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What Are the Benefits of Good Bacteria?

Good bacteria, like those found in the human body, are called probiotics. Eating products with this bacteria offers benefits in both the digestive tract and the immune system.

  1. Digestion

    • Good bacteria assist the body with digesting food and reducing inflammation caused by an invading microorganism. Eating foods with probiotics regularly is thought to add this much-needed good bacteria to the digestive tract.

    Immunity

    • Elsewhere in the body, good bacteria assists the immune system in fighting off bad bacteria. Because bad bacteria are being eliminated, the immune system is stronger and healthier.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects to ingesting good bacteria are rare, and usually limited to some mild gastrointestinal upset.

    Scientific Support

    • While there are some initial studies that support the benefits of products containing probiotics, most probiotic studies have been done on animals so there is not yet scientific evidence they are beneficial to humans.

    Warning

    • Before taking probiotic supplements, talk to your doctor to see if he has a trusted product to recommend.

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