Probiotics: Good Bacteria Probiotics are strains of good bacteria, which help the digestive system work more efficiently. There are over 400 different species that make their homes in humans. Most of these bacteria are not harmful to us, in fact they contribute to human development. The most important key is to strike a balance between the good bacteria, and the bad. Prebiotics can be defined as nutrients and constituents of food which our gut flora feed upon, thereby increasing their numbers. Prebiotics include fructoligosaccharrarides, which are found in many plants including leeks, onions, wheat garlic and artichokes.These bacteria help digestion and the immune system by increasing microflora levels. Probiotics, on the other hand (lactobacillus, acidophilus bifidus) are foods which provide the actual good bacteria. Therefore, the effect of a probiotic may be enhanced by having a prebiotic as a support medium. Probiotics Role in the Healthy Lifestyle With food processing, pollution, and antibiotic therapy, the numbers of these beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gastrointestinal tract are significantly reduced. This can lead to a whole host of problems including poor digestion, decreased immunity, and an inability to properly combat diseases. There is also the likelihood to have a reduced barrier against infectious food born pathogens such as salmonella or E.coli. Probiotics also decrease the duration of certain diarrheal illnesses, preventing potential dehydration and complications. Both probiotics and prebiotics increase the colony size of the gut's natural flora, and more and more people are including them in their diet to promote good health. The bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast can also benefit, as it becomes easier to digest food, which provides a more efficient influx of energy and protein, Pro and prebiotics also boost the immune system, so those who workout regularly can train harder and recuperate quicker. How to Supplement with Probiotics An individual can obtain probiotics by eating live yogurts that contain active bacterial cultures, special powders or probiotic supplements. More recently, sport supplement companies have recognized the benefits, and are adding probiotics to their engineered nutrition meal replacement powders. Sources of Probiotics -Green Food Supplements (Progressive Vege Greens) -Probiotic Capsules (at least 2-3 strains of bacteria, non-dairy) -Digestive Enzyme formulas -Meal replacement powders Summary of Benefits -Improved digestion -Aids irritable bowel syndrome -Assists in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease ,ulcerative colitis, ulcers -Prevents tooth decay -Helps heal skin infections -Diarrhea from flu and other gastrointestinal issues < Back to Info Centre . SupplementsCanada, or the operating limited company, authors or any personnel contributing to this document do not assume any liability, or no responsibilities, for any products results, personal results, all information, directions, advice, or recommendations on this document. As a result of this document evaluating, recommending, and providing all information contained expressed opinions are the companies own opinions, and the companies own opinions only, and are not meant to be interpreted as conclusive. This document is sole and in part to educate people about natural supplementation and helping create a drug free environment. Always consult a medical doctor, or get a medical opinion first, if you are unsure about any new sports nutrition, exercising, or any kind of dietary supplement use, even though supplements are natural and safe to use, there have been few cases of people getting some harmful effects from different supplements whether it being from regular use, reaction, misuse, or abuse. Sport supplementation should be used by persons 18 years and older. The information on this document is pending copyright SupplementsCanada 2006.