of the female genital tract, which can lead to yeast and bacterial infections. If you must take antibiotics, adding probiotics to your supplement regimen can help re-establish the proper balance of bacteria and work to stop these opportunistic infections before they start.

Mounting evidence for probiotics
Probiotic research has increased dramatically in the last several years. “The list of conditions in peer-reviewed literature that probiotics improves is quite long,” says Berman. “Probiotics have even proven effective in the treatment of acute bacterial and viral gastroenteritis.” Kennedy concurs: “Several recent studies have shown that daily probiotic supplementation decreases the number of days of work missed due to colds and flu, helps children grow, and decreases the duration and extent of IBS symptoms.”

Additionally, says Berman, studies link probiotics to improving food allergy symptoms, preventing and treating women’s urinary tract infections, treating eczema, decreasing outbreaks of Herpes Simplex I cold sores—
and even lowering blood cholesterol.

In one study, Belgian researchers reported a link between bacterial imbalance in the vagina with reproductive problems. They suggested that taking probiotics might be a safe way to re-establish normal conditions—and improve your chances of getting pregnant. (If you’re undergoing fertility treatments, check with your doctor first.)

Probiotic supplementation may also enhance overall immunity, according to a study reported in the British Medical Journal. More than 500 children at Finnish day care centers were given either milk fortified with Lactobacillus GG or plain milk. Those who drank the former had fewer and milder respiratory infections.

Using probiotics to maintain health isn’t a new concept. Back in 1905, Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff, PhD, then vice president of the Pasteur Institute, suggested that Bulgarian peasants lived long, healthy lives because they enjoyed fermented milk products. He noted, “Lactobacilli can displace toxin-producing bacteria, promoting health and prolonging life.” Now, more than 100 years later, we’re beginning to understand that this pioneering scientist’s theory was correct.

Fermented foods to the rescue
Although carefully chosen supplements are perhaps the best way to replenish beneficial bacteria, you can also include bacteria-friendly food in your diet for an additional boost. Yogurt and other fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut, kefir, and fermented soy foods like tempeh, miso, and natto contain probiotics. When buying yogurt, look for the words “live active cultures” on the label. Although the tart taste of plain yogurt may not suit you initially—it lacks the high sugar content of flavored commercial yogurts—it’s definitely your healthiest choice. Try adding your own fruit to plain yogurt. You’ll still avoid the refined sugar, and you’ll gain fiber and other valuable nutrients in the bargain.