First of all, what are probiotics?

Probiotics are a group of beneficial live bacterial organisms naturally present in the human body. Generally called “acidophilus," and often referred to as "friendly bacteria."

Manufacturers frequently add them to food products—in particular dairy, or they are sold in capsule form for human consumption.

This collection of friendly bacteria are normally present in a vagina, mouth and gastrointestinal tract of a healthy person. Some sources suggest taking acidophilus supplements to ensure the presence of this bacteria in an effort to keep the digestive tract healthy and prevent disease.

Lactobacillus species

• Acidophilus
• Casei
• Fermentum
• Gasseri
• Johnsonii
• Lactis
• Paracasei
• Plantarum
• Reuteri
• Rhamnosus
• Salivarius

Bifidobacterium species

• Bifidum
• Breve
• Lactis
• Longum

Streptococcus species

• Thermophilus

Available Forms

• Granule
• Capsule
• Liquid
• Powder
• Tablet

Common Dosage

• Eight ounces of yogurt per day containing live active cultures
• One capsule or tablet containing two to three billion viable organisms
• One-half to one teaspoon of powder or liquid

Intestinal effects

• Relieve effects, promote recovery from diarrhea (rotavirus, travelers’ and antibiotic-induced)
• Aid in digestion
• Produce lactase, alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance and malabsorption
• Relieve constipation
• Treat colitis
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome
• Prevents harmful bacterial growth under stress

Immune system effects

• Enhance specific and nonspecific immune response
• Inhibit pathogen growth and translocation
• Stimulate gastrointestinal immunity
• Reduce chance of infection from commonpathogens (Salmonella, Shigella)

Other effects

• Reduce risk of certain cancers (colon, bladder)
• Detoxify carcinogens
• Suppress tumors
• Lower serum cholesterol concentrations
• Reduce blood pressure in hypertensives
• Treat food allergies
• Synthesize nutrients (folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, Vitamins B6 & B12)
• Increase nutrient bioavailability
• Improve urogenital health
• Optimize effects of vaccines (e.g. rotavirus vaccine, typhoid fever vaccine)
• Urinary tract infections
• Treat yeast infections
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving mineral absorption