FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS? Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestine. The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. The largest group of probiotic bacteria in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria, of which Lactobacillus acidophilus, found in yogurt, is the best known. WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS USED FOR? In most circumstances, people use probiotics to prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics kill “good” (beneficial) bacteria along with the bacteria that cause illness. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may lead to diarrhea. Taking probiotic supplements (as capsules, powder, or liquid extract) may help replace the lost beneficial bacteria and thus help prevent diarrhea. A decrease in beneficial bacteria may also lead to development of other infections, such as vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, and symptoms such as diarrhea from intestinal illnesses. There is a growing public and scientific interest in probiotics. Researchers are studying whether probiotics taken as foods or supplements can help treat or prevent illness. There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help: Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Reduce bladder cancer recurrence Shorten the duration of intestinal infections Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis) Prevent eczema in children Boost your immune system Help with regularity Some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. A small 2005 study in Sweden, for instance, found that a group of employees who were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who were not given the probiotic. ARE PROBIOTICS SAFE? Probiotic bacteria are already part of the normal digestive system and are considered safe. Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. ARE THE CULTURES LIVE AND ACTIVE? All of our starters contain live and active cultures. CAN I RESTART A NEW BATCH OF YOGURT WITH MY PREVIOUS YOGURT? Yes, save two tablespoons of your previous batch to inoculate your next batch of yogurt. However, after two to three times, you will need to use a new packet of starter. This is true for the Yogourmet Kefir Starter as well. CAN I USE RAW MILK AND DO I HAVE TO BOIL IT? Yes, you can use raw milk. We do recommend that you follow the directions on our packaging and heat the milk to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. However others that do not boil the raw have been successful, but not 100% of the time. WHAT TYPES OF MILK CAN BE USED WITH THE YOGOURMET STARTERS? Cow, Soy, and Goat’s milk. CAN I ADD FRUIT OR FLAVORINGS TO MY YOGURT OR KEFIR? Yes, you can add it to the yogurt or kefir after it has been made. HOW CAN I BYPASS BOILING THE MILK? You can bypass it by using UHT milk. (Ultra High Temperature) For example, Parmalat Brand milk or Yogourmet UHT Skim milk Powder. WHAT TEMPERATURE DO I NEED TO HEAT THE MILK TO AND WHAT TEMPERATURE DO I NEED TO COOL THE MILK DOWN TO BEFORE I ADD THE YOGURT STARTER? First, bring the milk to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and then let the milk cool back down to 110 degrees before adding the yogurt starter. WHAT TEMPERATURE DO I NEED TO HEAT THE MILK TO AND WHAT TEMPERATURE DO I NEED TO COOL THE MILK DOWN TO BEFORE ADDING THE KEFIR STARTER? First, bring the milk to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and then let the milk cool back down to 72 degrees before adding the kefir starter. IF I AM USING POWDER MILK, DO I HAVE TO BOIL THE MILK FIRST? If the milk powder you are using is UHT milk, then no, you do not need to boil it. If it is non-UHT, please follow the directions on the box of starter. HOW DO I READ THE EXPIRATION DATE? From left to right; it is the year, month, and day. WHERE ARE THE PRODUCTS MADE? Yogourmet Starters are made in France. YoMagic Yogurt Maker is designed in the US and manufactured in China. I Heart Bees is local raw honey from FL. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SHIP AND WHAT METHOD OF SHIPPING? Your order will be shipped via UPS Ground unless otherwise specified. It will ship within 48 hours or your purchase and will arrive in about 3 to 5 business days, depending on your location. DO YOU SHIP OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES? We can only ship within the United States and US Territories. CAN I MANUALLY ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE ON THE YOMAGIC YOGURT MAKER? No. The YoMagic Yogurt Maker is preset to increase gradually to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR PRODUCTS? Yogourmet products are available in your local health food stores, larger chain stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, Mother Earth and Wegman’s. They are also available online at various web retailers like Amazon.com. CONTACT