If you have yet to hear about probiotics, chances are you soon will. Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Also known as “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria” probiotics are the first line of defense for the immune system. While they occur naturally in our digestive tract, they also need regular replenishing. The idea of supplementing them is all the rage in natural health care. According Clinic in Rochester, Minn., studies show that probiotics benefit the body in many ways, including:

• Improve intestinal function and nutrient absorption
• Promote good digestive health
• Increase our resistance to different infections
• Clean out the lower bowels and eliminate toxins from the body
• Assist lactose intolerant individuals with lactose digestion

The hospital’s Web site, at www.mayoclinic.com, says probiotics also protect us from pathogens such as Salmonella and others by preventing their attachment to the intestinal lining. They interfere by covering all available surfaces – thus limiting the growth of microscopic invaders like Guardia, Candida yeast, and bacteria such as E. coli.

There are many probiotic formulations on the market today. A probiotic product is one which contains live microorganisms that change the intestinal bacterial flora, balancing and improving a person’s immune system. In the United States probiotic bacteria are sold in two different formats – food and dietary supplements. Food products containing probiotic bacteria are almost exclusively dairy products, most commonly yogurt.

While most major brands of yogurt contain bacteria added along with starter cultures for their probiotic effects, very few (less than 1%) fluid milk products in the U.S. contain probiotic bacteria, according to the U.S. Probiotics organization, was www.usprobiotics.org. The site says the U.S. standard for yogurt requires fermentation with at least Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus – with no viable bacteria required in the final product. Some yogurt brands, such as the organic Stonyfield Farms, have added more live active cultures than required. The U.S. Probiotics organization says that while many yogurt brands contain the “live active cultures” seal on the side of the yogurt container, it is not however a reliable indicator of high levels of additional probiotic bacteria in yogurt.

Anti-Probiotics

There are many factors which upset the body’s bacteria balance besides food. The anti-probiotics include:

• Antibiotics
• Birth control pills
• Steroids/hormonal drugs
• Fluoride
• Chlorine
• Coffee/tea
• Carbonated drinks
• Manmade vitamins
• Synthetic ascorbic acid
• Radiation
• Stress
• Preservatives
• Additives
• Pesticides
• Fertilizers

Source: Mayo Clinic at http://www.mayoclinic.com, Stonyfield Farms at http://www.stonyfield.com, U.S. Probiotics at http://www.usprobiotics.org.