Probiotics: Do You Need Them?

Lately, there has been a craze over probiotics. You can buy them in pills or powders, or take your choice of yogurts with active probiotics within. Why the sudden craze? What do probiotics do? And do you need some?

Probiotics are commonly referred to as "good bacteria," or acidophilus. Dr. Robynne Chutkan who is the Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center states, "By definition, a probiotic is any substance containing live organisms that, when ingested, have a beneficial effect on the host by altering the body's intestinal microflora." The probiotics replace the bacteria killed by antibiotics, and are supposed to overpower some of the bad bacteria in your system. Antibiotics are supposed to only kill the bad bacteria, but often kill the bacteria you need as well. If you have weakened immune system, some doctors recommend that you take probiotics anytime you are taking any prescription medicine. This is quickly becoming the second most common use for probiotics, after gastro-intestinal problems, such as IBS or Crohn's Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, such as Crohn's, may require larger amounts of probiotics than the average problem.

Studies have shown that eating yogurt with probiotics, such as Dannon's Activia, can decrease stomach problems, especially IBS symptoms, as much as twenty-one percent. Giving probiotics to infants can also reduce the rate of allergic eczema, although its unknown what happens if you stop usage of the probiotics. So far, all that is believed is that probiotics must be taken three or four times a week. Studies have also shown that people who are lactose intolerant have a better time digesting dairy products with probiotics in the ingredients. Probiotics have also shown promise in lowering blood pressure, fighting cancer-causing carcinogens, and decreasing the risk of cancer. They have also been shown to improve other conditions including your allergies, cholesterol, kidney stones, and much more.