Probiotics, the "Good Guys" - What Are Probiotics and Their Benefits?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Renee_Shanley/2269500]Renee Shanley

In short, probiotics are bacteria. Our bodies are full of bacteria both good and bad. Probiotics are the good bacteria, comprised of live microorganisms and yeasts which our bodies need for gut health. They are helpful bacteria which help boost our immune system and keep our digestive system healthy as well as preventing some illnesses.

They can be taken in many forms, such as dietary supplements, powder or even in foods we consume like yogurt, miso soup, sauerkraut, Tempeh, Kimchi, buttermilk and pickles just to name a few. But, if you aren't regularly eating these types of fermented foods, then a supplement would be the alternative. However, they are safe enough to take daily even on those days you do consume fermented foods.

Probiotics contain a certain type of yeast that have been shown to work within the digestive tract by treating certain types of stomach, digestive and intestinal problems. They work like little "soldiers" offering protection from the harmful bacteria.

There are many different "strains" of probiotics. Many of these strains have been shown to aid in the prevention of the known "traveler's diarrhea" while others aid in the neutralization of some of the byproducts of digestion while promoting the level of the good, healthy bacteria in the gut. Many offer protection against different types of harmful organisms as well as promote healthy tissue in the small intestines. They can also breakdown proteins found in cheeses which have been known to cause allergies. Many people suffer from gluten sensitivity because of the wheat protein, Gliadin, which can be neutralized by probiotics. Another benefit to probiotics is the ability to create natural antibiotics in your gut which fight harmful organisms as well as neutralize toxins.

There are more than 1000 types of bacteria that live within our digestive tracts and many of the good bacteria can be destroyed by things such as antibiotics. When we take antibiotics, this not only kills the destructive, illness-causing bacteria it can also kill the healthy bacteria that aids in our digestive system. Taking probiotics has been shown to be a valuable solution to a lot of the digestive problems that can occur from taking these bacteria killers.

New information about the benefits of probiotics is constantly emerging. There has even been new research linking them to supporting the health of the lungs, reproductive tract, skin, oral cavity and even the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Whether you suffer from autoimmune disorders or digestive issues such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), AAD (antibiotic associated diarrhea), colitis, Crohn's disease, infectious diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, or skin infections, probiotics help maintain the correct balance which help in protecting our immune system in order for it to function properly. Helping with overall digestive management and offering our bodies a healthier digestive tract makes for a healthier body and an overall well-being.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Probiotics,-the-Good-Guys---What-Are-Probiotics-and-Their-Benefits?&id=9779334] Probiotics, the "Good Guys" - What Are Probiotics and Their Benefits?