Bacteria are mainly known for causing disease in the body, so you may be surprised to find out that certain types of bacteria may help ward off disease. Although more research is necessary, some promising scientific evidence suggests that eating foods containing these bacteria -- called probiotics -- can positively affect the health of your digestive system, according to the American Dietetic Association.
Bacteria in the Gut
Most of the bacteria in your intestinal tract aid you in digesting food, protect your system from allergens and bacteria and may even boost your immune system, according to UAB Medicine. However, external factors such as consuming too much alcohol, taking antibiotics, being under stress and getting sick can wipe out the good bacteria and cause an imbalance. You may develop gastrointestinal disorders ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to acute infectious diarrhea if the amount of bad bacteria outnumbers the amount of good. Probiotics can create temporary colonies of healthy bacteria in your gut and hold your intestines over until they can regrow a healthy balance.
Bowel Conditions
Supplementing your diet with probiotics may help reduce your risk of relapse if you have Crohn's disease and help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Probiotic treatment may also reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, according to several studies that were presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. Although specific probiotic strains such as lactobacillus and streptococcus have been shown to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis, more research would be necessary to confirm which strains -- and how much of these strains -- would be ideal for your specific condition.
Other Digestive Benefits
Intestinal problems that aren't related to chronic bowel conditions may resolve faster with the help of probiotic therapy. For instance, some strains of probiotics may help speed up transit time in your bowel if you experience occasional constipation and some may help diminish frequency of diarrhea that occurs as a result of taking antibiotics. Probiotics also contain an enzyme, lactase, that helps break down the milk sugar lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products that contain probiotics may help you get the nutrition you need from dairy without having unwanted symptoms, according to ResearchPennState.
Selecting a Source
You will find probiotics in various fermented foods and some dietary supplements. Yogurt labeled with "live and active cultures" is a common source of probiotics. Other sources include tempeh, miso and sauerkraut. If you are interested in consuming probiotics to regulate your digestive health, the American Dietetic Association recommends trying the type and form of probiotics found safe and beneficial in recent human studies; strains from bifidobacterium, streptococcus thermophilus and lactobacillus are generally considered safe. Ask your doctor for advice if you want to try a probiotic supplement, if you have a health condition, or if you want to use a strain that may specifically help a gastrointestinal problem you have.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Probiotics: Important for a Healthy Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
- ResearchPennState: What are Probiotics?; Pallavi Eswara
- American Dietetic Association: Probiotics and Digestion
- UAB Medicine; Probiotics; July 10, 2006
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics
- ScienceDaily: How Effective Are Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome?; October, 2008
