Catch the Probiotics Bug

If you think all bacteria are bad guys, think again. When taken as probiotic supplements, some bacteria can actually improve your health. Sure, popping bacteria in a pill may sound a little odd, but it’s perfectly safe—and brimming with benefits.

Your body’s digestive tract naturally contains both “good” and “bad” bacteria. The good bacteria assist with the digestive process, keep your immune system running smoothly, produce vitamins, and in a 2005 report from the American Society for Microbiology, may even protect against HIV.

Normally, these bacteria coexist in a delicate balance. But when the good bacteria are killed off—by antibiotics, poor diet, preservatives in food, drugs, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, stress, aging, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome—their bad counterparts gain a foothold and take over your gut. The result? You develop unpleasant digestive symptoms, decreased immunity, and poor general health.

Good bacteria have long been consumed in food and beverage form as part of a healthy diet: They occur naturally in yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut. However, food alone may not provide enough of these good bacteria to produce results. In fact, a proposed class action lawsuit recently filed against Dannon alleges that its Activa and DanActive yogurts don’t live up the company’s health claims. To see real benefits, say some experts, you’ll need to take probotic supplements.

So should you pop some probiotics? Recent research findings suggest that it may be good idea for some people. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotic supplements show promise in treating diarrhea, urinary and genital infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and in preventing eczema, tooth decay and the recurrence of bladder cancer.

What to look for: All probiotic supplements aren’t created equal. Look for products that can survive the trip through your digestive tract, such as those that contain Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus GG, and Bifidobacterium. Follow package directions, and store your supplements away from heat and moisture. Side effects of probiotics are generally mild—like bloating—but, as with all supplements, let your health professional know you’re taking them.

What are your thoughts on the benefits of Probiotics?