Probiotics are a blend of beneficial live bacteria and/or yeasts that occur naturally in the human body. Your body contains both good and bad bacteria, but an infection can upset the balance by increasing the number of harmful bacteria. To restore balance, good bacteria can help to eliminate excess bad bacteria. Taking probiotic supplements is one way to introduce more good bacteria into your system.
Probiotics, or good bacteria, have a primary function of preserving a healthy equilibrium within your body. They work to maintain a neutral state within your body, and when you become ill, bad bacteria enter and multiply, causing an imbalance. Good bacteria combat the bad bacteria and restore balance, resulting in a better state of health.
Good bacteria support the immune system and regulate inflammation, aiding in maintaining good health. In addition, specific types of good bacteria help in the digestion of food, prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying, create vitamins, protect the gut lining, and enhance medication absorption.
Your body naturally balances good and bad bacteria continually, and probiotic supplements are not always necessary to maintain this balance. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fiber on a daily basis can help to keep the number of good bacteria at a healthy level.