by Emma Walker

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

Your gut contains trillions of bacteria, yes that's right trillions. No don't worry you are not ill they are meant to be there.

There is such a thing as good bacteria, it is their job to prevent us from getting food poisoning, stimulate our immune system (i.e. stop that nasty snivelling cold from lasting so long), and to help us digest fibre from our diet.

At various times through out our lives for various reasons, the balance of bacteria in our gut can be disturbed. They are affected by stress and antibiotics, and as a side effect of certain medical conditions such as irritable bowl syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Taking antibiotics is an effective treatment for bacterial infection, but in addition to killing the particular bacteria it is intended too they also kill many of the good bacteria at the same time, this can result in the person who has been taking them getting diarrhoea. Studies have shown that by taking probiotics at the same time as the antibiotics and for a week after, you can dramatically reduce the chance of developing diarrhoea.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory diseases of the gut, which result in severe diarrhoea which is also one of the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. By eating food sources which contain probiotics and/or taking supplements, it has been shown that sufferers experience less discomfort, reduced incidence of diarrhoea and generally stay healthy for longer.

So what are probiotics and what do they do? They are live microorganisms, bacteria and yeasts,and there are many different types, but most fall into one of two groups of bacteria: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, different strains have different effects.

In effect probiotics are good bacteria' which have been shown to be able, to help restore the balance of bacteria in our gut.

Food sources which contain probiotics are some: Green foods such as wheat grass and chlorella, milks, soft cheeses, live yoghurts, buttermilk and sour cream, they are also found in some soya products like tempeh and miso. Additional probiotics are being added to some foods, like yoghurts, Danactive and Aktivia.

By making a few simple changes to your diet switching what type of yoghurt or cheese you eat, and increasing your intake of probiotics you could: decrease digestive discomfort, boost your immune system and reduce your chance of getting food poisoning. It is a simple and effective way to boost your health.

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