How Effective Are Probiotic Supplements?

Probiotics are live, single-celled bacteria that are naturally present in the human body, and they are taken as supplements for their health benefits. One of the most commonly taken probiotic supplements is Lactobacillus acidophilus. This bacterium is naturally found in the digestive tract, and it is also present in most dairy products, especially yogurt.

There has been a lot of research on probiotics and their benefits, and people are wondering: Do probiotic supplements work?

The benefits of probiotics have been known for years, but scientific evidence is fairly recent. Probiotic organisms work mostly in the digestive tract, and all people have over 100 trillion of them in their body- divided into about 1000 species.

Some are harmful, but the ones we're talking about are highly beneficial. They serve to put up a barrier against the harmful types of bacteria, and the probiotics stop them from multiplying. Essentially, they are a defense against invading microorganisms.

Probiotics also help to break food down for digestion, and they produce an enzyme that helps digest the sugar in milk (lactase). Probiotics make their own vitamins in the intestinal tract, and they help to keep the intestines acidic enough so that harmful bacteria cannot survive.

There are a lot of studies being done to figure out how probiotics work to keep us well and strengthen our bodies, and some of those ways are: preventing diarrhea, reducing inflammation, bolstering the immune system, preventing constipation, and many other things.

Some even say that probiotics have the potential to treat cancer, kidney stones, and heart disease.

Probiotics have many benefits, and some of them aren't fully understood. Before you start supplementing with probiotics, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.