ABCs of Probiotics

Your body has its own natural defense mechanisms against invading bacteria, viruses, and other aggressions. While you may be familiar with some aspects of your body's disease-fighting capabilities, you may be surprised to find out that about 70% of the body's immune system is located in the digestive tract, where specialized cells play a vital role as a first line of defense against invading bacteria.

The microflora in the lining of the intestinal tract also act a physical barrier. Regular consumption of probiotics helps regulate the level of friendly bacteria, reinforcing this barrier and helping to maintain intestinal health. Research suggests that certain probiotics may have a beneficial action on the intestinal microflora, the functioning of the intestinal lining and regulation of critical components of the immune system such as antibodies and natural killer cells.