat your milk to approximately 180ºF (82ºC) for fifteen seconds and then cool to 110ºF (43ºC).Mix in half a cup (4 fluid ounces or 8 tablespoons) of commercial plain probiotic yogurt.Stir thoroughly and place in your shallow covered container.Place in an oven heated to 150ºF (66ºC) or in gas oven with pilot light on for twelve hours/overnight. For low-lactose yogurt leave in the oven for twenty-four hours.

Finally you can make your life even simpler by using a yogurt maker. We find this the best way to make home-made yogurt. This no-fuss approach ensures your probiotic yogurt is kept at the right temperature as it ferments. Choose a maker with either individual cups or one large tub. The Yogourmet Electric Yogurt Maker is a bulk yogurt machine suitable for making one or two quarts of yogurt and is also good for those who don’t like too much washing up! If you prefer to make your yogurt in individual jars, then try either the Eurocuisine YM80 Automatic Yogurt Maker or the Cuisipro Donvier Electronic Yogurt Maker.

Dr Ohhiras Probiotics (also known as OMX probiotics) are a type of probiotic supplement manufactured by Essential Formulas.

There are currently two products in the Dr Ohhira range: Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics 12 Plus (Original Formula) and Dr Ohhira’s 12 Plus Professional Formula.

Both products contain identical ingredients. The difference between them lies in their fermentation times. Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics 12 Plus are fermented for three years, whilst the Professional Formula receives an additional two years, making a total fermentation period of five years.

This longer fermentation period is said to increase the potency of the organic acids and probiotic bacteria contained in the product. Thus, whilst there are fewer bacteria in the Professional Formula (600 million CFUs¹) compared to the Original Formula (900 million CFUs), the bacteria are said to be more powerful. As far as we understand, however, no independent evidence exists to confirm this increased potency.

Both products are available in packs of sixty capsules, which are blister packed to protect the products’ potency. The capsules are suitable for adults, children and infants alike and can be stored at room temperature without the need for refrigeration.

Product Ingredients

Dr Ohhira’s probiotics differ from many of the probiotic supplements on the market. Rather than being chemically synthesized in a laboratory as is the case with many probiotic supplements today, the probiotics in the Dr Ohhira range are made from natural ingredients using only a modern-day version of ancient Japanese fermentation techniques.

Dr Ohhira’s products contain over 92 different plant species including wild fruits, seaweeds, herbs, vegetables and mushrooms as well as spring water. This crop mixture forms the basis of the products’ prebiotics, fructooligosaccharides (also known as FOS), which are naturally developed during the fermentation process.

Additionally, the products contain a probiotic blend totaling 900 million CFUs (Original) and 600 million CFUs (Professional) respectively and both comprising 4 bacterial species and 12 bacterial strains:

• Bifidobacterium breve subspecies (ss) breve
• Bifidobacterium infantis ss. infantis
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Enterococcus faecalis TH10
• Lactobacillus brevis
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus casei ss. casei
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus helveticus ss. jagurti
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Streptcoccus thermophilus

Neither of the Dr Ohhira probiotics contain artificial additives, preservatives, colors, flavors, soil-based organisms (SBOs) or animal by-products. The product ingredients are also free from exposure to chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, they are non-GMO², dairy, soy and gluten free. Thus Dr Ohhiras probiotics are suitable for those who follow a dairy soy and/or gluten-free diet as well as for vegetarians.

Evidence for the Health Benefits of Dr Ohhira Probiotics

Whilst there is no specific scientific evidence relating specifically to Dr Ohhira’s probiotic supplements, research studies have proven that the specific probiotic strains included in these products are indeed beneficial to health. Lactobacillus acidophilus for example has been scientifically shown to help constipation ³, abdominal pain⁴ and rhinitis⁵, whilst Lactobacillus plantarum has been proven to help symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)⁶.

Additionally, the mixture of beneficial bacteria contains the patented Th10 strain of Enterococcus faecilis, which was developed from the fermented food tempeh by Dr Lichiroh Ohhira himself. Dr Ohhira has shown that this strain of bacteria inhibits the MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) superbug, Escherichia coli 0157 (E. Coli 0157) as well as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes peptic ulcers. He has also demonstrated that Enterococcus faecalis TH10 is 6.25 times stronger than other naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria.

Whilst Dr Ohhira has won numerous awards for his work and for his probiotics, we cannot find evidence that any independent research has been conducted to verify these results.

However, user reviews (see Amazon.com) and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that this probiotic is highly regarded by many patients and physicians alike. Indeed there are vast numbers of user reviews, which rate these products very positively. Many people report that Dr Ohhira probiotics are effective for many conditions including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Candida albicans, urinary tract infections, ulcerative colitis, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), allergies and vaginal yeast infections.

Advantages

We think there are a number of advantages to Dr Ohhira’s probiotics. These are:

• These products do not require refrigeration and so are ideal to take with you on trips away.
• The probiotics contain a good blend of probiotic strains and species. Taking a probiotic with a wide-range of strains and species is thought to be more beneficial than taking a single-strain product, as taking multiple strains increases the chance of at least one being effective.
• The products contain only natural ingredients.
• The products are free from fillers and binders, which can be an irritant to people with digestive problems.
• Both products have an extremely long shelf life of three years, this is much longer than most other probiotic supplements on the market.
• Adults, children and even infants can take the products, making them suitable for the entire family!
• The products are encapsulated in an enteric coating, which is designed to withstand the stomach acid, delivering the probiotic bacteria intact to the colon.

Disadvantages

In terms of their disadvantages, Dr Ohhira probiotics have the following drawbacks:

• They are available only in a sealed capsule form. This is likely to be problematic for those with severe dysbiosis problems, who may wish to start small and increase the dosage slowly. The sealed capsules are very difficult to split. Those with severe digestive issues may find that taking an entire capsule of these probiotics initially causes a healing crisis, which results in a flare of their symptoms.If this is you and you want to try these products, then one way to lessen this exacerbation of symptoms is to take one capsule, wait for a few days until your symptoms have subsided (either totally or to their usual level) and then to take another. As your gut flora re-balances over time, these initial flare-ups on taking the probiotic should subside.
• They contain a mixture of many different herbs, vegetables, wild fruits, seaweeds and mushrooms, which may make them difficult to tolerate for people with allergies and food intolerance symptoms.
• They contain fructooligosaccharides (also known as FOS), which may make them unsuitable for people with dysbiosis.
• The bacterial count per capsule (CFUs) is much lower many other probiotic supplements.
• The cost is very high when compared to other probiotic supplements. See our cost comparison guide for advice on how to compare fairly the cost of different probotics.

Our Evaluation

We have given these products a three-star rating on the basis that they have some excellent qualities but also some limiting ones. These products are suitable for the whole family: for adults, children and infants alike. They also contain an excellent mix of bacterial strains and species, though in much smaller quantities (Colony Forming Units or CFUs) than most other probiotic supplements. Additionally, the wide range of ingredients and capsule form mean that they are probably not suitable for those with allergy and intolerances. Also the cost is high per 10 billion CFUs of bacteria when compared to other supplements.

The reviews (see Amazon.com) though are excellent – the choice is yours!!!

Where Can I Buy Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics?

You can buy Dr Ohhira’s probiotics from our on-line store, provided in partnership with Amazon.com:

Dr Ohhira’s probiotics are also available from many natural health food stores (both actual and on-line) as well as from some pharmacies.

Align Ingredients

The ingredients in Align Probiotic capsules are as follows:

• B. infantis 36524
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Hypromellose (vegetarian capsule shell)
• Sugar
• Magnesium stearate
• Milk protein
• Titanium dioxide
• Sodium citrate dihydrate
• Propyl gallate
• FD&C; blue #1 (colorant)
• Riboflavin (colorant)

Advantages

In terms of advantages, Align probiotic capsules can be stored at room temperature unlike many probiotic supplements, which require refrigeration. This makes them ideal for “on the go” use and thus ideal for taking on vacation. Align probiotics also have a longer shelf-life (24 months) than many other probiotic supplements.

The product is also free from lactose, soy and gluten and so is suitable for those allergic or sensitive to these products. Its vegetable-based capsules also makes it appropriate for vegetarians.

Children can also take Align probiotic supplements. If however you are unsure as to whether or not this product is suitable for your child, be sure to consult your child’s physician for advice.

According to its website, Align Probiotic also comes recommended by gastroenterologists (also known as gastrointestinal or GI doctors). Among those gastroenterologists who recommend probiotics, Align purports to be the favored brand. Visit https://probiotics-help.com/common-cpap-masks-you-can-find-in-australia/ to read about Common CPAP masks you can find in Australia.

This product also receives very positive customer reviews on Amazon.com. Click here to read these reviews.

Many report that it has helped with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and associated symptoms including chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas (flatulence) and bloating.

Furthermore, the specific strain of Bifidobacteria infantis used in the product (strain 35624) has been scientifically proven to help the symptoms of IBS^2,3,4 specifically incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, bowel dysfunction and gas.

Finally, the manufacturers of this product offer a money back guarantee should you not be satisfied with your purchase. See the Align website for further details.

Disadvantages

As far as the disadvantages of this product are concerned, this product contains a significant number of additional synthetic ingredients including lubricants, (magnesium stearate) stabilizers, (sodium citrate dihydrate, propyl gallate) binders and fillers (microcrystalline cellulose). Additionally, it contains the whitener titanium dixoide as well as colorants (FD&C; blue #1 and riboflavin).

This product is therefore not likely to be suitable for more sensitive people. If you have problems with food additives or colorants or are suffering from food intolerance symptoms, then you would be wise to select a purer product, such as one from the Custom Probiotics range. These are free from fillers or binders, colors, flavors and artificial additives.

This product also contains sugar so also is not appropriate for those following a strict sugar-free diet.

With only one billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotic bacteria per serving, Align probiotic capsules provide a significantly lower bacterial count than many of the probiotic supplements currently on the US market.

Most of the lower strength adult probiotic supplements contain at least ten billion CFUs of viable probiotic bacteria per serving, whilst a high potency probiotic such as VSL3 (also written VSL 3 and VSL#3) can contain up to 450 billion CFUs of probiotic bacteria.

This low bacterial count per serving makes Align probiotic supplements expensive compared to other probiotic supplements. If you compare the cost of ten billion CFUs of this probiotic to other products on the market, you will find that comparatively Align Probiotic supplements are more expensive than many other products. Have a look at our cost comparison guide for more specific guidelines as to how to accurately compare the cost of different probiotic supplements.

Finally, Align probiotic supplements contain one strain of probiotic bacteria only. Many experts recommend taking a mixture of probiotic bacteria to increase the chances of at least one being effective for you.

Our Evaluation

This probiotic contains Bifidobacteria infantis (B.infantis) 35624, which has been shown both clinically and anecdotally to be of benefit for IBS. We feel however that the low bacterial count (CFUs) contained in this product, its high cost compared to other probiotic supplements, the significant number of additional ingredients contained in this product together with the fact that the product only contains one strain of probiotic bacteria, all limit the product. Thus we have given the product a rating of three stars.

Where Can I Buy Align Probiotics

You can buy Align probiotics from Amazon.com.