Probiotic products are dietary supplements that contain preserved strains of live cultures, often referred to as "good" bacteria. While many individuals add probiotics to their diet with nutritional supplements, foods such as yogurt, fermented milk, miso and soy drinks frequently contain common probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Consumed probiotics often replace bacteria that has been destroyed by antibiotic medications, and may be retained in the body indefinitely.
Probiotics Basics
According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotic supplements have been linked to improvements in symptoms as diverse as diarrhea, yeast infections, bladder cancer, eczema, the flu and irritable bowel syndrome. One study performed in Sweden linked the regular consumption of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri with fewer sick days from workers. Because a healthy body naturally regulates and maintains the necessary bacterial cultures, probiotics are not considered an essential dietary supplement.
How Long Do They Last?
Like most supplements, probiotics taken in excess are often eliminated along with other bodily waste. According to Mary Ellen Sanders of the US Probiotics Organization website, consuming probiotics helps boost the number of live cultures living in your digestive system and other organs. If you have a healthy quantity of these good bacteria already, your body will regulate your cultures, expelling the excess bacteria after a short period of time. However, if your body is low on live cultures, the probiotics will replenish them, remaining indefinitely as your body regains its enzyme equilibrium.
Types of Probiotics
A healthy adult body contains between 100 to 300 trillion probtiotic bacteria and yeast cultures. The Environmental Illness Resource website lists a variety of these probiotics, including the most popular Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Additional types of good bacteria found in the body include Bifidobacteria bifidum, Bifidobacteria longum and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Safety Concerns
While generally considered safe, probiotics aren't for everyone -- and can potentially cause digestive problems in some individuals. Talk to your doctor about the possible health benefits and ramifications of taking probiotics, and make sure there are no complications with any medications or diets.
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