Heart Health
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Nutrients
Digestion

Digestion

An unbalanced diet that is high in fat and processed foods can lead to a number of digestive disorders, including heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, gas and constipation. Other preventable factors contributing to digestive disorders can be alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, lack of sleep and lack of exercise.

Usually a change in your diet will be enough to prevent digestive disorders. You should cut out fats, sweets and alcohol as much as possible, and try eating more fruits and vegetables, which contain plenty of nutrients and fiber. To get the recommended amount of 25 grams of fiber per day, choose whole-grain breads, cereals, and cooked dried beans and peas, all of which are great sources. Fiber increases the bulk of the stool and helps food pass through the digestive tract more easily. To avoid uncomfortable cramps, don't eat more than 35 to 50 grams of fiber in a day. And if fiber hasn't been a regular part of your diet, add it gradually over a two- to four-week period.

A fiber-rich diet contains at least five, and preferably nine, servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A carrot, a medium-sized apple, a cup of raw produce, or a half a cup of cooked vegetables makes up one serving. Avoid highly refined foods, such as white rice and bread, processed hot cereals, pastries, pies, cakes, enriched noodles, and commercial snack foods; all are high in calories and very low in fiber. Switch to brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole-grain pastas. And consider replacing meat with beans. Cooked beans can provide up to nine grams of fiber in just one cup. Beans are also terrific sources of protein and other important nutrients.

Water and other liquids (except alcohol and caffeinated drinks) also help to keep food moving through the digestive tract. Make sure you drink at least six 8-ounce glasses every day, and even more if you exercise or work in a hot climate. Finally, take a look at your lifestyle. Stress, lack of exercise, side effects of medication, disease, crash dieting, and obesity can all cause digestive disorders.

 

Active Bacterial Cultures

The "active bacterial cultures" found in fermented dairy products such as yogourt, help promote a healthy balance of the bacteria that naturally inhabit the digestive tract. This lessens the chance for other bacteria to flourish and cause illness. The consumption of active bacterial cultures can also improve nutrient absorption and aid with digestion.

A&B active cultures, also known as Probiotics, are good microorganisms such as bacteria, that are generally known to confer health benefits. Probiotic bacteria can impact your health in a variety of ways, such as reducing the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses, improving the ability to digest lactose in lactose intolerant people and helping to prevent certain diseases. Two of the most common friendly bacteria added to dairy products are Lactobacilus acidophilus and bifidiobacteria. Lactobacilus acidophilus is a bacterium that grows in the human small intestine and encourages proper digestion. Everyone, especially those with lactose intolerance can benefit from an increased amount of L.acidophilus as it helps to prevent infections and helps aid in the smooth digestion of dairy products and the absorption of essential nutrients. Bifiodobacterium longum, the dominant bacteria found in the human intestine, aids in breaking nutrients down and may help protect against infection from harmful bacteria.

 
Here are some suggestions about times when your body can benefit from the consumption of active bacterial cultures even more:
  • Planning a vacation? Some countries have unsafe food and water supplies. Leading up to a trip, and upon return, eat 2 cups daily of Astro Biobest Yogourt to help maintain your digestive system.
  • Taking antibiotics? Antibiotics help to rid the body of bacterial infections, but at the same time can also eliminate good bacteria. Eating Astro Biobest Yogourt with its A and B cultures can help replenish the body's natural supply of good bacteria.

 

 
Product Spotlight
Astro BioBest is a low cholesterol, yogourt product with only 1% milk fat. Acidophilus & bifidum cultures are added to the product.