What Are Probiotics? Do They Really Help? By Dr. Daniel Linares (@LinaresMD)

We all know or understand that bacteria can cause different types of infections to the human body, and sometimes even cause death, so why take millions of bacteria at once?

It sounds illogical, I know, but these bacteria known as "probiotics" specifically, found in various foods such as yogurt and fermented foods, have shown over the decades many beneficial effects on the body. In the world of nutritional supplements and natural remedies, probiotics are among the best known and best sellers, but it is very important to know that not all are the same.

Different types of bacteria help for different types of conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor before purchasing probiotics. The use of the correct probiotics has been clinically proven through many years of studies to improve overall health and benefit many digestive conditions, especially those that tend to be frustrating for doctors. An example of these is irritable bowel syndrome. Other conditions in which probiotics help are diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, H Pylori affecting the stomach, vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, colitis caused by Clostridium Difficile, and eczema in children.

Of all these diseases, diarrhea is the most responsive to probiotics, but only in children. Probiotics may help in adults, but only when diarrhea is a side effect of antibiotic use. More common than diarrhea is the opposite problem of constipation. Probiotics have been shown to help regulate and smooth stool, but the data is not clear on exactly how to take this problem.

So we already know that ingested probiotics can help us in some situations and medical conditions, but the question is, how do we protect the bacteria that we already have in our gastrointestinal system? How do we maintain that "good bacteria"? It is important to understand that what we eat is exactly what the bacteria in our digestive system will eat, and digestive bacteria are said to NOT like the American diet. This is because the American diet tends to be low in fiber, fruits and vegetables, and high in saturated fat. Exactly the opposite of what the bacterial flora of the intestine requires.

Tip of the week: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential, not only to maintain a desirable weight but also to maintain a positive balance of bacteria in our gastrointestinal system.