Probiotics: a healthy bacteria

Not all bacteria are harmful. “Friendly” bacteria, known as probiotics, are actually good for your digestive system. These friendly bacteria live in the intestinal tract along with bad bacteria, and they fight for control of your digestive tract. A person will normally have 400 to 500 species of bacteria at any one time in the digestive tract.

Friendly bacteria may benefit the body in a number of different ways. Studies have found that probiotics can help reduce traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-induced diarrhea, may reduce infections and some allergic responses and improve digestion and the immune system.

In addition, most lactose-intolerant people can tolerate yogurt without negative side-effects. That is because some of the bacteria cultures found in yogurt make lactase, an enzyme which helps digest the lactose in milk.

In what foods do you find friendly bacteria? They are found in cultured foods like yogurt and acidophilus milk. Look for the words “live and active cultures” on the label to be sure probiotics are present.

Follow these tips to get the most health benefit from probiotics:

Consume regularly — consume 1 to 2 servings each day to get a beneficial dose of bacteria.

Watch expiration dates — the number of bacteria decreases over time.

Compare labels for organisms — in general, the more varieties of bacteria present, the more benefit.

Try this warm treat that includes yogurt.