How Does Activia Work?

Probiotics are Shown to Improve Health

Sep 14, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Activia is a yogurt offered by Dannon that improves the health of digestion.

Activia is a new type of yogurt manufactured by Dannon. The yogurt contains probiotics, which are a new form of supplements that control the health of the body by keeping bacteria at proper levels. These benefits of probiotics have been studied by scientists and have been met with speculation and praise. Probiotics are reported to have a huge effect on the health by increasing the body’s defenses against multiple conditions such as inflammation prevention, controlling Crohn’s disease, preventing eczema in children, and reduce the chances of recurrence in bladder cancer.

How Does Activia Improve Health?

Probiotics such as those found in Activia are microorganisms that are naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is made up of bacteria that are kept at bay by natural immune defenses by the body. These bacteria protect the body against invading foreign microbes like yeast infections. The bacteria that are naturally found in the human body are called the natural flora, and they protect the gastrointestinal tract against fungi. By keeping natural levels of probiotics in the gut through eating food like Activia, the gastrointestinal tract stays healthy. Patients report better digestive activity and less bloating and uncomfortable abdominal pain.

Side Effects of Activia and Probiotics

Even though Activia is available from Dannon in grocery stores, there are still side effects and risk factors when consuming live microbes. Limited amounts of scientific studies and research has been processed with probiotic supplements. However, the studies that have been accomplished are promising. Doctors are unable to present data that involves the long-term use of probiotics including Activia since the topic and promises are new.

Probiotics such as those included in Dannon Activia are bacteria. This means that the side effects of bacterial infection and stimulus of the immune system. The immune system is triggered by microbes in the body, so increased use of probiotic stimulates may increase the risk of inflammation instead of suppressing it. Additionally, the efficacy of probiotics in Dannon Activia is dependent on the microbe involved. The yogurt contains a microbe which has been named Bifidus Regularis, which is specific to gastrointestinal health. It does not protect against other types of health conditions treated by probiotics. The Mayo Clinic has observed possible side effects of increased chances for kidney stones.

When taking any kind of supplement, it’s important to consult a physician. The use of Activia to treat gastrointestinal tract conditions is promising, but consider the side effects before carelessly ingesting the yogurt.

References:

MayoClinic on Probiotics

National Institute of Health

The copyright of the article How Does Activia Work? in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How Does Activia Work? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Activia Probiotics