What is probiotics?

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria. They help keep the natural balance of organisms in the intestines. They reduce the growth of harmful bacteria to help keep the digestive system healthy.

The normal human digestive tract contains about 400 types of probiotic bacteria. The largest group in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria. This includes Lactobacillus acidophilus, the type found in yogurt with live cultures. Yeast is a probiotic too. Probiotics are also sold as dietary supplements.

Some people think probiotics may help to treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types (strains) of bacteria or yeast have been shown to work in the digestive tract. It still needs to be proved which probiotics might work to treat specific diseases.

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria. They help keep the natural balance of organisms in the intestines. They reduce the growth of harmful bacteria to help keep the digestive system healthy. The largest group of probiotics in the intestine is lactic acid bacteria. It's in yogurt with live cultures. Yeast is another probiotic.

Most probiotics are like the bacteria that are already in your digestive system. They appear to be safe for most people. But more study is needed to be sure that probiotics are safe for young children, older adults, and people who have weak immune systems.

Many people use probiotics to prevent side effects from antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bad bacteria that cause illness. A decrease in good bacteria may lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, gas, and cramping. It may also lead to infections such as vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections. Taking probiotics may help replace the lost good bacteria. This may help prevent diarrhea and infections.

Probiotics may also be used to help with:

• Other causes of diarrhea.
• Preventing infections in the digestive tract.
• Controlling inflammation, as in inflammatory bowel disease.

Some people think probiotics may help treat problems in the stomach and intestines. But only certain types (strains) of bacteria or yeast have been shown to work in the digestive tract. Experts still need to find out which probiotics might work to treat specific diseases. They are studying probiotics for possible benefits in colon cancer, skin infections, and irritable bowel syndrome.