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COPYRIGHT 2006 Belvoir Media Group, LLC
Evidence is accumulating that strains of live bacteria contained in foods such as yogurt may help regulate the digestive system, relieve antibiotic induced diarrhea, and even aid ulcer treatment. The idea is that these friendly bacteria, known as probiotics (which literally means "for life"), help maintain the natural balance of microorganisms that normally inhabit the gut, making it harder for harmful bacteria to cause problems. You'll find myriad probiotic supplements and new probiotic-enhanced foods. But should you have a daily helping of bacteria?
Bacteria basics
The intestinal tract is teeming with 300-500 bacterial species, or "microflora," which help regulate the digestive system and function as a major part of the immune system, explains Ellen Scherl, MD,...
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