The term "good bacteria" refers to any type of bacteria in the human body that fulfills specific roles needed to stay healthy. When ingested into the body, they are referred to as probiotics. Some examples of good bacteria are acidophilus, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. These microorganisms can be found in foods such as yogurt, cheese, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, kifir and probiotic supplements.
A Form of Good Bacteria
Lactobacillus, for instance, has been used through the ages in the fermentation and preservation processes of dairy products. This beneficial bacteria has also been used for pickling, baking, winemaking and curing. Lactobacillus brings a desired characteristic flavor and texture to food that it wouldn't otherwise have. In the chemical process of dairy fermentation, lactose is converted into lactic acid, which causes the proteins to curdle, providing the characteristic texture of yogurt and cheese.
Benefits of Good Bacteria
Your intestines are naturally full of these bacteria, which perform many important jobs in your body. They help break down indigestible starches in the large intestine, offering the ability for the body to absorb more energy and nutrients. A byproduct of this process is a short-chain fatty acid that helps protect the intestinal lining. These bacteria also offer immune support by preventing dangerous forms of bacteria from causing infection. These bacteria are also vital in the production of vitamin K, which your body cannot make by themselves.
Antibiotics and Good Bacteria
It is especially important to replenish the beneficial bacteria after taking antibiotics, which can destroy the good bacteria in the large intestine and can increase the incidence of conditions such as diarrhea, vaginal yeast infections and inflammation of the large intestine, all associated with the absence of the "good bacteria" in your system. The "bad bacteria" that cause these illnesses go unchecked without the beneficial bacteria present, resulting in an infection.
Good Bacteria and Possible Treatment of Disease
During a recent National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine conference, evidence in which probiotics can help treat some types of disease was reported, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, infections of the female genital tract, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema and other infections that plague the intestines. Some doctors tell their patients to consume beneficial bacteria to reduce the symptoms of these conditions. More research needs to be done to confirm the benefits of probiotics as treatment for these diseases.
Supplementation
Although many probiotic supplements are available on the market today, more research is needed on the safety and effectiveness of these supplements. Probiotics in large amounts may cause indigestion. Some probiotics on the shelves, especially in pill form, may not contain enough of the active bacteria to be effective. To be effective, these bacteria must be kept cool. During processing, heat, oxygen and moisture may inactivate these bacteria. To be on the safe side, it is best to get your daily dose of probiotics from food sources instead of supplements.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- European Food Information Council: Lactic Acid Bacteria -- Their Uses in Food
- DrMirkin.com: Good Bacteria to Prevent Disease
- NPR: Getting the Goods on "Good Bacteria"
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Antibiotics
