Advertisement
Oprah & Friends Radio

iTunes podcast

Dr. Mehmet Oz
Probiotics
Original Air Date: November 15, 2007
Audio Listen in to part of the show!

From aiding in digestion to bolstering the immune system, naturally occurring, so-called "friendly" bacteria which populate the body's intestines are critical for good health, says Sean Farmer. According to Sean, chief scientific officer of Ganeden Biotech, probiotics—dietary supplements containing friendly bacteria—may offer countless additional health benefits by replenishing the body's natural gut flora and maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria. Dr. Oz talks with Sean about the history of probiotics and the role they play today in a healthy diet, as well as their many applications in industries such as farming and medicine.

Sean also talks about the risks and consequences of killing bacteria that are beneficial to the body's health through things like antimicrobial soaps and antibiotics, while permitting resilient, harmful bacteria strains to propagate. "We have to really take a look at, 'Is our cultural practice of killing bacteria really helping our health or are they really making tougher bugs to fight down the road?'" Sean says.

Related Links
More on Dr. Oz's Show
Dr. Mehmet Oz Browse the archive »
The information provided here is for entertainment and informational purposes. You should consult your own physician before starting any treatment, diet or exercise program. The opinions expressed by the hosts, guests and callers to Oprah & Friends are strictly their own.

E-mail Past Shows