Probiotics Overview

Probiotics are "live microorganisms administered in adequate amounts, which confer a beneficial health effect on the host," according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. Most are strains of bacteria, similar to those naturally found in our guts, such as probiotic acidophilus, probiotic lactobacillus gg or probiotic bifidobacterium. These helpful bacteria can be found in foods like yogurt, milk and soy. It's also sold as a dietary supplement in capsule, tablet and powder form.  

People use probiotic products to naturally treat a number of conditions, particularly antibiotic-induced diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, ulcerative colitis and vaginal yeast infections. Some probiotic foods claim to bolster the immune system, prevent colds, treat allergies, stop tooth decay, address skin conditions like eczema, reduce the occurrence of bladder cancer, and prevent colon cancer and Crohn's disease. Most clinical trials regarding probiotics revolve around diarrhea treatment, which lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are proven to treat.

Dannon probiotics yogurt has made more than $100 million on their Activa line, which contains special probiotics bacteria. TCBY sells a probiotic frozen yogurt, Stonyfield Farm Shift is a dairy energy drink with probiotics, Kashi Vive is the leading probiotic cereal and Attune Foods' wellness bars also promise a healthy dose of friendly bacteria. Whole Foods stores are full of organic, probiotic products, including soygurt smoothies, whole milk kefir, fermented cheese and pickles. Consumers should shop with caution, though, since not all products have been clinically tested for efficiency. The FDA mandates that food probiotics be safe for the body and not overstate their benefits, but they do not have to perform as advertised.

You may have also heard of "prebiotics," which are not the same as probiotics. These non-digestible carbohydrates (like fructo-oligosaccharides and insulin) are thought to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and are, therefore, recommended to be taken along with probiotic foods. Examples of prebiotic foods include onions, asparagus, chicory and bananas. Like probiotics, prebiotics can also be purchased as a supplement.

More about probiotics

Probiotic Bacteria

Antibiotics were arguably one of the most amazing achievements of the 20th century. However, curing illness does come with some drawbacks. Health professionals believe we need some healthy bacteria to form a barrier that protects us from the dangerous bacteria, in the same way that an immunization will build up our defenses against a given disease.

Probiotics

It should be the goal of every individual to have a healthy body. A healthy body means more energy throughout the day and it keeps you from feeling run down. But in order to have a healthy body, you have to make sure that your internal organ systems are functioning properly.

Probiotic Supplements

"If you're healthy and are not planning to take antibiotics, go into the hospital, or maybe take a trip out of the country, then there is no benefit from taking probiotics," said Lynne McFarland, a microbiologist at the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System and coauthor of "The Power of Probiotics." Probiotic supplements can be found in food, powders and capsules around the world and are believed to contribute to healthy immune and digestive systems. Even so, not all Americans are convinced there are any benefits.