Yogurt and You – Alternative Remedies

I didn’t grow up eating yogurt, I got introduced to it as an adult. At first, I was unimpressed, but I’ve gotten used to it, and I love some of the uses it can be put to. Many people point to its uses in cooking, and there are quite a few uses, but I’m more impressed by the other things it can be used for.

Cold Prevention

The good bacteria in it can strengthen the immune system and may keep the common cold at bay. Naturally, you have to follow all the other advice about hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, etc.

Cold Sores

It’s not helpful if it’s been heat treated, but live cultured may help prevent cold sores from developing.

Diarrhea

Two types of diarrhea may respond to the live bacteria; that accompanying the use of antibiotics and some bacterial diarrhea. Studies have been done on children receiving antibiotics and it was fewer children developed that particular side effect.

Gastritis

Probiotics in yogurt may help ease gastritis and ulcers without some of the side effects other dairy products have. The reason dairy can be a problem is that more than half the adults in the U.S. are lactose intolerant, which can create more pain.

Skin Care

Yogurt can be good for you both inside and outside in the skin care department. Having a balanced diet with probiotics allows your skin to look its best. The enzymes in it also benefit your skin topically.

Sunburns

Applying it to the skin can help ease the pain of a sunburn. The enzymes that make it good for skin care will help with the burn. Be careful to cool the burn before applying it, as it might seal the burn in and cause more damage.

Yeast Infections

Studies are ongoing about how effective it might be in battling yeast infections. They indicate that both eating it and applying it to the area affected could help battle the problem. Bear in mind that there are many areas that can develop yeast infections. Thrush is another name for it, and can be put in Baby’s mouth and on the breast to combat the problem. You should check with your doctor and pediatrician before self diagnosing or self treating, especially for an infant.

This ancient food product has many uses and can be very healthy. When choosing a product, look to those with low or no fat in order to avoid heart problems. Also, you might want to choose brands that contain probiotics for best effect.

The Author:

Mary Bodel is a master herbalist since 2004 although my training began long before I reached that level. I believe that health encompasses more than taking care of our bodies. It involves everything from what we eat to what we read. It involves our spirit as well as our body.