Probiotics

If you have ever eaten yogurt, miso, saurkraut, or any other fermented food, you must have ingested some type of probiotic without even knowing it. Who would have thought that their yogurt was teeming with microscopic critters? 

The idea of taking live bacteria with your food may seem disgusting or strange when you first hear of it, but not only are these organisms present in some fermented or cultured foods, but they are also present in our bodies where they are naturally found by the millions, especially in the digestive tract.

According to some sources that I have come across, the digestive system is home to about 500 hundred different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. They are also believed to help the immune system. However, you should also be aware of the fact that just as there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. The good guys are called friendly bacteria. In other words, they are our friends. Our friends must coexist with the enemies in our bodies: the bad or harmful bacteria. 

 Researchers have discovered that some health problems occur when the balance of friendly bacteria and unfriendly bacteria in the intestines is disturbed.  This can happen after contracting an infection or after taking antibiotics. This is the moment when taking probiotics may help correct the imbalance and improve your health.

Here is a list of some of the health benefits that probiotics may provide:

1.     Probiotics can improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines.

2.     They may help maintain a strong immune system.

3.     They may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea.

4.      They may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds.

     In conclusion, taking probiotics has been proven to be a safe practice for hundreds of years, especially in some Asian and European countries.  Nowadays, they have also gained some popularity in America where they are also available in supplemental form.  However, I suggest doing your own research before introducing anything new into your diet, especially if you suffer from any allergies or any other disease.