Although bacteria has gotten a much deserved bad rap of causing a host of health-threatening illnesses and infections, our bodies do require a healthy amount of good bacteria to facilitate a variety of important functions in the digestive tract, such as breaking down certain nutrients and preventing bad bacteria from causing health problems. This good bacteria is commonly referred to probiotics. Most probiotics are derived from two groups, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Within each group, there are a variety of strains. Probiotics fit for human consumption are the ones already found in the human digestive system and in babies who are breast fed. The consumption of foods enriched with probiotics ensures robust digestive health and may be used to treat a variety of digestive-related disorders.
