Nowadays you can hardly pick up any health or nutrition publication without reading some article about “probiotics.” Just what are probiotics? Are they beneficial? Are they safe?

Probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning “promoting,” and the word biotic, meaning “life.” Probiotics are actually live microorganisms, most of which are bacteria.

Did you know in our world there are five “nonillion” different kinds of bacteria. By the way, that’s a 5 with 30 zeros. Of all these bacteria, only 30 percent are considered “pathogenic” or harmful to humans.

Probiotics are “micro-organisms” like bacteria that actually help make us healthier. Our bodies actually contain both harmful and good bacteria. These two need to be in balance for good health, but with our lifestyles, over use of antibiotics and sanitizers, this balance can become off kilter.

Most antibiotics and anti-bacterial sanitizing agents don’t discriminate. They kill both bad and good bacteria. You actually have good or “friendly” bacteria that line your intestinal tract. These bacteria aid in digestion and keep you healthy. When these are killed you are then vulnerable to infections like yeast, E.coli, and salmonella because these beneficial bacteria keep bad bacteria in check.

Also, without good bacteria, you can’t digest food properly, which means that in addition to possible gastrointestinal upset, you can’t use proper nutrients from food.

Of all probiotics, the best known is “lactobacillus.” These can be found in cultured dairy foods like yogurts and buttermilk, and are available in pill form.

If you obtain your probiotics from yogurt, I recommend you choose plain yogurt. Yogurt that is processed with fruit, sometimes doesn’t contain live probiotics. You can add fruit to plain yogurt though. Dannon yogurt is probably my first choice.

Another probiotic, “bididobacterium,” also helps replace intestinal “flora,” another friendly bacteria.

In addition to boosting the immune system and aiding digestion, studies have shown probiotics helpful in the treatment of Chrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Probiotics are also helpful in the prevention and treatment of acute diarrhea, even in children. The Journal of Pediatrics reported improvement of children’s diarrhea symptoms caused by antibiotics.

One Swedish study showed promise that probiotics could strengthen the immune system, help prevent colorectal cancer, and even help fight carcinogens. Probiotics are a great addition to your diet and nutritional supplement regimen, but don’t start then without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor can tell you if this is right for you or if it is contraindicated. Also, I don’t recommend giving probiotics to children under the age of three.

Diet or exercise question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and personal trainer for 28 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC-Spartanburg baseball team, S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, and the Converse College equestrian team. He served as a water safety consultant to the United States Marine Corps, lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, and taught four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.