Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.
When you lose "good" bacteria in your body (like after you take antibiotics, for example), probiotics can help replace them. They can lower the amount of "bad" bacteria in your system that can cause infections or other problems. They can help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep your body working like it should.
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain these friendly bacteria, and are supposed to help colonise our guts with health-boosting microorganisms.There are actually dozens of different probiotic bacteria that have been shown to have health benefits. The most common groups include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Then there are many different species within each group, and each species has many strains.
Probiotics can help some conditions such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
- There is also some research to show they ease the symptoms of non-stomach-related problems. For example, some people say they have helped with:
- Skin conditions, like eczema
- Urinary and vaginal health
- Preventing allergies and colds
- Oral health
- Reduce anxiety and depression
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