by Ashley Raybourn

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 18, 2009

Probiotic sounds like a scary word, but fear not, your body will receive a lot of help from these tiny living things.

These microorganisms are usually a bacteria and closely mirror bacteria that we already hold in the body. They can also be a virus or a yeast, but bacterias are the most common. Don't worry, probiotics are a good bacteria! When found in foods they can occur naturally or be added for your benefit. Probiotics are found in two major groups: Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

You've probably heard of lactobacillus because it is the most commonly used probiotic. It breaks down what you eat in a way that will fight off unfriendly organisms in the body, especially in the digestive tract. Lactobacillus produces the enzyme lactaze, which is essential to break down the double-sugar lactose in milk. People who are lactose-intolerant will benefit from lactobacillus. Bifidobacterium works in the same way. It helps to produce good bacteria to fight off infection in the intestines. Bifidobacterium will also produce a host of B Vitamins as well as help absorb calcium.

As you can tell, the main function of a probiotic is to promote the health of the digestive system, specifically the intestines. Producing a healthy bacterial balance prevent various intestinal diseases or overproduction of bad bacteria. Probiotics also promote a healthy immune system by preventing bad organisms from getting ahead. They combat yeast and fungal infections, as well as reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Keeping that balance will also help prevent colon cancer! What happens when your harmonious balance of good vs. bad bacteria is thrown off kilter? You will become gassy and constipated, bloated, and unable to process the nutrients your body needs. Additionally, if some harmful organism enters your body, you won't be able to fight it off.

The most popular source of probiotics in the human diet is dairy. Yogurt and milk both contain the necessary good bacteria that are essential to a healthy body. Other properties contained in these dairy products seem to make the probiotics work better than if obtained from other sources. Miso, a Japanese paste made from fermented rice, soy beans, or barley, aslo contain a small amount of probiotics, and is used in making sauces or soups. Other sources include: microbrew beer, pickels or sauerkraut, tempeh, and wine.

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