The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” These bacteria are similar to those found naturally lining our gut. These friendly bacteria are essential to digestion and absorption of nutrients in our body.

The two most common types are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus. A large national conference cofunded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine along with The American Society for Microbiology, examined some topics including:

• the link between probiotics and the immune system
• the role of probiotics in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotic use
• the use of probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome
• the role of probiotics in preventing and treating urinary tract infections in females and
• its role in reducing the recurrence in bladder cancer