The bacteria found in some fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, may alter gene expression in human gut microbes, and resultant tweaks to metabolic processes could be behind gastrointestinal benefits often observed in people consuming such probiotic products, according to a study published today (26 October) in Science Translational Medicine...

http://the-scientist.com/2011/10/26/...-yogurt-works/

Epigenetics.

i've been looking into fermenting veges not with vinegar but probiotics -also there is a fermented coconut juice that looks good.
i am encouraged by your article thanks!
md

I have had just great results from Kefir this past Sept. I am still using it in fact!

It has 12 organisms living...in it.

This is brand I use:

http://www.lifeway.net/

Our local Kroger's has it in several forms. I wouldn't be without it ever again! It is nothing like yogurt, IMO.

Thanks for reminding me of kefir. I used to mix it with granola regularly and never had any digestion issues. It comes in many different flavors now, and I have read that it can be made into a healthy soft drink.

This reply was perfect timing for me. Over the Christmas holiday I thought I had the flu...turned out I had a yeast overgrowth. Talk about feeling poorly and PD meds really struggled with all the activity in my gut. Either they would work at half the max rate or I would go off at random times. Not fun. Yeast overgrowth due to taking a one day intense anti-fungal. Now I know to overload on the good bacteria while taking anything else like that again.

according to Donna Gates (probiotic guru) eating fermented foods will cure the appetite for sweet. Wish I had known this when my children were young! md
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qjzlS0U4h0