Probiotics--How Good Bacteria is Tied to Health

With all the media attention probiotics are getting lately, you might think that the use of "good" bacteria is a relatively new discovery. Actually, the idea of using bacteria to improve health goes back over 100 years. In the late 1800s a Russian physiologist and microbiologist name Elie Metchnikoff was widely scorned for his theories; twenty years later, in 1908, they won him the Nobel Prize.

Dr. Metchnikoff's work was based on his observations of the eating habits of the Balkan peoples of Eastern Europe. Dr. Metchnikoff noticed that Balkan people, who typically consumed large volumes of fresh yogurt, lived long, healthy lives--at least compared to people in other ethnic groups. Dr. Metchnikoff's theory of "good" germs was radical at the time but today, probiotic supplements are sold in pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets around the world.

How Probiotics Work

One important function of probiotics or "good" bacteria involves maintaining a healthy balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria that live naturally in your digestive tract. When you eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements, you increase the number of beneficial bacteria and keep the population of potentially harmful bacteria in check.

Another very important function of your body's flora, which is what biologists call the various organisms that live in and on your body, is to aid in digestion. Various strains of microorganisms help break down food, improve absorption of some nutrients and even produce some vitamins.

Probiotics may also help many people better manage conditions like high cholesterol, dental caries and various bowel conditions. Finally, since your immune system is so heavily influenced by the health of your digestive tract, probiotics may help some people strengthen and maintain a healthy immune response.

Can Probiotics Prevent Cancer?