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The human body hosts a surprisingly large number of microorganisms, both on the skin and in the gut. The majority of these microorganisms, collectively called our microflora, are harmless as long as they stay where they belong. The microorganisms in the digestive tract feed on indigestible components of the food we eat, and some are even helpful and beneficial to health.

> Probiotics <

Most of the helpful microorganisms are bacteria of the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium groups, along with a few yeasts, like Saccharomyces cereviciae (sometimes incorrectly called Saccharomyces boulardii). The term probiotics describes both foods containing live, active cultures of these beneficial microorganisms as well as the cultures themselves. In order for a food to be truly probiotic, the number of beneficial microorganisms must be high enough to have a beneficial effect on the body.

Probiotics have been used for centuries, in the form of fermented foods and cultured milk products, including yogurts and kefir. Today many foods claim to be fortified with probiotics, prebiotics or both. Unfortunately, the United States Food and Drug Administration has not developed standards to define these terms. The mere presence of good bacteria in a product is not sufficient to make it probiotic. Remember, the concentration of bacteria must be high enough to confer beneficial effects. Unfortunately, the available information does not clearly demonstrate how many bacteria are necessary, but it is likely in the billions.

> Prebiotics <

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are carbohydrates that the human body cannot digest, but which promote the growth of the beneficial bacteria present in the colon. Using probiotics and prebiotics together can boost their beneficial effects. When both probiotics and prebiotics are present in a single food or supplement, it is called a synbiotic.

The best-known prebiotic is inulin, a soluble fiber made from chains of fructose molecules. It exists in many plants, including bananas, garlic, onlion, artichoke and asparagus, creating yet another reason to eat your vegetables. Some prebiotics may help increase the absorption of certain nutrients, like calcium, but it appears this effect is limited to certain forms of inulin.

> The Benefits and The Hype <

Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are not cure-alls, and the jury is still out on exactly what they can do. A study in 2005 suggests that use of synbiotics may reduce the inflammation

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