What Are The Benefits Of Probiotic Pills?

The human gut hosts a variety of microorganisms that promote a healthy digestive system and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics are good bacteria -- similar to those that occur naturally in your intestinal mucosa. These friendly bacteria are available in dietary supplements, and in yogurt and other foods. The most common microorganisms in probiotic supplements belong to the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium groups of bacteria, which confer several health benefits. Consult a physician before taking over-the-counter supplements.

Digestive Disease Treatment and Prevention

While probiotics can help alleviate many conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, the strongest clinical evidence for their use is in the treatment of diarrhea. Often, viruses or antibiotic use can destroy good bacteria in the gut, which helps bad bacteria flourish and results in diarrhea. Probiotics help restore the balance of healthy intestinal bacteria. Probiotics may also help with inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.

Colon Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer is the third-most-common type of cancer in men and women, according to the American Cancer Society, and research into the benefits of probiotics in colon cancer prevention has been promising. Probiotics may help prevent colon cancer by preventing tumor cell growth and altering certain genetic factors that may promote cancer development, according to an article in the May 2008 issue of the "International Journal of Molecular Sciences."

Immune System

Probiotics have several immune-boosting properties as well as the ability to ease the symptoms of certain allergic reactions. According to the Dairy Council of California, probiotics promote a healthy immune system by activating and increasing the levels of immune system cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, as well as enhancing the response of the specific and nonspecific immune system. Probiotics may also alleviate milk-protein allergies, support the development of a healthy immune system in children, and prevent and treat the inflammatory skin reaction known as eczema in children, a condition that has been linked to malfunctions in the immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic.