The Wonder of Probiotics

John R. Taylor, N.D. and Deborah Mitchell introduce the reader to a natural method of improving health by explaining about the trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestinal tract or “gut” that “work with the body and help maintain the delicate balance between the beneficial flora and bad bacteria that is necessary for well being.”

The authors write that this balance, which can be difficult to maintain because of poor food choices, use of antibiotics and other drugs, emotional stress, and environmental influences, can be attained by the use of probiotics, good or “friendly” bacteria that are found both in various common foods and in the form of supplements.

The book outlines The Core Program, an easy-to-follow basic approach that is designed to enhance energy, vitality, and well-being and protect against everyday stressors that deplete the supply of good bacteria. Discussion of the Core Program begins with an explanation of the effects of these stressors, which include poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, insufficient sunlight, stress, unhealthy beverages (e.g., coffee, chlorinated water, alcohol), use of antibiotics, smoking, and poor bowel habits. The authors then go on to list the probiotic species that will help restore and sustain a balance of beneficial flora in the gut, including: L. acidophilus DDS-1, L. casei, L. plantarum, B. bifidum, B. longum, Baccillus coagulans,B. infantis, L. rhamnosus, L. salviarius,Lactococcus lactis, E, faecium and S. thermophius.

While the Core Program serves as a general foundation for overall health and well-being, specific health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and asthma, reproductive and urinary tract infections, immune system imbalances, weight problems, aging, and oral health issues require programs that are modifications of the Core Program. The book has a chapter dedicated to each of these health topics and probiotics programs to treat each of them.

The chapter on How to Find Quality Supplements includes information about choosing and using probiotic supplements, why to choose capsules over tablets, powders or liquids, and the different types of enzymes.

In addition, the information about probiotic foods such as yogurt or acidophius milk notes that it is increasingly common for food manufacturers to add beneficial bacteria andantioxidants to transform their products into “functional foods.”

The three-day menu with recipes can be helpful to those who are just beginning to learn how to include probiotic foods in their diet. The meals are simple, easy to prepare, and inviting, and the recipes include ingredients that are easily found in any grocery market.

The glossary in the back of The Wonder of Probiotics has easy-to-understand terms that are used in the book. There are resources that provide food and supplements as well as a selected reading list for further research into learning more about how probiotics can improve health by restoring the crucial natural balance.

Taylor, John R., N.D. and Deborah Mitchell. The Wonder of Probiotics. New York, St. Martin’s Press, 2007.

About the authors:

John R. Taylor, N.D. is the CEO and founder of the Natural Wellness Centers of America, Inc. He has conducted nutritional courses across the United States and collaborated with the nation’s leading authorities on nutrition and probiotics.

Deborah Mitchell is a freelance writer specializing in health, medical, and environmental topics. In addition to the Wonder of Probiotics, she has written more than two dozen other books.

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