The probiotic trend

The CBC featured a series of stories on probiotics back in September of 2003, so this isn't necessarily a new concept. However, with food companies heavily marketing and expanding their probiotic product offerings these days, the benefits of probiotics are quickly becoming known and its status as a bona fide trend is close on the horizon.

Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that are in foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk, and live on in the GI tract after consumption to aid in digestion and system cleansing. While knowingly consuming bacteria is something that most people try to avoid, probiotic products have been instrumental in helping to regulate and control the symptoms experienced by those who suffer from GI disorders and diseases.

Probiotics have purportedly helped people suffering from irratable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, colitis, and even ulcers. And for those who are not suffering from any GI problems, they report benefits like desired weight loss, bowel regularity, and just a feeling of being "clean". All of these claims have some solid scientific and medical evidence to support them.

Probiotic products are markedly more expensive than regular products, but with the almost immediate and tangible benefits that many have reported, this will be a trend that has more staying power than most.