If we do not get enough probiotics, we are more susceptible to diarrhea, chronic constipation (a major health problem for US adults), irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics reduces the risk for colorectal cancer. Research evidence is also showing that probiotics may reduce the incidence of allergies, dental cavities, and intestinal infections in premature babies. Probiotics may also boost the effectiveness of vaccines and help fight infections.

The benefits of probiotic organisms depend on their type and the amount you consume. Probiotics are categorized by group, species and strain. For example: Lactobacillus (group) acidophilus (species) GG (strain). Reputable companies will provide enough information to assure the consumer of their product’s quality. Often they have a website to learn more. Noting that there are live cultures in a product does not automatically mean a probiotic. The label should give the full name of the organism. The product should have a shelf-life date to let you know how long the active organisms can stay alive. There should be a suggested serving size for a food or dose for a supplement. There should be storage instructions. Does the product need to be refrigerated? A container of yogurt is a perfect medium to support live bacteria, it has a “use-by” date and a limited shelf life.

If you decide to use a probiotic supplement, take it with food. When the pills are taken alone with just water, they enter the harsh acidic environment in the stomach and it is less likely that the healthy microbes will survive. Food buffers the stomach acid and protects the probiotics. Joanne Heslin