There will be lots of benefits with increased consumption of lactobacillus (lactic acid bacteria) found in yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, beer, wine, cider, Kim chi, chocolate and other fermented foods). In recent years, medicine discovered the following facts:

1. Intestinal health in the general public has deteriorated, colon cancer has become the third highest mortality rate, and the disease has occurred in people at a younger age.

2. The mortality rate (2003 statistics) is 16.6%; 14.4% hospitalized and 15.4% of insurance payments were directed to intestinal diseases.

3. Cancer, heart disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases, are closely related to intestinal health.

4. Aging starts from the intestines at a younger age, but only show up in middle age.

5. Developed countries, (U.K., Canada and U.S.A.) have paid more attention to intestinal health.

While knowledge requires public education, intestinal health is on one's own initiatives. Hope the message is passed on so that many can be aware of the importance of intestinal health and that the disease can be prevented.

Intestinal health tips!

1. Drink plenty of water

Drink at least 1.6 to 1.8 liters (about 8 glasses) of water per day. Drink water on a regular basis. Do not go thirsty before drinking. When thirsty, blood will be in high concentration resulting in reduced efficiency in delivery of oxygen and nutrients. This in turn has impact on all body functions.

2. Intake of lactic acid bacteria

i) Daily intake: Even the best of lactic acid bacteria cannot stay for a long time. Therefore, daily supply of plentiful (at least several billions) quality lactic acid bacteria is necessary.

ii). Postprandial intake: The stomach's acidity is low after meals, allowing live lactic acid bacteria to go through the stomach to enter the intestine.

iii). Carefully choose products: To select products that are certified by a health authority (e.g., FDA)

iv) Proper storage: lactic acid bacteria are heat and oxygen intolerant. Fermented milk must be stored at low temperatures after opened. Finish food as soon as possible, and do not let opened bottle sit at high temperature for a long time. Pay attention to storage temperature,

3. More fiber

At least 30 grams of dietary fiber daily. Proper dietary fiber intake includes:

i) take from every meal of the day
ii) use high fiber health products
iii) use both soluble and insoluble fiber