Probiotics Benefits & Effects

Probiotics are active microorganisms that mimic the "friendly" bacteria that live in the human colon. The two most popular sources of probiotics, L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, are of significant interest to medical experts.

Properties

• Experts are not certain of how probiotics affect the chemistry of the human body, but they are known to create lactic acid as a byproduct of reproduction. Lactic acid plays a notable role in the culinary and medicinal value of probiotics.

Anti-Diarrheal Effects

• Probiotics are a remarkably effective treatment for diarrhea, especially when it results from a viral infection such as rotavirus.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• There is strong evidence to support the use of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They can reduce the bloating, cramping and irregularity associated with the condition.

Vaginal Health

• Probiotics can be used to treat common infections of the female genital tract, including candidiasis (yeast infection) and bacterial vaginosis.

Urinary Health

• There is some evidence to support the use of probiotics in the prevention or treatment of urinary tract infections. Probiotics may also prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer.