Why Are Probiotics Good?

Who would have thought that there would come a day when you would actually want bacteria in your food. Probiotics are live microorganisms -- usually in the form of bacteria or yeast -- that are added to certain types of food, such as yogurt, kefir and tempeh, or taken as a supplement to prevent or treat certain types of illnesses. While the study of probiotics, also known as "friendly bacteria" is still underway, there is evidence to support some of its health benefits.

Treat Diarrhea

Probiotics can be taken to help treat infectious diarrhea, a major world health problem responsible for millions of deaths each year, mostly in children. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis have effectively treated children infected with the rotavirus, a virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and small intestines and severe, watery diarrhea. Probiotics can also help alleviate the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea, a gastrointestinal disorder usually caused by a bacterial infection from food. Probiotics work by preventing the growth of the pathogens that cause the illness.

Treat Antibiotic Diarrhea

Probiotics can also help alleviate the diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Antibiotics are administered to kill bactera. But in addition to killing the bad bacteria, antibiotics also kill the "friendly" bacteria in your gut. This leads to an imbalance in the microflora and an increase in a pathogen called Clostridium difficile, the bacteria responsible for antibiotic-related diarrhea. Taking probiotics while on antibiotics restores your body's microflora and can prevent the increase in Clostridium difficile.

Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Probiotics can help prevent urinary tract infections in women. Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that originated from your gastrointestinal tract. Women with higher counts of the "friendly" bacteria in their vagina have lower rates of urinary tract infections. Antibiotics, hormones and spermicides can decrease the number of "friendly" bacteria and increase your risk of infection. Including probiotic foods or supplements in your diet can help maintain your levels and reduce your risk.

Prevent Cancer

Certain types of "bad" bacteria in your gut produce carcinogens, such as nitrosamines, potentially increasing your risk of cancer. Increasing the amount of "friendly" bacteria in your gut by taking probiotics can counterbalance the effects of the "bad" bacteria. decreasing the production of carcinogens, lowering your risk of cancer. However, the evidence is limited and more research is necessary before formal recommendations can be made.