The Benefits of Good Bacteria
While we’re probably accustomed to thinking of
bacteria as unhealthy, the fact is our digestive
tracts typically contain several hundred different
types of “friendly” bacteria. We need these friendly bacteria
to help us stay healthy. They assist in developing our
immune systems and protect us from disease-causing
organisms. They also aid digestion and help the body
absorb nutrients.
Probiotics are tiny organisms—usually bacteria—that are similar to the beneficial ones we carry in our gut. You can find them in yogurt or other cultured foods, like fermented milk, miso, or the soy product tempeh. Or you can purchase probiotic supplements as capsules, tablets, and powders.
If your bacteria balancing act is off, probiotics may be a good thing. Adding such beneficial bacteria to your diet may help treat the following:
- Digestive problems from antibiotics, which kill good bacteria along with bad
- Diarrhea, especially if it’s caused by rotavirus or bad bacteria like C. difficile
- Urinary tract or female genital tract infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Researchers also are exploring whether probiotics can help treat inflammatory bowel diseases and infections that cause ulcers, skin conditions, and gum disease.
