by Amber Hilton

Created on: January 13, 2010   Last Updated: February 26, 2011

Probiotics has been a buzzword within the health and diet industry in recent years, yet few people know exactly what probiotics are and what they do. Probiotics literally means “pro-life” and refers to live, “friendly” bacteria that are found in your digestive tract and have many clinically proven health benefits. The broad term “probiotics” refers to more than 400 different types of healthy bacteria that live in your digestive tract, where they work to reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and keep the digestive system in tip-top shape.

By keeping the digestive system healthy, probiotics provide health benefits for other bodily systems as well, including boosting the immune system, protecting again infection, promoting urinary and genital health, managing inflammation, reducing cholesterol and decreasing the risk for certain types of cancers. Because researchers have only recently discovered and identified the existence of these healthy bacteria, more health benefits are likely to be uncovered down the road as further research is conducted.

If you’re interested in improving your digestive health and enjoying other possible health benefits as a result, including probiotics in your diet can be a smart and simple way to do so. Probiotics are most commonly found in dairy products because these types of foods protect these healthy bacteria from stomach acid, allowing them to reach the intestines intact. Yogurt and milk with added probiotics are currently the most common dairy products to offer these friendly bacteria. When purchasing yogurt, look for the “live and active culture” seal on the label to ensure that you receive maximum probiotics. Remember that these bacterial cultures can reduce in potency over time, so also pay attention to the expiration date and shelf life of your dairy products.

If you are unable or unwilling to add more probiotic-rich dairy products to your diet, supplements are also available that offer probiotics in various forms, including liquids, capsules and powders. However, be wary when purchasing probiotic supplements, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that medications are regulated. Reactions can also occur between prescription medications and health supplements, so ask your doctor before taking probiotic supplements if you are taking any medications.

Whether you get your probiotics through dairy products or probiotic supplements, make sure to get some of these healthy, friendly bugs in your system for optimal digestive system health and a wide variety of other potential health benefits. Remember, not all types of bacteria are harmful, so embrace probiotics for the benefit of your health today!

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