In an age of hypersensitivity about bacteria, where hand sanitizer has become a standard accessory for every vigilant parent, it is important to keep in mind that not all bacteria are bad for us. In fact, many of the organisms are beneficial to our health. Some of them are even necessary for our very survival.

One class of friendly bacteria that is becoming increasingly prominent are what are known as probiotic bacteria (PB). The term probiotics is used to describe living organisms that are mostly, but not always, bacteria, and include yeast and fungi. Also referred to as friendly bacteria, PBs are similar to organisms found in our intestinal tract.

Probiotics differ from prebiotics in that the latter are indigestible foods that stimulate the digestive activity of the friendly bacteria already in our guts. PBs and prebiotics can be used in conjunction with one another to make up what are known as synbiotics.

In terms of our consumption of PBs in our diet, there are many varieties of foods and supplements. Foods include yogurt, fermented dairy products, and numerous beverages, while supplements are mainly in the form of capsules or tablets. Interestingly enough, probiotic foods have been consumed for centuries, with cultured milk products dating back to ancient times. Recently, there has been a huge increase in the interest in PBs, and use of PB related products has skyrocketed in the last 15 years.

The most common PBs used are derived from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. There are different species within each of these groups, as well as different strains, or subspecies, within each species. Interest in PBs stems from the fact that most of them are similar to the naturally occurring bacteria in our bodies, and often function in a similar fashion.

If you consider that optimal health occurs through the attainment of a proper balance of flora in our bodies, then it might help to understand the scientific interest in PBs. This is especially true in light of their importance in the proper functioning of our immune and digestive systems, where friendly bacteria are essential. Many experts even believe that our digestive tracts exert a significant influence on our immune systems, such that if we improve the conditions in our intestines (say, for instance, with they use of PBs), then we can strengthen our immunity.

With this in mind, people turn to PBs for a variety of reasons. In fact, a growing body of scientific evidence is supporting the potential role that PBs can play in the field of healthcare, including problems with our gastrointestinal tracts, reducing inflammation, preventing urinary tract infections, and treating skin conditions.

Probiotics are available to the general public, though it is important to keep in mind that they are generally considered to be outside of the sphere of conventional medicine, i.e., holistic and alternative approaches. More research needs to be done before they are completely embraced by the medical establishment, but probiotics are slowly gaining more widespread acceptance, especially with the establishment of the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, or NCAM, a branch of the National Institutes of Health.

If you are considering taking PBs or any form of supplement, consult with your doctor and speak with a nutritional expert. For more information, check out the homepage for NCAM.