Good digestion can lead to increased stamina and better overall health. One of the keys of obtaining a high functioning digestion system is increasing the amount of good bacteria and Intestinal flora in your digestive system. Learn how to use probiotics to aid digestion.

Probiotics are microorganisms like live bacteria that help maintain a natural balance in the digestive system. The standard digestive system contains around 400 types of probiotic bacteria.http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/probiotics-topic-overview Some health problems, antibiotic use and low quality foods can lead to imbalances in your system. Research studies have found that probiotics use may help reduce diarrhea, inflammation, digestive tract infections, IBS (inflammatory bowel disease) and can help restore normal bowel functions.http://www.webmd.com/digestive/tc/probiotics-topic-overview Probiotics are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so be sure to discuss using probiotics with your doctor to ensure they are good for your specific medical conditions.

Use probiotics to restore your digestive balance when you are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are known to kill the helpful bacteria in your gut along with the bad bacteria they were designed to treat. Common side effects of antibiotics on the digestive system include diarrhea, gas and cramping. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/index.htm

You can also use probiotics to reduce the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance. Introducing more good cultures to the intestinal system can minimize lactose intolerance symptoms of intestinal cramping, gas and diarrhea. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/index.htm

Routine usage of probiotics may be useful to aid digestion for conditions such as:

1. Irritable bowel syndrome
2. Crohns disease
3. Ulcerative Colitis
4. Inflammatory bowel disease
5. Helicobacter pylori infection
6. Vaginal Infections
7. Skin Infections
8. Periodontal Disease
9. Respiratory Infections
10. Stomach infectionshttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/index.htm

For these conditions, consider taking probiotics routinely as a preventive measure, or to help alleviate recurring digestive problems.

You can obtain probiotics in your diet through several methods:

1. Foods
   1. Yogurt
   2. Milk
   3. Tempeh
   4. Miso
2. Selective Soy and Juice beverageshttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics/index.htm
3. Dietary Supplement
   1. Pills
   2. Food items with probiotic additives
   3. Liquid Supplements

The safest method of incorporating probiotics into your diet to aid digestion is by increasing foods that naturally contain probiotics. Probiotic dietary supplements are not regulated and could have limited effectiveness and may have potential safety issues. Always discuss probiotic supplement usage with your doctor first.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.