You’ve seen the TV commercials promoting special yogurt to rid abdominal cramps, bloating, and make up for years of poor eating habits. And you must be wondering: What makes yogurt so therapeutic? Wonder no longer, yogurt contains probiotics.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for us — improving the balance of good and bad bacteria in our bodies. Yes, bacteria has become a “dirty” word, but truth be told, we all have lots and lots of bacteria living in our gut, mucus membranes and on our skin. When these bacteria are in balance they assist in digestion, release gas in our colon (and are the origin of all farts), and improve your immune system by, among other things, stimulating our body’s own production of antibodies to help fight infection. Probiotics also help your body turn certain foods – through fermentation – into important vitamins for you to absorb.

Why do we need probiotics?

1. Antibiotics – They kill off the bacteria that make us sick, but in the process, they can kill strains of natural bacteria that help your body absorb nutrients. This can cause diarrhea and other digestive upsets, such as gas and cramping. In women, antibiotics can also cause yeast infections.

2. Enzyme deficiencies – Lactase, for instance, is an enzyme that helps us digest milk products. As we age, many of us become lactase deficient, causing gas and bowel trouble. Drinking milk with acidophilus can help.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome – A common problem as we age, irritable bowel syndrome causes gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Many factors can cause the discomfort, however, many of the symptoms may actually be caused by a bacteria imbalance in our gut.

4. A recent study done in China has found that children given probiotics had 72% fewer fevers in the winter and used 84% fewer antibiotics.

And, even if you do not have any of these problems, probiotics are still worth trying. They can help relieve constipation, prevent yeast infections, lower cholesterol, and increase protection from certain cancers including colon and bladder cancer.

Where can you get probiotics?

You can find probiotics in cultured dairy products like yogurt and kefir, as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut. You can also take supplements, which are made up of a mix of bacteria. The most common types are acidophilus, lactobacillus species, and bifidobacteria species. Most probiotics need to be refrigerated and kept tightly sealed in an opaque container.

If you’re experiencing cramping or bloating, you should start feeling better soon after you begin taking the probiotics. If you’re healthy, you won’t notice much change. Although you might have a happier glow because you are preventing illness.

Have you tried any probiotic products? Did you notice any improvement in your health?